Heuer
Autavia 'Jo Siffert', reference 1163 Montre bracelet en acier avec chronographe et date | Stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with date Vers 1970 | Circa 1970
Lot Closed
October 1, 01:29 PM GMT
Estimate
6,000 - 18,000 EUR
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Read more.Lot Details
Description
Heuer
Autavia 'Jo Siffert', reference 1163
Montre bracelet en acier avec chronographe et date |
Stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with date
Vers 1970 |
Circa 1970
Cadran: argenté
Calibre: cal. 12 remonatge manuel, 17 rubis
Boîtier: acier, fond vissé
Numéro de boîtier: C1725-5, 143'501
Fermoir: bracelet en acier et boucle déployante Heuer
Dimensions: 42 mm, circonférence du bracelet approx. 195 mm
Signé: boîtier, cadran et mouvement
Ecrin: non
Papiers: non
Accessoires: lettre de la famille de Georges Descoeudres confirmant la provenance, plusieurs photographies de Jo Siffert et du journaliste Georges Descoeudres, ainsi que des documents de presse de Georges Descoeudres
Dial: silvered
Calibre: cal. 12 manual winding, 17 jewels
Case: stainless steel, screw-down back
Case number: C1725-5, 143'501
Closure: Heuer stainless steel bracelet and folding clasp
Size: 42 mm, bracelet circumference approx. 195 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: no
Papers: no
Accessories: provenance letter from the family of Georges Descoeudres, several images of Jo Siffert and journalist Georges Descoeudres, some press documents of Georges Descoeudres
Poids brut 131.9 g |
Gross weight 131.9 g
The Heuer Autavia 1163 was one of the first models to run on the pioneering self-winding chronograph movement that was developed through an alliance between Heuer, Breitling, Hamilton, Dubois-Depraz, and Buren.
This particular example with a white dial, black sub-dials, and blue chronograph hand is nicknamed the 'Jo Siffert' because the legendary Swiss racecar driver (and Heuer’s first official brand ambassador) wore one. The Autavia 1163 features a stainless steel case with a pair of chronograph pushers on the right hand side and the winding crown on the left - a telltale sign that the Caliber 11 movement sits inside the watch. The importance of this model was further emphasized when TAG Heuer released the limited-edition Autavia Jo Siffert Collector's Edition in 2018 as a modern-day homage to this vintage chronograph.
However, this particular example is not any Heuer 1163.
Indeed, the watch has given by Jo Siffert hismelf to Swiss compatriot journalist Georges Descoeudres.
Descoeudres worked for La Tribune de Lausanne for many years, covering the automobile world. Race after race, Siffert and Descoeudres became dear friends, as testified by several pictures included with this lot. Georges was a great fan of the Heuer and wanted to have one from Jo. Eventually, Jo accepted to sell one of his 1163's to Georges. The fact that Jo made his friend pay for the watch quickly became a joke between them and the story was passed down through Georges family.
In-depth research suggests that Jo Siffert owned several 1163's and might have sold a few to relatives and friends. Unfortunately, there is no precise record of the exact watches that he owned and to confirm that the present lot was one of them.
However, the watch comes with a letter from the family of Descoeudres confirming the provenance. This most important document is accompanied by several images of the two friends as well as some press documents illustrating this era that is considered of one of the most fascinating in motor sport history.
Provenance:
- Jo Siffert: by repute
- Georges Descoeuvres
- Present owner