The Heuer Autavia started life as the Autavia dashboard stopwatch, one of a series of instruments designed for automotive and aviation use that were popular with both rally drivers and motorsport fans alike. Jack Heuer himself began utilising the company’s dashboard instruments when he partook in car rallies but eventually scrapped them when the loss of a race was blamed on his misreading of the dial.
The story, as we know, didn’t end there. When Jack took the helm of the family company at 28, his first priority was designing a modernised wrist-worn chronograph, or “time recorder”, and thus the Autavia was reborn. The wearable chronograph finally launched in 1962 and various editions were added to the collections over the years until it was eventually discontinued in 1989.
1970’s Heuer Autavia 73463. Credit: WatchGecko.
That’s no reason to count it out though. The Autavia line has continued to live on and was even revived in the 2010s due to a rising interest in vintage timepieces. Through its many iterations over the years, it has remained a firm fan favourite and staple for the ever-evolving Heuer brand.
Straps for the Heuer Autavia
We got to spend a little bit of time with a 1970’s Heuer Autavia 73463 this week, as it was kindly loaned to us by our friends at Watches of Lancashire. The team there know a thing or two about the significance of preloved vintage timepieces and their collection is teeming with impressive vintage watches that have been meticulously sourced by qualified watchmakers.
You may have already seen the Heuer Carrera we recently got our hands on, but today it's the Autavia's turn. As a result of our time spent with the Heuer Autavia 73463, we’ve chosen our Top 5 Straps from the WatchGecko collection. Read on below to find our best strap swap inspiration for the iconic model...
Best Rubber Strap
ZULUDIVER Tropical Ocean FKM Rubber Watch Strap
1970’s Heuer Autavia 73463 on ZULUDIVER Tropical Ocean FKM Rubber Watch Strap. Credit: WatchGecko.
Featuring large diamond-shaped perforations for a modern, sporty feel, our Tropical Ocean straps offer a contemporary twist on the classic tropic straps of the 1960’s. The Tropical Ocean strap range is crafted from premium quality FKM rubber which has been embossed with a textured chequered look that isn’t dissimilar to tyre tread. This unique textured detailing adds a touch of retro fun to the Heuer Autavia.
FKM rubber was selected for these straps due to its highly resistant properties. Able to fend off salt water, aggressive chemicals and extreme temperatures, these straps not only look good with the equally sporty Heuer Autavia but are the perfect companion for even the most extreme environments.
Best Nylon Strap
WatchGecko Ridge Military Nylon Watch Strap
1970’s Heuer Autavia 73463 on WatchGecko Ridge Military Nylon Watch Strap. Credit: WatchGecko.
The WatchGecko Ridge is one of our most versatile Military Nylon strap options. Available in a variety of twenty-two colours, it pairs beautifully with any watch you can throw at it. The black and orange variation perfectly emphasises the coloured accents on the dial of the Autavia and leans into its classic retro look.
These straps aren’t just epic fashion accessories though, they’re incredibly tough and hardwearing. Comfy and durable for any adventure, these straps have been inspired by the military-issued nylon straps of the 1970’s. The 1.2mm thick nylon is subtly ribbed, just like old-fashioned military webbing, and is just as strong. Perfect to wear anywhere, the Ridge will keep the Autavia securely on your wrist, even in the event of a spring bar failure.
Best Waterproof Sports Strap
ZULUDIVER Mayday Anchor Sailcloth Divers Watch Strap
1970’s Heuer Autavia 73463 on ZULUDIVER Mayday Anchor Sailcloth Divers Watch Strap. Credit: WatchGecko.
The perfect option for busy everyday adventures, our ZULUDIVER Mayday Anchor strap is seamlessly capable of taking you from the office to the beach, for summers spent on the go. Enduring and pliable thanks to three tough layers of PVC sailcloth rubber and a vegan and environmentally friendly synthetic Lorica lining, the fusion of layers ensures each Mayday strap is engineered for high-performance.
Despite its layers, the Mayday strap is featherlight, breathable and waterproof, with perforated racing-style holes that not only allow air to ventilate the skin but also make a stylish match with the sporty race aesthetic of the Heuer Autavia.
Best Affordable Leather Strap
Radstock Racing Style Genuine Leather Watch Strap
1970’s Heuer Autavia 73463 on Radstock Racing Style Genuine Leather Watch Strap. Credit: WatchGecko.
If you’re looking to play into the Heuer Autavia’s racing heritage, the Radstock Leather Racing strap is an affordable, yet high quality strap choice. Vintage style and meticulously handmade at a workshop in Valencia, Spain, the Radstock Racing straps are delicately hand-painted with coloured stains and wax to achieve a totally authentic look.
Breathable, practical, and comfortable to wear, the Radstock Racing strap comes without padding for a sleek and vintage aesthetic and has a punched pattern of perforations which are inspired by iconic racing car components.
Best Luxury Leather Strap
Boutsen Cavallo Racing Handmade Leather Watch Strap
1970’s Heuer Autavia 73463 on Boutsen Cavallo Racing Handmade Leather Watch Strap. Credit: WatchGecko.
For a touch of luxury, our Boutsen Cavallo Handmade straps are handmade from vegetable tanned horse leather to offer premium quality and a beautiful, supple grain that feels generously comfortable on the wrist. Hand-crafted at a family-run workshop in Belgium, the Boutsen Leather straps maintain an iconic rally racing design that feels just as unique and timeless as the Heuer Autavia. Finished with a hand-painted colour stain to match the leather, each strap has a well-aged looking patina for an authentic retro finish.
Available in a variety of lug widths to suit popular vintage timepieces, such as the Autavia, our Boutsen Cavallo Leather straps are durable and made to ensure quality that lasts for years to come.
