Autavia 1163T Siffert

Heuer Autavia 1163T Siffert, Cal. 11 Mk4 w/Mk6 dial/hands, c1971 (on loan)

A big thanks goes to fellow Heuer collector and master Heuer tinterer James for letting me try out his Siffert. Thanks bud.

So, this is a 1971 Mk4 version with a Cal. 11 movement. At some time in it’s life it has most probably had the dial and hands replaced at service, so it has the later Mk6 dial, with the 1-12 numerals on the hour counter. This Mk6 livery is actually one of my favourite Sifferts, I love the blue tipped hands and tramline hour batons. (Earlier models had ridged batons). This is actually the first Siffert I have ever handled or seen in the flesh, and I’m genuinely blown away by it. Up until this point I had always admired the Siffert, but was of the mindset that it was a little overpriced compared to its other Autavia brothers. Now I can see the appeal, and why they command top prices – it is strikingly beautiful, and I can see why it is firmly one of the most sought after Heuers.

I won’t go into too much detail about Jo Siffert, but to simply say he was a legendary Swiss racing driver who loved his Heuers, and wore a white dialed 1163T for a long time. If you want to read up on his illustrious career, check out the Siffert Wiki page here. For some more reading and great photos of Jo Siffert, check out fellow Italian Heuer collector GMV’s blog here.