Manufacturer: Heuer Year: Circa 1966 Reference No: 2446 Case No: 59'915 Model Name: Autavia, 2nd Execution Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Mechanical, 72, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Black rubber strap Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Heuer buckle Dimensions: 39 mm. diameter Signed:Case, dial and movement signed Literature: For another example of a stainless steel 2nd execution reference 2446, please see Heuer Autavia Chronographs 1962-1998 by Richard Crosthwaite and Paul Gavin, pages 50 and 51.
Catalogue Essay
This Heuer Autavia is a reference 2446, 2nd execution. The watch differs from the 1st execution in that it has smaller registers, baton numerals applied to the dial and the lume plots applied directly to the dial. The hands are also different. The 2nd execution is also fitted with a luminous bezel. The present watch is fresh to the market and has been retained in very original and appealing 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.