215 Heuer A very fine and beautiful Heuer Autavia chronograph reference 73463 in stainless steel with date

Estimate: €6,000 –⁠ 12,000

Model: Autavia
Material: Stainless Steel
Reference N°: 73463
Case N°: 216114
Caliber: 7734
Bracelet: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 40
Signed: Dial, Case and movement

Heuer brand has been founded by Edouard Heuer in 1860 and immediately he developed a significant number of innovative patents such as a keyless, crown-operated winding system for pocket watches or patents for an oscillating pinion mechanism. The company’s growth allowed for increased research and development and in 1916 released the Micrograph, the most accurate stopwatch at the time. From that moment on, Heuer continued to implement researches on racing watches and above all his relationship with the automotive world. In the 1930s, they began the production of chronographs specially designed for pilots. But it was in 1933 that Heuer introduced another dashboard instrument for automobiles and planes: the Autavia, which is the combination of these 2 great target markets, AUTomotive – AVIAtion this clock featured a timer function and could run for an impressive eight days without being wound. The focus on chronograph wristwatches continued and the Autavia wristwatch was unveiled in 1962. The present chronograph wristwatch shines amongst the lights of the early to mid 1970s Autavias models due to its wonderful unpolished condition. Except for the movement, it shares the same design feature as the Siffert Autavia worn by the double Formula 1 racing champion Jo Siffert, the reference 1163 that was often photographed on Siffert’s wrist. The stainless steel case with tonneau shape surprises for its satinated and sharp edges, the chronograph pushers are still fresh and the graduated bezel maintains its elegant shape. Fitted with the original bracelet, the outstanding panda dial with applied baton numerals with blu accents such as the chronograph hand and date at 6 o’clock make this a worthy addition for the chronograph hunter.