Product Overview
Heuer has long been known for having a deep history rooted in motorsports racing.
But few people know Heuer had a difficult time selling chronographs wristwatches in the early 1970s, and at that time they still sold vastly more stopwatches used for motorsports timing than wristwatches.
At the same time that Heuer was struggling to sell watches, Viceroy was struggling with its cigarette business.
So Viceroy partnered with the Parnelli Jones racing team to position their brand as the sportsman’s cigarette, and they approached Heuer, the leader in track timing, to come up with a chronograph promotion.
Heuer produced a special version of the 1163, the 1163V for the deal, and together with Viceroy, offered the watch for $88 when someone mailed in the proof of purchase from a Viceroy cigarette carton.
This promotion was a great success for Heuer and really laid the ground work for the Heuer racing chronographs we know and love today.
While Viceroy Autavia's are relatively plentiful on the market, finding good examples that have been serviced and haven't had their cases overly polished is becoming difficult. Make no mistake, these 70s Autavias are a tremendous value, but the market is catching on, and we wouldn't be surprised to see prices skyrocket in the coming years.
This particular example is in excellent unpolished condition with original hands, dial and bezel insert.
A truly great addition to any collection.
