For those unfamiliar, Mike ‘Mike the Bike’ Hailwood is a motorcycle racing legend, having earned himself a whopping nine grand prix world championships. As such, his name is certain to go down in the annals of history as one of the best motorsports athletes of all time. And this watch you see before you, an 18k gold Heuer Carrera 1158 Chronograph, was gifted to Hailwood personally by none other than former Heuer chairman, Jack Heuer.
Even without the attached story, this watch would be a functional piece of art worthy of making its way into a museum. It boasts an automatic movement, black-on-gold chronograph dial, tachymeter bezel, and a beautifully-worn premium brown leather strap. But it’s also been personalized with a custom engraving that reads “To Mike Hailwood for a successful 1973 Jack Heuer.” Originally valued at around $13,000-$20,000, the auction of this magnificent and historical racing timepiece shattered Bonhams’ estimates — selling for a whopping $72,622.
