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Lot Essay
Many collectors of vintage Heuer chronographs from the 1960s and 1970s are attracted by the company's rich association with professional motorsports demonstrated during that period. The present Autavia is the embodiment of this notable history. It was presented to the legendary driver Marvin Panch upon his victory in the 1965 Atlanta 500 race, part of the NASCAR Grand National Series. Panch won the race in a 1965 Ford Galaxie. You can practically smell the gasoline and hear the roar of the engines when holding this exceptional piece of horological and motor history.
This Autavia was presented to the winner of the race in association with "Motor Age", a magazine with an emphasis on automotive service industry professionals that began in 1899 and continues to this day. To the best of our knowledge, this may be a unique dial with the "Motor Age" logo. Furthermore, that logo is placed where the "SWISS" is traditionally located, so the dial does not feature "SWISS", perhaps intentionally since the watch was destined for the American market.
Furthermore, the watch is preserved in absolutely outstanding condition, with an excellent dial, hands, and case. This Autavia could be identified as part of the "Second Execution" run with large luminous circles located outside the hour markers and dauphine hands.
Marvin Panch
Marvin Panch was a legendary and successful American stock car racing driver who famously won the 1961 Daytona 500 as well as 16 other NASCAR Grand National events over his 17-year career. In 1998, Panch was named one of NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers. He was inducted into the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame in 2002 and the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame in 1987. Panch passed away in 2015 at the age of 89 in Florida. The present owner purchased this Autavia directly from Marvin Panch’s daughter.
This Autavia was presented to the winner of the race in association with "Motor Age", a magazine with an emphasis on automotive service industry professionals that began in 1899 and continues to this day. To the best of our knowledge, this may be a unique dial with the "Motor Age" logo. Furthermore, that logo is placed where the "SWISS" is traditionally located, so the dial does not feature "SWISS", perhaps intentionally since the watch was destined for the American market.
Furthermore, the watch is preserved in absolutely outstanding condition, with an excellent dial, hands, and case. This Autavia could be identified as part of the "Second Execution" run with large luminous circles located outside the hour markers and dauphine hands.
Marvin Panch
Marvin Panch was a legendary and successful American stock car racing driver who famously won the 1961 Daytona 500 as well as 16 other NASCAR Grand National events over his 17-year career. In 1998, Panch was named one of NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers. He was inducted into the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame in 2002 and the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame in 1987. Panch passed away in 2015 at the age of 89 in Florida. The present owner purchased this Autavia directly from Marvin Panch’s daughter.