Heuer 1972 Montreal Ref. 110503 W, £2500 - 3500; 2900 - 4100 euros; US$4000 - 5600
With introductions from both Arno Michael Haslinger and Jack Heuer, Bonhams’ hard-cover, 190+-page volume is more a journey through Heuer’s history than simply an auction catalogue.
The 81 watches listed have already been featured in Heuer-expert Haslinger’s first book, ‘Heuer Chronographs and Motor Sports’. Rarity apart – and models such as the all-black 1974 Monaco estimated at £10,000 - 15,000 don’t come along very often – the most impressive aspect of the catalogue’s contents is their condition: many are ‘new old stock’ and come complete with original packaging and stickers.
For most of the 60s and 70s, Heuer was the brand of choice for professional racing drivers. Jo Siffert carried Heuer badges on his overalls and helmet, and wore the latest Autavia, Monza or Monaco on his wrist. Steve McQueen’s ‘Le Mans’ film propelled the very 70s, square Heuer Monaco into the spotlight (although his personal watch of choice was a Rolex sports model).
Left: 1972 Montreal Ref. 110503 B, £2500 - 3500; Centre: 1967 Autavia Ref. 7763 MH, £2000 - 2500; Right: 1974 Silverstone Ref. 110313 R, £4000 - 6000
The beautifully produced catalogue (£30.00) is packed with period photographs that include Graham Hill (Autavia 1163), Jochen Rindt (Autavia 2446), Jim Clark (Carrera) and Clay Regazzoni (Silverstone).
In fact, an example of the recently re-issued Silverstone (a square, rounded-corner chronometer with pushers to the right and a winding crown to the left of the dial) appears as the final lot in the sale. It has been generously donated by TAG Heuer and is a ‘1/1’ limited edition, featuring Jack Heuer’s signature just above the date aperture and unique inscriptions to celebrate the company’s 150th anniversary in 2010. All proceeds from this watch will go to the Green Cross International environmental organisation.
Estimates vary from as little as £1000 - 1500 for the 1972 nautical-model Skipper 15640 to over £10,000 for the previously mentioned black Monaco, and £10,000 - 15,000 for the 1969 Autavia 1163 T – the rarest model in the Autavia range and sourced from its original owner. It comes complete with its original box, sticker, strap, papers and bill of sale – the only Chronomatic Autavia known by collectors worldwide to have all these accessories.
Left: 1971 Monaco Ref. 73633 B, £5000 - 7000; Centre: 1976 Autavia Ref. 11630 GMT, £3000 - 4000; Right: 1972 Calculator Ref. 110633, £2000 - 3000
In addition to the watches, the sale also includes some accessories and Heuer Helmet Clocks such as James Hunt, 1970s, estimated at £200 – 300.
The auction will take place at Bonhams' 101 New Bond Street saleroom at 1pm on Wednesday 15 December.
For further information, see www.bonhams.com/eur/watchesheuer or call watch expert Paul Maudsley on +44 (0)20 7447 7412, email [email protected].
Please CLICK HERE to see the lotlist.
Text: Steve Wakefield
Photos: Bonhams
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