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).