1960s Heuer Autavia Ref. 7763C
Why This Watch Matters Who doesn't love a good compressor case? Heuer was one of the best brands to utilize this cutting-edge 60s tech with their Autavia. The Full Story Heuer introduced the earliest Autavia wristwatches in the early 1960s, and they featured a screw-back case in nine different variations through the production range. With "big eye" registers, the very first of these Autavias have come to achieve some extremely strong auction results. By 1968, Heuer had redesigned the case of the Autavia to utilize the latest water-resistance technology in Switzerland – Ervin Piquerez S.A's, or EPSA's, compressor case. Following the screw-back Autavias came what we have here today, the ref. 7763C Mark I Autavia. Notably similar to the Cup-winning "Rindt" is the dial layout and design: a reverse panda motif. The "C" here stands for compressor, as in compressor case. Rather than a screw down caseback, these second generation Autavias featured a nifty design in which the caseback was actually controlled by the surrounding water pressure; the gaskets tighten accordingly to ensure water resistance up to 100 meters (330 feet). Specific to the Mark I compressor variety are smaller teeth on the external rotating bezel, polished steel hour and minute hands containing tritium lume, and a white sweep chronograph seconds hand. Heuer offered these with a couple different bezel variations, and this one has a M,H (minutes hour) variation. The example we have today stands out thanks to its great overall condition, nice lume patina and killer faded bezel. The compressor case proved over time to not be quite as water-resistant as the screw-down caseback, with companies like Heuer eventually reverting back to screw-backs and threads. Due to the slightly lower water resistance, these compressors are less often seen in clean condition, such as this one. The case itself has remained strong, showing facets on the lugs as well. This Mark I ref. 7763C Autavia is really a stunner in the metal – we're extremely excited to offer it. We paired this Autavia with our Reid strap in taupe for a classic HODINKEE look and feel. The Fine Print Maker: Heuer Model: Autavia Reference: 7763C Year: 1960s Case No: 134310 Material: Stainless steel Dimensions: 40mm diameter; 12.5mm thickness Crystal: Plexiglass Lume: Yes, tritium Caliber: Heuer signed Valjoux, manually-wound, caliber 7730 Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The Reid Goatskin Watch Strap In Taupe Lug Width: 20mm Box/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Faded bezel - Reverse panda motif - Great overall condition Things To Know: - Scratches on case This Autavia is in overall great and honest condition. The case is strong with scratches and some nicks along the edges and sides. The facets or bevels on the lugs are clearly visible. The caseback is absent of the Heuer text and engravings which is something we have seen before. However it does have the half-concentric lines around the edge of the dial clearly visible. Between the lugs show some wear and the numbers are clearly visible. The rear of the lugs show some scratches from strap removal and placement. The dial has developed a fine and consistent patina throughout, and the hands and hour markers have developed patina also. The hour markers have developed some patina around each one. The white sub-registers are clean with a light patina. The hour markers and hands have developed paina. The lume on the dial has developed a patina and is close to matching the color of the lume in the hands. The lume on the dial shows some signs of degradation. The bezel is in good condition with scratches and light nicks. It has faded very nicely and evenly. The edge of the bezel shows some wear. The crystal has some scratches. The dial, case, movement, and crown are signed by Heuer. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist. 6642839191627, 1960s Heuer Autavia Ref. 7763C, Why This Watch Matters Who doesn't love a good compressor case? Heuer was one of the best brands to utilize this cutting-edge 60s tech with their Autavia. The Full Story Heuer introduced the earliest Autavia wristwatches in the early 1960s, and they featured a screw-back case in nine different variations through the production range. With "big eye" registers, the very first of these Autavias have come to achieve some extremely strong auction results. By 1968, Heuer had redesigned the case of the Autavia to utilize the latest water-resistance technology in Switzerland – Ervin Piquerez S.A's, or EPSA's, compressor case. Following the screw-back Autavias came what we have here today, the ref. 7763C Mark I Autavia. Notably similar to the Cup-winning "Rindt" is the dial layout and design: a reverse panda motif. The "C" here stands for compressor, as in compressor case. Rather than a screw down caseback, these second generation Autavias featured a nifty design in which the caseback was actually controlled by the surrounding water pressure; the gaskets tighten accordingly to ensure water resistance up to 100 meters (330 feet). Specific to the Mark I compressor variety are smaller teeth on the external rotating bezel, polished steel hour and minute hands containing tritium lume, and a white sweep chronograph seconds hand. Heuer offered these with a couple different bezel variations, and this one has a M,H (minutes hour) variation. The example we have today stands out thanks to its great overall condition, nice lume patina and killer faded bezel. The compressor case proved over time to not be quite as water-resistant as the screw-down caseback, with companies like Heuer eventually reverting back to screw-backs and threads. Due to the slightly lower water resistance, these compressors are less often seen in clean condition, such as this one. The case itself has remained strong, showing facets on the lugs as well. This Mark I ref. 7763C Autavia is really a stunner in the metal – we're extremely excited to offer it. We paired this Autavia with our Reid strap in taupe for a classic HODINKEE look and feel. The Fine Print Maker: Heuer Model: Autavia Reference: 7763C Year: 1960s Case No: 134310 Material: Stainless steel Dimensions: 40mm diameter; 12.5mm thickness Crystal: Plexiglass Lume: Yes, tritium Caliber: Heuer signed Valjoux, manually-wound, caliber 7730 Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The Reid Goatskin Watch Strap In Taupe Lug Width: 20mm Box/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Faded bezel - Reverse panda motif - Great overall condition Things To Know: - Scratches on case This Autavia is in overall great and honest condition. The case is strong with scratches and some nicks along the edges and sides. The facets or bevels on the lugs are clearly visible. The caseback is absent of the Heuer text and engravings which is something we have seen before. However it does have the half-concentric lines around the edge of the dial clearly visible. Between the lugs show some wear and the numbers are clearly visible. The rear of the lugs show some scratches from strap removal and placement. The dial has developed a fine and consistent patina throughout, and the hands and hour markers have developed patina also. The hour markers have developed some patina around each one. The white sub-registers are clean with a light patina. The hour markers and hands have developed paina. The lume on the dial has developed a patina and is close to matching the color of the lume in the hands. The lume on the dial shows some signs of degradation. The bezel is in good condition with scratches and light nicks. It has faded very nicely and evenly. The edge of the bezel shows some wear. The crystal has some scratches. The dial, case, movement, and crown are signed by Heuer. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist., 800000
