Introduction
Launched in 1962 as their first wrist-mounted chronograph with a rotating bezel, the Heuer Autavia is one of the most iconic watches in automotive history. Named after a dash counter that Heuer offered for cars, boats and planes - the word Autavia is created by combining “AUTomobile” and “AVIAtion”. With its iconic panda dial, luminescent hour markers, 100m water resistance, and robust case design, the Autavia was truly a versatile watch that succeeded in fulfilling Heuer’s simple ethos of being a legible chronograph. Moreover, thanks to its aforementioned features, the Autavia could be used by pilots just as well as divers and drivers alike. Due to its commercial success and immense popularity in the early 60s, Heuer released the 2nd generation of the Autavia, which they did in 1968 with the ref. 7763C, as pictured here. This gave the Autavia a revamped look in the form of squared lugs and a larger bezel. Kept in Heuer’s catalogue until 1986, the Autavia was a hugely successful watch that truly was one of the early champions in the chronograph arena. Offered as a Mk. 1 example from soon after the ref. 7763C was launched, this example features a white seconds hand and smaller teeth along the egde of its bezel. Boasting a bi-compax dial arrangement thanks to its manual-wind Valjoux cal. 7730 movement, the Autavia is arguably amongst the most desirable vintage chronographs on the market today.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Hang Tag (Hand Written Serial Number and Details)
Est. value range
$2,000 – $4,000
The Details
Brand
Heuer
Dimensions
40mm
Model
Autavia
Movement
Manual-wind Valjoux cal. 7730
Reference
7763C
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa late-1960s
Condition
Very Good
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch and hang tag (handwritten serial number and details)
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Boasting a white seconds hand and a duo of patinated white subdials for its reverse panda dial, this Mk. 1 example's dial is surrounded by a uniquely faded black aluminum bezel.
THE CONSTRUCTION]
Offered in a beefy 40mm stainless steel case with thick angular lugs and a finely-toothed bezel ring, the ref. 7763C's case is full of vintage appeal.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in very good overall condition. Case shows moderate signs of wear, with scratches and marks visible along the case sides. The bezel teeth are well worn, with some brass-ing visible. The bezel insert has scratches and discoloration, with worn edges. The edge between 50 and 55 shows a large area of discoloration. The original dial is in very good condition. The subdials are aged to a dark tone with various areas of aging. The luminous has turned dark, with the luminous on the hands being nearly black, an the dial luminous being a dark brown color. The caseback engravings are well worn but generally visible. Watch comes on a Molequin strap and generic buckle. Watch comes with its original trim-fold hang tag with instructions on one side, and the serial number, price and stock information on the other. (They are hand written in marker)
Our Perspective
An iconic watch from Heuer's heyday, the Autavia has since been successfully re-released by TAG Heuer thanks to its importance as one of the brand's most historically significant pieces and for its crucial role in developing watchmaking's ever-significant presence in car racing.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
