If you have been reading and collecting watches for some time now, I believe Heur is not an unfamiliar name to you.

Chronographs are considered one of the mechanical complications in the world of watchmaking, and though many people do not actually use the function of a chronograph, the beauty and intricacies of the these movements are just so magical ! It never cease to amaze me how a watchmakers are able to design and assemble chronographs.

The Autavia is one of the signature models from Heur back in the 70s.

Going back to the classics of watchmaking, I chance upon this rare vintage Heur Autavia 73363T  'Jo- Siffert'  with the movement in an impeccable condition!  Surprsingly!! However, timing is not kept well, so does require servicing.

I have always subtly adore the Autavia, unique case design, without the usual complicated chronograph dial design; 2 sub-counter registers at "3" and "9" -- in this case, the sub-counters look like the "eyes" of the watch face. Raised markers, sea-blue chronograph hands, due to age, a cream/white dial, makes this Autavia a sexy piece. One of my grail pieces :D  Well, one day it will.

Quote from "onthedash.com" ::

Three Versions of the "Siffert" Autavia

The Autavia Reference 1163T Chronomatic was the first Automatic Autavia, being introduced to the public in March 1969. This white-dialed Autavia is known as the "Jo Siffert" Autavia, having been worn and promoted by Swiss Formula One star Jo Siffert.

1. This first version had "Chronomatic" above the Heuer logo and "Autavia" above the date, as shown below.

2. The next production model had "Autavia" above the Heuer logo, and "Automatic Chronograph" above the date, with the Chronomatic name being deleted. The polished hands continued from the first version; hour recorder has numbers 3-6-9-12.

3. The final version had two changes: the hands were brushed steel, with blue tips, and the hour recorder has the numbers 1 through 12

What is seen here is the final version with the caliber 12 - a self-winding chronograph movement.

I do not have many tools so unable to remove the components aparts so let's the pictures do the talking :)

The Dial

The 'heartbeat' of the Autavia

There are a couple of good watch reviews on this vintage model which you may like to read more.
HODINKEE's Take
On the Dash - the definitive guide to Heur

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- Yan @ Watch:Werkz

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