Heuer Autavia 3646 'Second Execution', 1960s

Dealer description — S.Song Watches

The Heuer Autavia really needs no introduction. What was once seen as a cheap sports chronograph has, in the last 18 months become one of the hottest and most in-demand vintage watch in the market. The Autavia was released in 1962 under the new management of Jack Heuer, where the name was an amalgamation of the words ‘Automotive’ and ‘Aviation’. This was the first line that Jack Heuer released, even before the famed Carrera line, placing significance on the Autavia as the model that marked a new chapter for Heuer. In fact, we’ve seen the Heuer brand go from strength to strength, with the most recent event being the thematic ‘Heuer Parade’ auction held by Phillips in Geneva. Fresh off the sale, Heuers, in general, have entered a new era where collectors that are usually more inclined towards Daytonas and Pateks are turning their attention to the Heuer name as a legitimate blue-chip brand. This listing features an extremely rare, early variation of the Autavia and it is known to collectors as the Ref. 3646 ‘Second Execution’. In general, the earlier the Autavia, the rarer and more desirable it is. A few of the distinguishing factors of this Autavia include the style of the dial with the alternating hash marks and dauphine hands. On top of this, the watch is housed in a screw back case with long bevelled lugs as supposed to the later, more common compressor cases. This example is a later version of the ‘Second Execution’ series, denoted by the ’T’ on the dial, indicating that by then, Heuer had transitioned from radium to tritium for their luminous material. The Ref. 3646 Second Execution is a very attractive watch, with its classic reverse panda layout and elongated, bevelled lugs. A very easy watch to wear, it really does define the 60’s both in its styling and motorsport heritage.