Heuer Autavia 1163 GMT, Mk II. 1972 (Red Needles)

Heuer Autavia 1163 GMT. Red Needles. Heuer Cal:14.

Original Gay Freres, beads-of-rice bracelet, stamped ‘4 71’.

This is a very rare piece from circa late 1971 or 1972, and from researching the serial, likely one of the last of this particular variant. It uses the updated Heuer Cal:14 automatic movement.

This variant is known for its distinctive red sub-dial hands, and was only produced for around 6 months. Reason being, is that it was soon apparent that these hands were difficult to see in red light by the pilots using them. A rather serious issue! These red hands were quickly replaced with black hands, making this variant extremely sought after.

This particular piece comes with a nice story, which I will briefly share-

This watch was purchased from the daughter of a garage owner, who some 40 years ago, took this watch as part payment for some work he carried out on a car. From then on it sat in a drawer, as his wife told him it was a piece of rubbish which needed throwing out! Last year, it went off to the vintage Heuer restoration team for a full overhaul. A year later, it’s almost as good as it was when it originally left the factory.

Condition:-

It pains me to let this one go, because this is pretty much as good as it gets!

This piece is in outstanding condition. Essentially, as new and unworn since its restoration. The black tritium dial is all original and in perfect condition. The tritium has developed a nice, deep cream patina. All glowing as one would expect under UV light and fading off quickly after exposure. The hands are all original to the watch and are also tritium, in great condition. They also lose their luminosity straight after being subjected to UV.  The silver date wheel is original to the watch.

As indicated by the service paperwork, the head has received a new plexiglass, crown and pushers and the case/caseback are as new.

The bezel insert is the original item and is looking very nice indeed, with a little fading, but not too much. Many of these have been changed for inserts with lume pips, but this is what they would have come with originally.

The head comes with its original gay Freres beads-of-rice bracelet, stamped ‘4 71’ and is in almost as new condition. It also benefits from being full length.

Movement:-

The beautiful Heuer Cal:14 is the updated version of the original Calibre, and is running extremely The crown and pushers all work as intended.

I personally guarantee the authenticity and the working order of this piece at the time of sale. This watch also benefits from being sold with the remainder of its 2 year manufacturer warranty. The paperwork corresponding to this warranty will be supplied with the watch.

Although this is a freshly restored watch, it is over 50 years old, so please don’t treat it as one which is waterproof.