By Vivienne Milburn FRICS Independent Antiques Auctioneer & Valuer
CONSIDERING many of us use our mobile phones to check the time, it is perhaps surprising that the appeal for wristwatches continues; as reinforced by the auction result for the Heuer wristwatch we have pictured, dating from 1969/70, despite being in worn condition and missing the original strap, it made four times its estimate when it sold for £3,900.
Heuer, now known as TAG Heuer, stands as a symbol of precision timekeeping and motorsport heritage. Established in 1860 by Edouard Heuer in Switzerland, the brand has long been synonymous with innovation in chronograph technology and stylish, functional design.
Left: A stainless steel Heuer Autavia ‘Jo Siffert’ automatic chronograph watch, in very worn condition and without its original strap, box or papers, still made £3,900 in a specialist auction against an estimate of £1k-£1.5k.
Right: This 9ct gold half hunter pocket watch, by J.W. Benson, London, 1931, and chain, made £2,500 in the same specialist auction.
It is the vintage Heuer wristwatches, especially those produced between the 1950s and 1980s, that continue to generate fervent interest among collectors and consistently strong results at auction.
Heuer’s deep association with motorsports helped carve its niche in the luxury watch market. Timepieces such as the Carrera, Autavia and Monaco remain icons, not only for their technical excellence but also for their connection to racing legends like Jo Siffert and Steve McQueen.
The Monaco, famously worn by McQueen in the 1971 film Le Mans, is a square-cased chronograph that has become one of the most recognisable vintage watches ever made. Its scarcity and cultural relevance have made original examples highly sought-after, often fetching significant sums at auction.
The Autavia – the name is derived from auto & aviation – originally designed as a dashboard timer before being adapted for the wrist, also command premium prices. The popularity of these models has only intensified with the resurgence of interest in vintage racing chronographs over the past two decades. Rare dial variations, provenance and condition can elevate a Heuer from a collectible to a centrepiece lot in prestigious sales.
In the same auction as the Heuer was this 9ct gold half hunter pocket watch and chain that made £2,500. A half hunter features a protective outer case with a small viewing window, allowing the wearer to read the time without opening the lid—ideal for precision and convenience. If Steve McQueen had been the ‘King of Cool’ in the early 20th Century, he would undoubtedly have had a half hunter pocket watch.
Editor’s Note: If you require valuation of your works of art and antiques, it is worth getting the advice of an Independent Antiques Valuer to assess. For further information, please contact Vivienne on 07870 238788 or 01629 640210, or go to www.viviennemilburn.co.uk or email vivienne@viviennemilburn.co.uk