The Heuer Autavia Ref. 1163 is one of the most iconic chronographs of the 1970s and a cornerstone of Heuer’s deep-rooted connection to international motorsport. Originally designed as a professional timing instrument for racing drivers, pilots, and teams, the Autavia became one of Jack Heuer’s most successful and influential creations, combining robust functionality with a distinctly sporty aesthetic.
 
During the 1960s and 1970s, Heuer established itself as the unofficial timing partner of motorsport, supplying chronographs to racing teams and drivers across Europe. The Autavia 1163 represents the evolution of this era, incorporating a bold design language and high-performance automatic chronograph movement that cemented its status as a true professional tool watch.
 
This example is further enhanced by its strong motorsport provenance, featuring a rare period engraving linked to the Zak Racing Team and the wider Zakspeed racing environment.
The most obvious and fascinating connection is to Zakspeed, one of the most legendary German motorsport teams, founded by Erich Zakowski.
 
The historical context: Starting in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Zakspeed enjoyed tremendous success in the DRM (German Racing Championship, the predecessor to the DTM)—primarily with the legendary Zakspeed Ford Escort.
 
The meaning of “Zak II”: Within factory teams or larger racing stables, it was (and is) absolutely common practice to number the chassis or race cars sequentially. “Zak II” most likely refers to the second race chassis built or used (e.g., the Zakspeed Escort II or the team’s No. 2 car) from the 1973 season.
 
The Heuer connection: Jack Heuer was a genius at equipping drivers, mechanics, and team owners with chronographs or using them as gifts for winning championships or for loyal service. The watch may have belonged to a driver (such as Dieter Glemser or Jochen Mass, who drove for Zakspeed at the time) or a chief mechanic of this specific car (“Zak II”) in 1973, or it may have been presented as a gift.