Manufacturer: Heuer Year: Circa 1966 Reference No: 2446 Case No: 59'525 Model Name: Autavia Material: Stainless Steel Calibre: Manual, cal. Valjoux 72, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Heuer pin buckle Dimensions: 39mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Heuer fitted box signed by Jack Heuer
Catalogue Essay
There are many very subtle design differences between the chronograph wristwatches within the Autavia reference 2446 models that aren't always immediately obvious. This can be explained by the fact that Heuer's designs were intuitive and dependent on each particular task the watch was to perform. After immersing himself in the racing circuit, Jack Heuer produced the tachymeter bezels for the postulant racing drivers; recognizing the surge in luxury travellers he added minutes and hours bezels for aspirational aircraft pilots.
The second execution models saw several notable design changes, specifically to the dial, such as smaller baton hour markers with outer lume dots applied directly to the dial and smaller sub registers leading collectors to believe that it is the best looking iteration of the Autavia bar none. The case remained nevertheless unchanged from the first execution and was still offered with the rare bezel with luminous arrow, such as the one on this example.
The present example is distinguished by the remarkable state of preservation. Most notably, the dial presents intact graphics and has aged with a charming ivory patina to the subsidiary dials. The luminous material is now of a camel hue and the bezel has faded to an off-black tonaility. All these element work together amplifying the vintage appeal of the watch and are testament to its superior condition.
This iconic chronograph manufacturer has a long tradition of precision timekeeping. As early as 1882, founder Edouard Heuer held a patent for a chronograph watch; in 1887, he received a patent for an oscillating pinion, which is still in use today. These specialized timepieces have been at the heart of the firm's success, enabling the brand to be chosen as early timekeepers for the Olympics. In 1969, the company introduced their first automatic chronograph watch, the Monaco Heuer, which celebrated the Monaco Grand Prix. Other key chronograph models include the Autavia and the Carrera, all of which having become iconic models of the firm.
