49 Heuer Historical and Fine Military Chronograph Wristwatch, Reference 510 543, Made for the Italian Air Force

Estimate: € 2,000 –⁠ 4,000

Sold € 3,510

Model: AMI
Reference: 510 543
Case Material: Stainless steel
Bracelet Material: Stainless steel
Year: 1980s
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 5100
Case N°: 843
Dimensions: 38 mm
Signed: Case, dial, movement

The present chronograph is one of those models that Heuer has produced with a specific destination for the military sector. To be precise, the here offered reference 510 543 was issued for the Aeronautica Militare Italiana (AMI). The Italian Air Force was founded as an independent service arm in 1923 by King Vittorio Emanuele III as the Regia Aeronautica and after the World War II the Regia Aeronautica was given its current name. The dial features the AMI initials & wings, and the 3H symbol often seen on military watches and its conditions are almost perfect: the dark blue background is intact, all the text is untouched and the baton numerals have the same light-yellow color of the hands. It’s part of Heuer “1000 Series” of Lemania 5100 driven models, all with a similar design and especially built for tool watches with an instrument appearance.