Only Online Auction
Hong Kong, Mar 03, 2021
LOT 82
Heuer
Ref. 1163, self-winding, chronograph, minute and hour counters, date, revolving bezel; “Autavia” so-called “Jo Siffert”; stainless steel
HKD 52,000 - 69,000
CHF 6,000 - 8,000 / EUR 5,600 - 7,400 / USD 6,700 - 8,900
Sold: HKD 65,000
Stainless steel, self-winding, tonneau-shaped, pilot’s wristwatch, water-resistant with screwed case-back, left-hand winding-crown, revolving graduated bezel, silver dial and four horological complications:
· 1/5 second chronograph (activated by the two round-shaped push-pieces), tachometric scale graduated on the bezel for 400 units per hour
· Half-instantaneous 30-minute counter (subsidiary dial at 3 o’clock)
· 12-hour counter (subsidiary dial at 9 o’clock)
· Half-instantaneous date of the month (aperture at 6 o’clock)
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AA |
Very good |
Case: 3-8 |
Good Slightly scratched |
Movement: 3 * |
|
Dial: 3-01 |
Good HANDS Original |
Brand Heuer, La Chaux-de-Fonds
Model “Autavia” “Automatic Chronograph”, so-called “Jo Siffert”
Reference 1163
Year circa 1970
Movement No. unnumbered (by Heuer-Leonidas S.A.)
Case No. 204 560
Material stainless steel
Bracelet black leather strap
Buckle stainless steel Heuer buckle
Caliber 12 (with left winding crown)
Height 47.2 mm.
Width 42.2 mm.
Signature dial and movement
Notes
Siffert, Joseph (1936-1971), Swiss racing driver, so-called JoSiffert and affectionately known as “Seppi” to his family and friends
In 1969, after a round of golf with Paul Blancpain, the pilot administrator, Swiss watchmaker Jack Heuer makes the decision to sponsor his compatriot. From then on, the car racer becomes the ambassador of the watch brand. In exchange for 25 000 Swiss francs, he wears a badge on his jumpsuit, wears a Heuer “Autavia” wristwatch and his car receives a sticker on his bodywork. Thanks to the shooting of the film Le Mans, Jo Siffert will have an exceptional friendship with American actor Steve McQueen (1930-1980). Unfortunately, the pilot died on October 24, 1971, on the Brands Hatch circuit at Longfield (Kent, England).
“Sa vie fut la course, la course fut sa mort” (His life was the race, the race was his death).