so, let me start by saying welcome to onthedash, and congratulations on obtaining this Autavia, the watch is worth more than a rose gold rolex daytona probabl 1.5 to 3 times them lol. don't be surprise if you start hearing offers for it even if it's not your intention to sell...they will likely come from the high rollers in the community (won't mention names lol)

this watch can be easily restored, you need a new crystal, bezel and insert and a gay freres bracelet dated 1969 with HLD links (the bracelet will be the hardest to find but you can put it on a vintage black corfam these can be found easily).

not sure how bad the case got can't tell from the angle but if it's ok you can leave it as is and enjoy the patina it will retain it's value if left untouched, however, i have to admit even if you restored the case on this to have the original sunburst finishing, the watch is still going to be worth a @$#& load of money and i mean A LOT....

~George

: I have been lurking for a while after learning of a Heuer my friend
: owned. He offered it to me after seeing that I had restored a
: vintage Breitling that belonged to my dad's best friend. I think
: my friend appreciated that I took the trouble to make a
: sentimental piece a wearable watch. Craig at Chronodeco did the
: work on that watch. It's a little small for my taste (the
: Breitling) so it doesn't get much wrist time - my wife may wear
: it a little bit from time to time.

: Now for the Heuer part which is more interesting to you than some
: sentimental Breitling from 1965.

: Here's the good:
:
:

: Now the bad (some aftermarket bracelet):

:
:

: and now for The UGLY - my friend crashed his motorcycle while
: wearing this watch several years ago. The watch snagged on the
: pavement and broke his arm. It also did something nasty to the
: bezel/insert.

:
:

: I am hoping to have the watch restored and add it to my modest
: rotation.

: Thanks for the education you all provide. I hope to meet Jeff soon,
: as he and I both live in Atlanta.

: Mike