1972 Heuer Autavia 1163GMT

Autavia 1163GMT, circa 1972

Alas, I never managed to bond emotionally with the Speedy - the severe black dial with the white hands did nothing for me..... so when the opportunity came about to trade the Speedy with an Autavia 1163GMT (thanks Wong!), who was I to refuse?

I've always wanted a GMT - the Pepsi dials just oozes retro cool, but (thankfully for my wallet) Rolexes never did it for me, so the Heuer 1163GMT just about perfectly fit the bill.

This 1972ish 'Mark III' 1163GMT always seemed to me a 'transitional' model - still having the older (but nicer IMO) case of the 1163, but already donning the 'non brushed metal' hands of the later 11630 variant.

Here's an interesting story of why the subdial hands were changed to black when they originally were red in colour -  shows how much these old companies listened to their customers back in those days...

This one, unfortunately, has an over-polished case, but it's got a complete makeover from Tag Heuer, and it's even supposed to be pressure tested, not that I've dared to go swimming with it...

Anyways, it was just too pretty to pass up, plus it was a straight trade with the Speedy - you just can't say no to that, can you?!

Heuer Autavia 1163GMT, circa 1972

1972 Heuer Chronosport catalog, courtesy of OnTheDash

Oct 2013 addendum

As much I love my Autavia 1163GMT, the over-polished case has always bothered me.

So a couple of months ago, I sent it to the Belgian master to have the case refurbished, and it's just returned today, in all it's glory.

Just look at the sunburst brushed finish at the top of the case - as God and Heuer intended - just perfect!