Famous for their highly-functional time-keeping equipment and racing chronographs – motorsport inspired watches are very-much in Heuer’s DNA. Part of their charm is their rarity, while boasting incredible pedigree and fantastic utilitarian aesthetics. The Heuer Audi sport has few rivals in that regard. A collaboration between two giants of motorsport in the early ‘80s, The Heuer Audi Sport is a celebration of their illustrious sporting partnership. 

Many Heuer references take inspiration from the brand’s motorsport heritage. The Autavia, Carrera, Daytona, Monaco and Silverstone, are all highly-collectable tributes to racing-circuits and events. Co-branded examples are far less common, with the Audi Sport (ref. 510.533) an exceptionally rare partnership between Heuer and a motorsport division or team. Less than 100 Heuer Audi Sport watches are known to exist, with production figures speculated to be in the 300-500 range; this example in particular, preserved in its original state and featuring the rarer of two dial configurations produced by Lemania, exhibited by the lack of half-hour increments on the 12 hour recording register. It also has its original, anodised link bracelet and folding clasp.

The Heuer Audi Sport was commissioned by Audi Sport U.K. VAG U.K. Ltd & David Sutton Motorsport Ltd and imported solely by UK Heuer importers, Prestons of Bolton. These watches were shipped to Audi dealerships, with a small stock retained and sold through Prestons of Bolton for approximately two months. It is believed that each of the Audi SWB team members received a Heuer Audi Sport watch, with notable owner and former world champion rally driver Hannu Mikkola further supporting the claim. 

This unpolished Audi Sport 510.533 has an anodized, tonneau-shaped stainless steel case with large chronograph pushers and original winding crown. The case measures 40 mm in diameter and is sharp and thick, retaining its definition. The snap on case back features, 'ALL STAINLESS STEEL - AUTOMATIC – SHOCK RESISTANT – WATER RESISTANT – SWISS MADE' on the outside. Similarly, the matte black, Audi Sport dial is in excellent condition, has white minute markers and tritium index markers for the hours. It features the classic white Heuer logo, while 'AUDI SPORT' is referenced next to the date aperture at three o’clock. A 'T SWISS T' marking is visible at six o'clock on the twelve-hour sub-register. On the outside, a raised 500 to 60 tachymeter scale is also displayed. 

This Heuer Audi Sport is powered by the 17 jewel Lemania Cal. 5100 automatic-winding movement, beating at a rate of 28’800A/h. Famed for its reliability and widespread use in military watches, its directly-driven chronograph mechanism was chosen for its ability to withstand intensive shocks and periods of rapid acceleration without stopping the chronograph seconds hand. The Cal. 5100 at the time of its production was the only calibre capable of meeting the military requirements of manufactures Fortis, Sinn, and Tutima. Interestingly, the movement for the Heuer Audi Sport was modified by Lemania to remove the 24 hour register at 12 o’clock, typically seen on other examples featuring a Cal. 5100. The day aperture was also removed in favour of the “Audi Sport” branding, making this configuration rather quite special.

Viewings can be arranged in Central London.