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Introducing the TAG Heuer x Fragment Design (44 mm) Calibre Heuer 02 Automatic Chronograph
News
Introducing the TAG Heuer x Fragment Design (44 mm) Calibre Heuer 02 Automatic Chronograph
In today’s collector’s circles the 1163 is most known for the 1163 T “Jo Siffert”, so-named after Swiss Formula I driver Jo Siffert, who is known to have worn the highly desirable Panda Dial variant of the ref. 1163. The Siffert 1163 is a chapter on its own with up to a Mark 6 listed on Jeff Stein’s Autavia Reference Table on, onthedash.com. But let’s get the basics of the 1163’s history down.
A key feature of the Autavia 1163 is its case, with its fluted pushers and the recess cut out into the top side of the case. According to Stein, the cases are known to measure in at “42.3 millimetres across the front and 47.5 millimetres, from lug to lug, with a thickness 15.6 millimetres (back of the case-back to top of the crystal).” The crown on the 1163 is always at 9 o’clock and is always signed. The lug width is 20mm with the reference number “1163” marked between the lugs.
The most widely found 1163 is arguably the variation called the “Viceroy.” The Viceroy is known to come in either a black or white dial, with the common denominator being the red accents on the dial itself and the dash of red on the hour and minute hands. Another notable example is the so called “Orange Boy” which is similar to the Viceroy but with orange accents instead of red.
On further information about the Viceroy, Stein says, “This version of the Autavia was offered in a Viceroy cigarettes promotion at a deeply discounted price, commencing in May 1972, with the promotion continuing through the end of 1972. Even after the Viceroy promotion ended, Heuer continued to produce this model, with dealers offering either the T (tachymeter) or MH (minute/hour) bezel. This chronograph is known as the ‘Viceroy’ Autavia, whether it was purchased through the cigarette promotion or through a dealer. The Viceroy Autavia probably had the highest production of any Heuer chronograph in history, and these watches are among the most abundant in today’s market. Estimated value…$1,000 (for a beater) to $2,500 (for a really nice one).”
The 500-piece numbered edition TAG Heuer x Fragment Design (44 mm) Calibre Heuer 02 Automatic Chronograph will be available to pre-order from www.tagheuer.com and in select TAG Heuer boutiques starting today, before it is up for sale proper July 27, 2020.
Self-winding Calibre Heuer 02 Automatic; hours and minutes; column wheel chronograph with central chrono-seconds hand, 30-minute totalizer at 3 o’clock and 12-hour totalizer at 9 o’clock; 75-hour power reserve
Case
44 mmin polished, fine-brushed steel; ceramic black polished tachymeter fixed bezel; water-resistant to 100m
Bracelet
Polished, fine-brushed, five-row steel bracelet with steel butterfly folding clasp and safety push buttons
Price and Availability
Limited to 500 numbered pieces; comes in a TAG Heuer x Fragment Design special branded box; available from July 27th, 2020; price: CHF 6,000 (SGD 8,650).[/td_block_text_with_title]