Horological Meandering

A Meeting of minds - Heuer and Breitling

 

Last week I had the pleasure of unexpectedly attending the Heuer dinner and meeting some fantastic collectors, many who had flown in from around the world to attend the dinner and the subsequent Haslinger sale at Bonhams.

Prior to the dinner I was able to spend a marvelous afternoon with a few collectors who I had known only through emails. While they do not post here, Noodia, Rafiki and Passion66 are passionate collectors who have already shared many pictures of the event on other forums. While I am not Heuer collector, I am a Breitling enthusiast and pretty soon the two companies were sharing a table together (and a JLC for good measure)






Breitling and Heuers relationship has been intertwined since the Thirties, sometime rivals and sometime collaborators (who worked together on the creation of the first automatic chronograph movement), they are both historic brands who have created many iconic models and been at the technological forefront of watch design for decades.

But enough chat, time for the serious stuff.

 

The Breitlings are all Superoceans, spanning from 1958 to 1972.

Delicious "chocolate" dial Autavia
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Being a complete Heuer novice, Noodia was kind enough to supply a guide to them.

I was very taken with Autavia GMT, up close these watches have a great presence and feel. They wear beautifully and are imbued with their motor racing heritage.

After this Amuse-bouche we headed down to Bonhams for a preview of the sale. Thanks to Noodia and Rafiki for allowing me to post their pictures.

After the viewing I was unexpectedly and very kindly invited along to the dinner afterwards. I'd like to thank the generous and friendly organisers (Paul Gavin and others) who extended a warm  welcome to me. It was a brilliant atmosphere with Arno Haslinger and Paul Maudsley of Bonhams in attendence.

Of course more watches came out. Here is Noodia's amazing selection.

Naturally I couldn't attend such a historic meeting of Heuer collectors without wearing one myself. A very good friend was kind enough to lend me a rare and early waterproof cased Heuer circa 1940's. It's the one on the bottom, while he wore the other one in the picture.

Thanks again to everyone who was so friendly and the wonderful and exciting atmosphere of the day.

This message has been edited by Ubik on 2010-12-19 08:01:51 This message has been edited by Ubik on 2010-12-19 08:06:37

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