Heuer Autavia, c. 1967

Dealer description — Analog/Shift

We've heard them referred to as "Heuer's Submariner" - not because they make for good diving watches (they don't), but because their design is just as timeless, and their functionality as a racing chronograph parallels that of the Rolex for timing dives. The name "Autavia" comes from a combination of two words: Automotive & Aviation. Heuer originally applied the moniker to dashboard clocks and instrumentation used in automobiles and aircraft, but recycled it in the 1960s and applied it to their line of professional racing chronographs for which the name is best known. Values for early Heuer chronographs (particularly manually-winding screw back Autavia models) are on the rise, and clean, original examples are getting hard to come by. This particular example is as honest as they come, featuring a strong, sharp case and a clean, even patina to the hands and markers. This particular example, a Reference 3646, is an early screw-back model and features a twin register Valjoux 92 chronograph movement. Dating from approximately 1967, this timepiece is a so-called "Second Execution" model with luminous hour plots and incredibly beautiful dauphine hands. It also features a very clean rotating outer 60-minute bezel - many are beat to hell, but this one is crisp and legible. With its tremendous looks, brilliant patina, and robust internals, it would be a tall order to find a vintage timepiece - any vintage timepiece - that is more perfectly suited for a vintage motorsports enthusiast.