Why This Watch Matters This Autavia variant is one we don't come across too often, and it was the the first Heuer Autavia to feature a date complication. The Full Story Heuer introduced the earliest Autavia wristwatches in the early 1960s, and they featured a screw-back case in nine different variations through the production range. With "big eye" registers, the very first of these Autavias have come to achieve some extremely strong auction results. By 1968, Heuer had redesigned the case of the Autavia to utilize the latest water-resistance technology in Switzerland – Ervin Piquerez S.A's, or EPSA's, compressor case. EPSA was a case manufacturer who provided some of the most well-known brands in Switzerland with water-resistant dive watch cases throughout the 1950s, '60s, and '70s. The brand's compressor cases relied on an ingenious principle: They were constructed so that as water pressure on the outside of the case increased, the gaskets would be further compressed so that the watch actually became more water resistant the deeper you went. For that reason, the crowns and pushers are not even screw-down (as you will find, by contrast, in the Oyster case from Rolex, among others). Powered by a Valjoux 7732 caliber, the ref. 7863C, like the one we have here, was the first Autavia to feature a date complication. While the feature may be taken for granted today, having a water-resistant chronograph with a date in 1968 was a bit of a big deal. Furthermore, the date window at six o'clock adds a nice bit of structure to the two-register Autavia's dial design. The example we have today stands out thanks to its great overall condition and nice lume patina. The compressor case proved over time to not be quite as water resistant as the screw-down caseback, with companies like Heuer eventually reverting back to screw-backs and threads. Due to the slightly lower water resistancy, these compressor Autavias are seen less often in clean condition. That said, the technology stood the test of time in this example. The dial has remained clean with nice, white sub-registers and a creamy patina to the lume. The case itself has remained strong, showing facets on the lugs as well. This ref. 7863C Autavia is really a stunner in the metal – we're extremely excited to offer it. We paired this "Dato" Autavia with one of our favorite straps in the HODINKEE Shop, the Sedona Strap in Mustard. The tone of this Sedona matches well with the lume patina of this Autavia. The Fine Print Maker: HeuerModel: Autavia "Dato"Reference: 7863CYear: Late 1960sCase No: 138633Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 40.5mm diameter; 14mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Valjoux, manually-wound, caliber 7732Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The Sedona Watch Strap In Mustard with modern Heuer buckle Lug Width: 20mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Overall great condition- "Dato" date complication- Compressor-style case- Reverse panda motif Things To Know:- Scratches on case- Minor lume degradationThis Autavia is in overall excellent, attractive condition. The case is strong with scratches and some nicks along the edges and sides. The facets or bevels on the lugs are clearly visible. The caseback has retained the three little lines on the edge that show a watchmaker where to pop the caseback off. The numbers are visible between the lugs. There's some scratching between both sets of lugs. The rear of the lugs show some scratches from strap removal and placement. The dial has developed a very light patina throughout, and the hands and hour markers have developed a similar light patina. The white sub-registers are clean with only a very light patina. The lume on the hands has developed a pleasing patina. The lume on the dial has developed patina close to matching the hands, and some of the plots show normal signs of slight degradation, namely the plot at three o'clock. The bezel is in very good condition with some light scratches and wear particularly on the edges. The watch is accompanied by a modern Heuer signed buckle. The dial, case, movement, crown, and buckle are signed by Heuer. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
