THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: HEUER
MODEL: 11630MH
YEAR: 1972
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 42.5mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: LEATHER
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

Heuer introduced the Autavia in 1962 with reference 2446, and over the next two decades released more than 90 different variants of their flagship sports chronograph. The earliest Autavias featured a screw-back round case with a three-register dial. Compressor cases were introduced shortly after.

A major shift came in 1969, when Heuer, along with Breitling, Hamilton-Buren, and Dubois Dépraz, developed the Calibre 11 — one of the world’s first automatic chronograph movements.

The present example, Ref. 11630MH “Orange Boy,” was released in 1972 as part of Heuer’s third-generation Autavia line. It features the upgraded Calibre 12 movement, a thicker tonneau-shaped case, mineral glass, and a rotating bezel more commonly found on dive watches. The star of the show, however, is the rare silver “Orange Boy” dial — nicknamed for its bold orange accents. This example remains in outstanding condition after over five decades of life. The dial is flawless, with all lume plots intact and aged to a beautiful creamy hue. The orange accents have retained their vibrancy, while the hands have faded slightly — complementing the watch beautifully.

The watch has been worn, but the case remains strong. The unique tonneau design gives it a masculine yet playful presence. The original MH (minutes/hours) bezel proudly bears the light marks earned over time.

It was serviced within the last year and is running beautifully at +4 s/d, 275 amplitude, with a 0.4 ms beat error. A superb example of a cult classic.