'72 Heuer Autavia ref. 15630 (Orange)

 Up for sale this very special Orange Heuer Autavia 15630. A staple of the iconic Heuer sport watches of the 1970's, Autavia comes by its name honestly - a blend of "auto" and "aviation". This specific example from 1972 was a gift between brothers (read more below). It is in particularly excellent condition, rarely found in such a watch.

THE STORY

As told by the original owner, this watch was gifted to him by his brother, who purchased it new on a trip to Bern, Switzerland in 1972. He bought a Speedmaster for himself, and this sporty Autavia for his brother.

After being gifted the watch back in his home country of Canada, he reportedly only wore it for a few months, and then, when the chrono seconds hand fell off, he stashed it away in a drawer until 2021. Yes...it's one of those drawer watches.

CONDITION REPORT

Not quite in NOS condition (there are some light, mostly superficial scratches on the clasp and case), but this Orange boy is exceptional. The case is crisp and unpolished, the dial and bezel are unfaded, and it's running well. The watch comes with the original beads of rice steel bracelet, with a Heuer-stamped clasp. The reattached Chrono seconds hand has a couple imprint markings, which very well could be a symptom of it sitting loose, turned over, for 50 years. 

It's quite rare to find them like this. The most noteworthy wear is on the lower left edge of the case, where you can see a slight nick on the beveled edge.

The watch has recently gone through a “vintage-friendly” service and cleaning with our own watchmaker and is running like a charm. 

SPECIFICATIONS