What makes an Orange Boy? Whilst it is true that the name does reference the orange accents on the dial hour markers, sub register and hands, it applies only to the two contrasting dials. The two watches pictured below are the only real Orange Boys, being the black with white subs and white with black subs Autavia 1163 models. 

Now we have that out of the way, let's talk a little more specifically about this pair of 1970s chronographs. They came to market in the early 1970s and ran for a year or two, although due to the large quantity of dial variations Heuer threw at the market, they remain thin on the ground. They went through two variations, featuring the same dial but with two hour and minute hand executions. The first featuring the same "stripe" style of hands seen on the later execution Heuer Autavia "Siffert", but with orange in stead of a blue stripe. The later hand version features hands with the outer edge being orange, of which less are observed. The Orange Boy utilises the 1163 Autavia case featuring the sharp edged step plexi glass, fitted with the Tachymeter or MH bezels attached, and are normally powered by the Calibre 12 movement (occasionally a Cal 11i).

Serial ranges are not easy to be definitive on due to the mix of dials on the 1970s series, and the fact that many dials have been added later to upgrade 1163V and MH Autavias. During my research over the years, and contrary to popular belief, it does appear that Heuer often used batches of serials for certain dials (for example the 1163GMTs executions conform to batches as do the entire 1960s Autavia range), and the majority of Orange Boys appear in the 241xxx and 243xxx range and that is where I'd be most comfortable attributing this reference to. However my database also shows serials between 223xxx and 247xxx and as late as 260xxx, so some tolerance should always be allowed. I have also noted some Orange Boys with serials in the 204xxx range, however I think there is some doubt as to whether the Orange Boy was released at this early point, with serials that are lower than the 1st execution 1163GMT.

Rarity wise, I have noted fewer than 90 Autavia Orange Boys in total to date, to include both dial colours, with about 65% being the black variant. I would suggest production would have been fewer than 600 for the black Orange boy and perhaps half of that for the white version. So whilst not the very rarest of Heuers, they are not that easy to find either, especially in the best of conditions to satisfy a top collector. Value wise in the current market, prices range from around £6000 for an entry level black dial example to perhaps £15000 head only for the very best, of the rarer white dial, which has a premium of roughly 25% above the black dial.

To read more about the vintage Heuer Autavia chronographs click on the link below to preview the Heuer Autavia 1962-85 book, which is filled with beautiful photographs and important collector info.