Lot 215
  • 215

HEUER | A POSSIBLY UNIQUE AUTAVIA 'PROTOTYPE' REF 1163STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND UNUSUAL TEST DIALCIRCA 1970

Estimate
20,000 - 40,000 CHF
bidding is closed

Description

  • Heuer
  • A POSSIBLY UNIQUE AUTAVIA 'PROTOTYPE' REF 1163STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND UNUSUAL TEST DIALCIRCA 1970
Dial: silvered, test dial produced by Singer for Heuer  Calibre: cal. 12 automatic, 17 jewels Case: stainless steel, screw-down back Case number: 271'706 Closure: stainless steel Heuer buckle Dimensions: 42 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Heuer service invoice

Catalogue Note

The watch offered here is one of the fascinating pieces produced in the early 1970s. Its test dial was manufactured by Singer for Heuer, exhibiting the same brushed silvered finish that appeared on other Heuer dials in the early 1970s, but with several details that are unseen anywhere else. The first striking detail is the multi-coloured outer scale of anthracite, blue, and red, showing pulsations and units per hour, to our knowledge, the present lot is the only known Autavia Pulsometer. A vacant step at the hour indexes tip shows that no luminous materials have been added, typical for Singer test dials. Looking at the usual 30 minute counter dial for watches powered by the calibre 12, one can see that this dial is calibrated to record 45 minutes, suggesting that Singer used a general printing pad destined for several makers. An interesting and very important detail to note is that during a service at Tag Heuer in La Chaux-de-Fonds back in 2017, Tag Heuer have mentioned an Autavia 1163 'Prototype' on the Customer Invoice which confirms the importance of this marvel.
In overall good condition, this is a great opportunity to own a unique chronograph from one of the most iconic makers.