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: IDF Autavia 7763??
In Response To: IDF Autavia 7763?? ()

I was just looking at this. Dial looks redone. I have no knowledge of IDF, so can't contribute there.

: Ebay item 201339668734 has a description claiming that the watch is
: IDF issued. I don't usually get involved with calling out
: doubtful watches but as I have spent a bit of time studying IDF
: Heuers, I feel it is worth giving my thoughts.

: The font style of the numbers on the back case looks similar to the
: characteristic IDF numbers. However, the way the numbers are
: carved is certainly not typical. On all the IDF watches I have
: seen, the numbers are carved with a rotary tool which is moved
: to carved out the numbers, but the rotation is what causes the
: inscription "pit". These numbers look as if they have
: been carved out in the direction of the font lines, by just
: using a sharp tool. I guess there is a chance there was a
: different carving style early on, but then why use the later
: font style? I can't say that it is definitely wrong, but the
: evidence is not supportive. I leave others to make their own
: judgement.

: The dial looks repainted to me, especially the sub-dials, this
: doesn't change the IDF non-IDF aspect. Having said that, I love
: the bezel, which looks completely original and with a beautiful
: patina.

: I don't think I have seen an Autavia from this era with IDF
: markings; but having said that, we can always learn new things.
: I had never seen a Argentina AF 3rd exec Autavia until I bought
: one last week...

: As I said before, everyone can make up their own mind, but much as
: I'd like this to be true (it would be a cool watch), I
: personally have very strong doubts.

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