87 Heuer Historically Important and Charming Autavia “bund” Chronograph Wristwatch in Steel, Reference 73 663

Estimate: € 4,000 –⁠ 8,000

Sold € 10,400

Model: Autavia
Reference: 73 663
Case Material: Stainless steel
Bracelet Material: Leather
Year: 1970s
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 7736
Case N°: 202101
Dimensions: 40 x 42 mm
Signed: Case, dial, movement

After the Second World War, the Bundeswehr stood to protect Europe from the threat of Communism. The Bundeswehr was the corresponding Luftwaffe – or Air Force – and participated in air defense coordinated by NATO. The pilots were supplied with robust timepieces made by Heuer that could withstand the rigors and shocks of use in an airplane’s cockpit. These models were named affectionately “Bund” and had a massive mono block case of 43 mm diameter. However, starting in 1974, a new type of Autavia was produced, using the same cushion case as late-1960s Autavias but featuring a dial with bold luminous Arabic numerals that many collectors deem to be military-inspired giving rise to the nickname “Bund”. The present lot is one of these specimens of reference 73 663 which apparently have never been mentioned in catalogues and appeared in obscure German brochures. Its military inspiration is clear in the design: a triple-register dial layout with large luminous Arabic numerals. The MH bezel drives home the watch’s timekeeping capabilities, indispensable for a pilot. The stainless steel cushion case is nicely preserved, the black dial is untouched and the Arabic numerals are simply amazing to match the color of the hands. The caliber is the reliable Valjoux 7736 movement.