The name Autavia is a blend of “automobile” and “aviation.” It was originally used by Heuer in 1933 for dashboard timers designed for race cars and aircraft cockpits.

In 1962, Jack Heuer—then CEO of Heuer—launched the Autavia as a wristwatch, marking it as the first new watch line introduced under his leadership. This shift came after Heuer discontinued the original dash timer. The wristwatch Autavia was designed as a rugged chronograph aimed at professional drivers, pilots, and sports enthusiasts. It featured a rotating bezel—a rarity for chronographs at the time—which allowed for various timekeeping functions.

At hand is a 1970s version housed in a classic 42mm case of the era, reference 73663. This particular and rare example was issued to the Kenyan Air Force (KAF), making it a highly collectible military variant.

What makes this Autavia especially distinctive is its dial variant, which features bold, luminous Arabic numerals—custom-made at the request of the Kenyan Air Force. The case, with its rotating tachymeter bezel, remains in nice condition and shows signs of its military service history. The case back bears the correct "KAF" engravings, while the black dial features three sub dials. The hour, minute, and second hands have taken on a sympathetically faded appearance.

We’ve paired this rare chronograph with our Nautic rubber strap—a combo we think looks especially cool.The watch and it's Valjoux Heuer/Leonidas signed 7736 movement have been fully serviced by our watchmaker.

This is one of the rarest Heuer Autavia’s get in touch to get you this Air Force piece !

Specifications:

Heuer Autavia reference 73663
42mm steel cushion case with screw-back and pump pushers
Turnable tachymeter bezel
Heuer/Leonidas cal 7736 movement
Case back engraved by the Kenyan Air Force “KAF-1xx”
Serial 200xxx dating to the 1970s
Black dial with Arabic lumed numerals
Bulang & Sons “Nautic “ rubber strap
Fully serviced by our watchmaker
One-year mechanical warranty
Free worldwide FedEx Priority shipping

Heuer Autavia Issued to the "Kenian Air Force " KAF ref 73663

Heuer Autavia Issued to the "Kenian Air Force " KAF ref 73663

Before/after