Heuer Autavia Ref. 1163V 'Viceroy' - Unpolished
While the Carrera gets all the attention, the Heuer Autavia is actually the ‘OG’ Heuer. A combination of ‘Automotive’ and ‘Aviation’ - the Autavia line originally started as dash mounted rally timers made for motorsport and aviation applications. It was not until the early 1960s that first Autavia wrist chronographs came around. The first generation Autvaia, the Reference 2446, utilized screw-back cases and the venerable Valjoux 72 manual-winding movements, while the second generation case with used a snap-back case or ‘Compressor’ Case - hence the model shift to 2446C.
This watch, however, is a third generation ‘cushion case’ Autavia, which was the first to get Heuer’s Cal 11 automatic winding chronograph movement. When you think of an Autavia, theres a good chance that this is what comes to mind.
In additional to the case design that has become synonymous with the Autavia name, this piece in particular also has a fascinating story in that it was the watch that saved the Heuer brand!Yes, you read that right. During the 1960s, Heuer had cemented its reputation with auto racing, but were still struggling to sell chronographs. So when cigarette brand Viceroy came to them seeking a collaboration on a seven-month promotional offer, they jumped at it. Anyone who bought 10 packs of cigarettes were to be extended a special price of $88 for its Autavia chronograph — which was typically a $200 watch! As is still the case, cigarette brands had incredible marketing reach and budgets that far exceeded a watch manufacturer, therefore could bring the Heuer brand to an entirely new segment of the American market.
On Heuer’s end of the bargain was the Autavia ref. 1163V model. The brand based the model on the standard Autavia ref. 1163, which featured red painted hands and 12 numerals in the left register. It was typically fitted with a tachymeter bezel, but many examples were fitted with a bezel featuring both hour and minute markers. It was not uncommon for buyers to request a bezel change; many examples of this same reference are seen fitted with this type of bezel. Our friends at HODINKEE wrote an incredible full-length story on this marketing promotion and you can more about it here.
The watch that we have here is a fantastic, well-rounded example. It comes to us with an unpolished case, featuring clear, defined factory finishing throughout and normal wear from age and use. It retains its correct 'fluted' pushers and signed crown at the 9 o'clock position, as well as the correct bezel assembly with a black aluminum timing insert. Inside, the matte black 'reverse-panda' dial remains in superb condition, seemingly free of any blemishes or wear, and retains fully-intact Tritium plots — all of which show a light, even patina. The handset matched nicely and compliments the red accents on the dial beautifully. Powering this piece is a legendary Calibre 12 automatic-winding chronograph movement with a date at the 6 o'clock position. It also comes fitted with a period stainless steel 'beads-of-rice' bracelet with the correct HLF end-links.
While not an outright rare Reference, strong, well rounded examples like the one that we have here don't surface on the market everyday!
Condition Report & Details
Condition:
Movement:
Bracelet/Strap:
Shipping, Returns, & Warranty
At Oliver & Clarke, we offer free global shipping on all orders over $150.
Returns (accepted within 3 days of initial delivery of your purchase) must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. For payments via Credit Card, a 5% restocking fee will be in place for any returns or cancellations in order to cover our processing fee. Of course, watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.
If you happen to trade a watch with us, which we welcome, trades are final, except of course if the watch is grossly misdescribed or misrepresented.
We back each Oliver & Clarke timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty starting at the date of first delivery. We service or perform necessary maintenance to the extent necessary to all of our watches, unless otherwise noted. All watches are listed and sold running and functioning as intended.
*Please note that due to the vintage or antique nature of many of our watches, these machines may not run as accurately as they did when new, nor will any mechanical timepiece keep time as accurately as a quartz or electronic device.
We do not guarantee water resistance, thus do not warranty against moisture incursion or water damage.
*We also do not recommend deliberate exposure to water or worse - steam!
Our warranty is voided under the following circumstances:
- Internal or external damage caused by an accident, mishandling, abuse, modification, or handling/service performed by a third party individual other than one of our own.
Our warranty is non-transferable.
The Oliver & Clarke Guarantee
Through rigorous vetting of each watch offered, we’re able to guarantee authenticity of our pieces. Ultimately, your satisfaction is our mission, as is helping you get YOUR perfect watch. If you have any questions at all, we will get back to you ASAP.
Each of our timepieces are vetted, evaluated, authenticated, and approved by our experienced team prior to sale. We guarantee the period-correctness of all components unless otherwise disclosed. We guarantee the authenticity of each watch in perpetuity.
Choose options
"As collectors themselves, Oliver and Clarke are on a mission to make buying vintage watches as painless as possible."
"The company focuses on good prices for its pieces, elite customer service and full transparency."
"The appointment-only space is inviting, with comfortable seating areas and exposed brick walls."
From Rolex & Patek Philippe, to Cartier & Audemars Piguet. As collectors first, we love the small details that separate the Submariner from Daytona and Calatrava from Royal Oak. This is why you'll find our curated assortment spans decades of generations of models and brands. We believe that watches don't just tell time, they tell history - and life is too short to wear a boring watch.
Oliver & Clarke