Heuer Autavia "Jo Siffert"

There are some watches that have become, for lack of a better word, legendary. Whether technically or historically significant, beloved of a famous person, or just plain cool, each watch brand has one model that’s regarded as quintessential. For Heuer, that model is without question the Autavia.

Heuer released its first Autavia dashboard timer in 1933. This clock used the Valjoux 59 movement and had a large pusher at 9 o’clock. Released from 1933 to 1958, the somewhat cluttered appearance of the dial led to its complete redesign by the great-grandson of the company’s founder, Jack Heuer.

A year after joining the family company, Jack found himself in the cockpit of a racing car as navigator. The dial of the Autavia dashboard timer in the car proved too hard to read in the car’s bone-shaking interior, and he misread the dial by a minute. Infuriated, Jack set about to make the Autavia easier to read, giving it a large central minute hand.

When he assumed leadership of the company a few years later, he saw the potential for the dashboard timer to transition to the wrist. What followed was the Autavia wrist chronograph, the first wristwatch Heuer ever released to have a model name. The Autavia also made waves in that it was the first automotive-inspired watch to be released with race car driving as its sole inspiration.

After all, the Rolex Daytona was a few years from existence, and even though the Omega Speedmaster was initially advertised as a racing watch, it found applications in less terrestrial pursuits.

Soon the Autavia attracted the attention of Formula 1 drivers, with people like Jochen Rindt sporting Autavias on the wrist. And the cushion-case variants powered by the Chronomatic movement found even more notoriety when a certain Swiss driver started hawking them on the racing grid. In fact, his enthusiasm for one particular reference of Autavia led to its being known by his name in collector circles.

For many collectors, the “Jo Siffert” Autavia—Reference 1163—is the Autavia to own. Aesthetically and technically, it has it all. It combines the game-changing Chronomatic movement with a cushion case that’s eminently comfortable on the wrist, as well as a sprightly color way marked by the bright blue of the chronograph hand.

But it’s perhaps best-loved by petrolheads for its association with Jo Siffert. Simply put, Siffert loved racing. His humble beginnings—paying race entry fees by selling wildflowers or scrap metal—as a privateer in the Formula 1 racing circuit, plus his dogged persistence, made him one of the sport’s most popular icons.

And he was one of the first drivers to adopt Heuer’s new chronograph design, appearing with it in press conferences, even selling it to other drivers right on the race track.

This particular Reference 1163 is often referred to as a Mark VI dial. The case shows sign of honest wear. It comes complete with a Gay Frères beads of rice bracelet.

With an incredible case retaining strong factory brushing, this is truly a remarkable piece, and a favorite of the Analog/Shift team. 

OUR PLEDGE

Analog:Shift stands behind the craftsmanship, materials, and authenticity of every leather strap we offer. Each strap is thoughtfully designed and produced to meet our standards for quality, comfort, and longevity.

CONDITION & WEAR

Our leather straps are made from natural materials that will develop character over time. Variations in grain, tone, and texture are part of the leather’s inherent beauty. With wear, expect the strap to soften and patina naturally, reflecting how it’s been worn and lived in. Please review all product images and descriptions carefully prior to purchase.

WARRANTY

We guarantee our leather straps against manufacturing defects for one year from the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover normal wear, aging, moisture damage, or misuse.

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Please ensure the selected lug width and length are compatible with your watch prior to ordering. If you have questions about sizing or fit, we’re happy to help before purchase.

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