Lot 174
  • 174

Heuer

Estimate
8,000 - 10,000 CHF
bidding is closed

Description

  • Heuer
  • A STAINLESS STEEL TONNEAU-FORM AUTOMATIC DUAL-TIME CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH REGISTERS AND DATEREF 11630 CASE 262127 AUTAVIA GMT CIRCA 1978
  • stainless steel
  • diameter 42 mm, bracelet circumference approx. 185 mm
• cal. 14 automatic lever movement, 17 jewels • black dial, luminescent baton indexes, outer minute track with 1/5 seconds divisions, white engine-turned subsidiary dials for 30-minute and 12-hour registers, aperture for date, luminescent hands, yellow hand for second time zone indication • stainless steel tonneau-form case, bi-directional rotating bezel calibrated for 24 units, screw-down back • case, dial and movement signed 

Condition

Movement running at the time of cataloguing. The dial and hands in fair condition, the luminescence has become discoloured with age, the subsidiary dials too with some signs of aging. The case has scuffs, scratches and small dents throughout which is consistent with frequent use. Please note that the bezel is aftermarket and not made by Heuer. The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Catalogue Note

Accompanied by a 'Giclee' painting from Laurence Brownlie depicting world champion Jim Clark and himself. Laurence Brownlie was born and raised around cars. Not surprisingly, his dream was to become a racing driver. 

In 1965 he bought a car and started participating in meetings. A talented driver, he achieved respectable results and placed 4th overall at the Teretonga Tasman cup meeting which caused the media to compare him to well known drivers such as world champion Jim Clark. A changing point in his life was the 1968 New Zealand Grand Prix at Pukekohe where he started as one of the most promising drivers. During the closing stages of the race he crashed with competitor Denis Hulme, the then current world champion F1 driver. This accident remains controversial to this day and marked the beginning of the end of his racing career.

Laurence Brownlie had Heuer lap timer stop watches for his pit crew and was a fan of the brand for ages. He particularly fell in love with the Heuer Autavia GMT when it was launched around 1978. Calling it the "greatest and most beautiful Heuer chronograph ever produced", he went ahead and bought two of them. 

After his racing career he devoted himself to art and is now producing remarkable paintings from his home studio in New Zealand. His works evolve around motor racing which is still his passion and something that he likes to share with others. In that sense he is now also sharing his Heuer chronograph as it comes up for auction for the first time.