Heuer Autavia 1163 GMT - Faded Bezel

This Heuer Autavia GMT reference 1163 is a rare MK2 execution and presents itself in an honest, authentic vintage condition.

This variant is known among collectors as the "red needles" version. At the time, the Heuer GMT was particularly popular with pilots and frequently worn in professional aviation use. In practice, however, a decisive drawback became apparent: due to the infrared cockpit lighting used in aircraft, the small red sub-dial hands were difficult to read, significantly impairing the chronograph’s legibility. As a result of numerous complaints, Heuer discontinued production of this dial configuration after only around six months — a fact that makes this reference one of the rarest Autavia GMTs today.

Visually, this watch is a true statement piece. The dial stands out with its exceptionally vibrant color composition: a yellow GMT hand, a striking orange chronograph seconds hand and red accents on the matte black dial give the watch tremendous presence. For us, this is the most attractive execution of the Heuer automatic GMT. The bi-color 24-hour bezel shows beautiful, even fading, further emphasizing the authentic vintage character. In combination with the yellow GMT hand, a second time zone can be read. The layout is completed by the date window at 6 o’clock, which integrates harmoniously into the overall design.

We truly appreciate the honest condition of this Autavia GMT. The case shows visible wear but remains unpolished. The original crystal displays fine internal hairline cracks — a strong indication that it is the original factory crystal, as such features can only occur through natural aging. The dial also retains its original luminous material, which has developed a consistent and authentic patina over the decades.

This vintage timepiece is completed by a rare Gay-Frères Single Beads-of-Rice bracelet, dated to 1971.

Condition Report
Dial: very well preserved – flawless matte black surface – white sub-dials with evenly distributed patina spotting – original tritium lume on markers and hands – minor spot inside the hour marker at 8 o’clock – signed "Autavia Heuer GMT Automatic Chronograph Swiss".

Case: cushion-shaped stainless steel case – natural wear consistent with age – unpolished – triangle stamp on the lug indicating the upgraded Caliber 11i – evenly faded bezel, rotating in both directions – original Heuer crown – original fluted chronograph pushers – intact and clearly legible numbers between the lugs – typical internal hairline cracks in the acrylc crystal.

Movement: automatic Heuer Caliber 11i, functioning perfectly – timegrapher results: rate –3 s/day, amplitude 282°, beat error 0.1 ms.

Bracelet: original Gay-Frères Single Beads-of-Rice bracelet in great condition – Heuer-signed clasp with natural wear – date stamp inside clasp 3/71 – HLF end links – bracelet length adjustable for wrist sizes approx. 19 to 21.5 cm.

Serial number: 225xxx

Int.Exe.: 65220