Heuer Autavia Cal.7741 c1980

Heuer

TAG Heuer S.A. is a Swiss luxury watchmaker that designs, manufactures and markets watches and fashion accessories. The company began as Uhrenmanufaktur Heuer AG, founded in 1860 by Edouard Heuer in St-Imier, Switzerland. In 1985, TAG Group purchased a majority stake in the company, forming TAG Heuer. In 1999, French luxury goods conglomerate LVMH bought nearly 100 % of the Swiss company. The name TAG Heuer combines the initials of “Techniques d’Avant Garde” and the founder’s surname. TAG Heuer is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and is led by CEO Frédéric Arnault. Jack Heuer, the great-grandson of the founder, is the honorary chairman. TAG Heuer maintains a watchmaking workshop in Cornol, Switzerland, and a watchmaking factory in La Chaux-de-Fonds. The TAG Heuer slogan is “Swiss Avant-Garde Since 1860”.

Descripition

Here we have an outstanding, completely original, unrestored and untouched Heuer Autavia from c1980. This substantial watch carries the original, unrestored black dial along with the super high grade Cal.7741, 17 jewels, all housed by the oversized 44mm case.

This model was part of Heuer’s Autavia line, which was originally named by combining “automobile” and “aviation,” reflecting its intended use for both motorsports and aviation timing.

The Dial

Here we have a truly remarkable, fully original, unrestored and unrestored black, twin register dial. The twin register chronograph dial here with 1 – 12 standard Arabic numerals is complemented by the original ‘index’ hands which are all in excellent condition.

The dial we have here is of course, the more sought after twin register chronograph. These registers measure minute recording at the 3 position and hour recording at the 9 position, when the chronograph is running.

Please note – it is not necessary or wise to leave the chronograph function running while the watch is in normal use, ie simply when wearing the watch. This is because the chronograph function is designed for measuring small time intervals and leaving this running will cause undue wear on the watch.

Usually, we restore the dials of the watches we sell, however, we decided in this case, due to its unique condition, to retain its originality and charm for the many collectors who prefer this. This watch has a clean original dial with a very even patina. It also helps to contrast with almost all of the other watch dials you see on our website, which have been restored.

Please note, studio lights, professional-grade digital cameras, and macro lenses can be very unkind to an unrestored vintage watch dial. Also the dial here measures less than 1.25 inches across, so the image you see here may be between 5 – 25 times larger than the watch itself. Therefore please keep in mind you are seeing many tiny flaws which cannot be seen, or will be very hard to see with the naked eye, even under close examination. Suffice to say, on the wrist, in natural light, this dial looks much better and carries a great deal more charm than the photographs portray.

The Movement

As mentioned above, this watch houses its original, well-proven Heuer, calibre 7741, 17 Jewel Chronograph movement, which is very highly regarded for its accuracy and reliability.

This particular watch movement is in superb condition having been fully overhauled and serviced by our vintage chronograph specialist watchmaker. This involves the complete dismantling of the movement to each of its component parts, ultrasonic cleaning, microscope inspection and replacement of parts as required – only with new Heuer originals – then careful assembly and oiling ready for final testing and careful calibration.

Each of the chronograph functions operates perfectly, and the centre seconds hand resets itself instantly and perfectly on pressing the bottom pusher. The normal timekeeping function is also running perfectly, calibrated and timed at +11 seconds per day, which is truly outstanding for any watch of this age.

The movement is correctly signed ‘Heuer’, ‘Swiss’, ‘Heuer’, ‘Seventeen 17 Jewels’,  along with the calibre number 7741.

With care and with regular servicing, say every 4 years, we would fully expect this watch to run quite happily for many decades to come. Our watchmaker commented that he found the movement to be especially clean and in excellent condition. we are therefore more than happy to offer this watch with our 12 months’ warranty* and to assist with servicing again in the future.

*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.

The Watch Case

The stainless steel case is of a robust three-piece design and at 44mm excluding the correct signed crown, this is is an extremely large-sized watch for the period. The case-back is of full thickness and has never been inscribed.

The case is a heavy sturdy three-piece design with pleasing swept back lugs. This watch carries a bezel that indicates the seconds and overall it is a nice looking solid design. The case-back is of full thickness and has never been engraved.

The inside of the case back is correctly signed with ‘Heuer’, ‘Swiss’ and ‘Stainless Steel’

The most remarkable aspect of this case, apart from its rarity, is its condition. It is simply superb. From each and every viewpoint it is very difficult to fault, with no signs of scratches, dings or damage visible to the naked eye. After cleaning and careful inspection for integrity, and then some very gentle hand-polishing, the case was very quickly brought back to the condition you see here.

Please note – our standard advice applies: Vintage Watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Strap and Buckle

The strap fitted is a light brown leather strap with a steel Heuer signed buckle. If a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please let us know and we will do our best to oblige free of charge. We carry Tan, Conker, Dark Brown and Black in stock and in plain padded leather, or crocodile skin or lizard skin. For a wider selection, please take a look at the wonderful choice of 20mm straps offered by our suppliers Watch Obsession here.

Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to c1980.

Detailed particulars will be included with our purchase receipt for your interest and security. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will be provided at the time of sale along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than 100% genuine, authentic and original, a full refund will be given at any time”.

A high quality hardwood presentation box is included in the sale of this watch.

Payment and Delivery

If you would like to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you. Paying by bank transfer for a 3% saving will not affect your 12 months warranty. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

Please check the import duties and any taxes your government may apply, these are different for each country and, unfortunately, out of our control.

We understand there may be some ‘loopholes’ that may help you avoid these charges; however, attempting to use these could impact our ongoing ability to serve our growing international customer base.

For those who happen to visit London on occasion, we are, of course, more than happy to store your watch until we can meet you in our offices in Kensington, London, and hand your watch directly to you there.

As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no-quibble sale or return policy.

In Conclusion

This watch will undoubtedly make an excellent financial investment as well as be something to treasure and enjoy! It is also practical for use as an everyday wristwatch should you so wish and if it continues to be well cared for and serviced every 4 years, it will last another lifetime at least. This watch carries a great deal more style, individuality and panache than a new watch and to buy the same quality today would be very difficult.

A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before restoring them to the highest possible standards. We then offer these at the fairest prices we can, taking into account our pre and post-sales care and service. This approach means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are some well-known stores in West London which are highly successful charging between two to three times the price you see here. We, therefore, consider our prices to be fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.

Please note, we also welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or a small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.

We will also be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.

If you have any questions please call us on 020 7727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.

Please take a look at our other fine vintage steel watches.

Thank you.