The largest independent, non-commercial, consumer-oriented resource on the Internet for owners, collectors and enthusiasts of fine wristwatches. Online since 1998.
Informational Websites ChronoMaddox -- the legacy of Chuck Maddox OnTheDash -- vintage Heuer website Zowie -- Omega information
Discussion Forums ChronoMaddox Forum Heuer Forum Omega Forum
Counterfeit Watchers ChronoTools Forum ChronoTrader Forum
Vintage Heuer Discussion Forum
The place for discussing 1930-1985 Heuer wristwatches, chronographs and dash-mounted timepieces. Online since May 2003.
OnTheDash Home What's New! Price Guide Chronographs Dash Mounted Collection
Re: Siffert Going Cheap on ebay?
In Response To: Siffert Going Cheap on ebay? ()

Hello Norman and welcome to the club,

A week or so ago in a thread about another white dial Autavia, Chuck suggested that it is not correct to refer to non automatic white dial Autavias as "Shiffert". I went a step further and suggested that it is better to not use the Shiffert nickname at all. It is more confusing than helpful.

There are over 10 different versions of white or silver face Autavias and more than 4 versions of white dial automatic Autavias. Guess what, Shiffert actually wore only ONE of these (the chronomatic?). So what model exactly are we refering to when we talk about the "Shiffert"?

Even if you want to describe an automatic, white dial Autavia with blue trims, it is IMO better not to call it "Shiffert". Because most probably it is not identical to the last detail to the exact model Joe Shiffert wore. Heuer have never called their watches "Shiffert" or "Mcqueen" or anything, in the way Omega is calling a limited edition Speedmaster "Schumacher".

The watch in the auction is not automatic.

Calling a white dial Autavia a Shiffert may help a seller make some money but has nothing to do with the real value of the watch. Don't fall to the Shiffert trap. Don't buy a watch just because of a fancy - wrongly attributed - nickname.

As for the authenticity of this white dial Autavia...
I would be surprized if someone could prove that Heuer did make a model exactly like this one. (for starters, the hour and minute hands seem wrong)

Probably other forum member could provide more definitive answers about the authenticity of this watch.

Regards

Current Position
Chronocentric and zOwie site design and contents (c) Copyright 1998-2005, Derek Ziglar; Copyright 2005-2008, Jeffrey M. Stein. All rights reserved. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the terms of use. CONTACT | TERMS OF USE | TRANSLATE