Jonny:

I have also spent some time today, pondering this situation . . . we won't cry over the lost dial; maybe some day you will find it; but let's assume that you won't.

My suggestion -- think of the watch case and other remaining elements as the keepsake of your inheritance from your father, and replace the dial with a genuine Autavia dial, either a Viceroy or some other dial from a 1163 Autavia. True, it will not look like the Siffert, but all parts will be authentic, and you won't have a refinished dial poke you in the eye, every time you look at it.

Some people can be happy with a refinished dial. Other folks, like me, have a real aversion to them. Perhaps you can be happy with the "custom" Autavia, with the dial from a parts bin, and some day you will get lucky to find the proper dial.

Jeff

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

: Hi Jonny - I have followed your sad story and the loss of the
: original dial. Further bad news is that finding a genuine
: replacement will take either a huge gesture of goodwill from
: someone lucky enough to have a spare or remarkable luck either
: finding your lost dial or another one out there wherever there
: might be. There was a time when the odd dial would pop up for
: sale but as prices have skyrocketed so too has this opportunity
: dried up. Your best option is to find a suitable 1163 dial
: (Viceroy) which are available and a someone who can refinish the
: dial to match the original. By going down this road the hour
: markers and date frame will be correct. Let us know how you get
: on.
: regards
: Paul
: www.heuerworld.com