Signed Autavia, Heuer, GMT, Automatic, Chronograph, Ref. 1163, case no. 225’768, Circa 1970

While tropical dials are most closely associated with vintage Rolex sports watches, they are also found on some other vintage sports watches, including this remarkable Autavia GMT reference 1163. This example is part of the second execution distinguished by its red sub register hands with an orange chronograph hand and a 2-24 bezel.

The Autavia, the true representative of Heuer’s sporting heritage, was released in 1962. It was the first new model launched under the guidance of the firm’s new CEO Jack Heuer, the name a combination of its target markets, the manufacture of timekeeping devices for motorsports and the production of cockpit instruments for military and civil aviation: AUTomotive and AVIAtion. Its solid construction, excellent legibility and the rotating bezel made it the perfect chronograph for pilots, divers and other military personnel.