Heuer
1968 Heuer Autavia (Ref. 2446C) Mk.1
The Heuer Autavia came into production in 1933 as a dashboard timer for automotive racing and flying, where the Autavia name is derived, Auto and Aviation. The Autavia was then later introduced in 1962 (The same year Jo Siffert entered Formula One) as the wristwatch we know today, and soon became the flagship for the entire Brand.
The Heuer Autavia ref. 2446C is the second generation of the Autavia wristwatch that features a 40mm EPSA designed case, the same designer as the Super-Compressor dive watches of the 60s. The very first executions of the compressor-style 2446's from 1968 featured a white chronograph hand, a small teeth notched bezel with either a minutes/hours or a tachymetre bezel insert. The Autavia ref. 2446c and was also produced as a GMT chronograph that featured a slightly different dial design and a "Pepsi" 24hr bezel. The Heuer Autavia ref. 2446C sports the famous Valjoux 72 chronograph movement and featured either a matte black or matte white dial.
| Stock # | HURAUT2446MH | |
| Brand | Heuer | |
| Style | Autavia | |
| Model | 2446C | |
| Serial | 11XXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Matte Black W/ White Sub-Dials | |
| Millimeters | 40 | |
| Strap | Original Heuer "Gay Freres" Beads of Rice Bracelet W/ HLB End Pieces |
CASE & BRACELET
The previously lightly polished case shows very little signs of use and retains strong lugs that visibly retain their characteristic lug chamfers. The original rotating minutes/hours bezel is in exceptional, lightly used condition and remains deep black in coloration. The case retains its original pump pushers and "Heuer" signed crown. The factory engravings on the case back are faint but still visible, which is very common for this reference. The watch comes on an original and extremely rare 1968 Heuer signed Gay Freres "beads of rice" bracelet with original HLB end pieces, the bracelet retains 16 links that show minimal stretch and will fit up to a 7 1/4 inch wrist.
DIAL & HANDS
The stunning matte black "reverse panda" dial with white sub-dials is in truly remarkable condition and shows no visible signs of aging or imperfections to the dial itself. The sub-dials remain bright white in coloration, showing no discoloration or signs of aging. The tritium markers have taken on an excellent creamy yellow coloration, under U.V. light inspection the 3 o'clock marker is degraded, and the rest of the lume plots remain fully intact. The original hands match the dial nicely, under U.V. light inspection the original lume is present but has been professionally stabilized with tritium.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch was recently serviced by a CMW21 and is keeping excellent time and functioning perfectly, back by a 1-year warranty of accurate timekeeping.