I blame this excellent website. I've read the ultimate guide, fallen in love with the look of the chunky 70s era watches, and would like to get one. However, money is unfortunately an object... and the article did little to lessen my confusion over the plethora of variants. As a motor sport fan, I'd be leaning toward one of that ilk, probably with a tachymeter bezel. If I was looking to get one, what would the hive mind suggest? And where would you start looking? All of my watches so far have either been purchased new from authorised dealers, left to me or bought on the spur of the moment on holiday. I'd probably set a budget of around £3k. But that depends on what the boss says during my annual appraisal on Friday, and what the Minister for Finance & War (the Wife) allows. Thanks, Jason
I'd definitely look at the 1970s era Autavias- some very good value there. Focus on the dial, hands and whether the watch has a bracelet. The case can always be improved at a later date...very hard to do much with the dial. I reckon you'll find something nice with that budget- good luck!
Your budget definitely will allow for a very nice example of a Viceroy Autavia, reference 1163V. My suggestion would be to set up an account at WatchRecon.com, and add alerts for "1163" "viceroy" and "autavia"
The boss gave me some good news today (always a first time for anything)... so a purchase in the near future is on. Yay. And even better, I may be able to stretch to a little more, so now we're probably looking close to £4K than 3. Double Yay! And the purchase order was signed off by SHMBO, albeit with a roll of the eyes. I've looked at watchrecon, and for the most part the watches on there seem to be in the US... not sure how I'd feel buying something essentially sight unseen from overseas without having seen it in the metal first. I'm more inclined to try my hand with UK based sellers. At least I can (hopefully) see the watches in person before parting with a large wedge of hard earned. Thoughts? Ta, Jason
So I've been looking, keeping options open... what's the opinion of Chrono24? There's several nice looking autavias there as well. Some of them look too nice, so I'm guessing they've been refinished. For example, this one: https://www.chrono24.co.uk/heuer/autavia-viceroy--id3320929.htm Looks ok, but doesn't have a signed crown. And the strap is hideous. This one has the Gay Freres steel bracelet https://www.chrono24.co.uk/heuer/autavia--id4949678.htm Which makes it more desirable... but in my mind this watch looks better on a pierced leather 'racing' strap like this one: https://www.chrono24.co.uk/heuer/he...--ref-1163---bj-19701971---aaw--id5334078.htm Finally - a bit out of my league, but this comes with papers, and would be a birthday watch for me, as it from '72. https://www.chrono24.co.uk/heuer/he...1163---bj-1972---papiere---aaw--id5387433.htm
Thanks to Jonathan, I should be receiving a large chunk of racing nostalgia soon. Pics when it arrives.
A 11630MH: https://www.vintageheuer.com/products/autavia-2/ It's not the T bezel, but it's in good condition and I preferred it over the other affordable Autavias that Jonathan has. Racing strap as well, plus a Heuer signed buckle. As much as I like the Stiffert, that's way above my pay grade. With a fair wind, it should be here on Friday.
Postie dropped of a new home for my collection today. It's very cool. http://watch-winder.co.uk/Black-Wood-Four-Watch-Winder-PL204-BLK.html As far as it can see, it's exactly the same unit as barrington sell for nearly £600. There's even room for another watch. But not for long.
