Heuer Autavia GMT ref. 11630, 'MK1'

Dealer description — Oliver & Clarke

While the Carrera gets all the attention, the Heuer Autavia is actually the ‘OG’ Heuer. A combination of ‘Automotive’ and ‘Aviation’ - the Autavia line originally started as dash mounted rally timers made for motorsport and aviation applications. It was not until the early 1960s that first Autavia wrist chronographs came around. The first generation Autvaia, the Reference 2446, utilized screw-back cases and the venerable Valjoux 72 manual-winding movements, while the second generation case with used a snap-back case or ‘Compressor’ Case - hence the model shift to 2446C. This watch, however, is a third generation ‘cushion case’ Autavia, which was the first to get Heuer’s Cal 11 automatic winding chronograph movement. When you think of an Autavia, theres a good chance that this is what comes to mind. Dating to the early 1970s, this GMT Ref. 11630 is offered in fantastic overall condition. The case has seemingly been very, very lightly previously polished, perhaps on the profiles only, retaining clear and defined finishing throughout with just light signs of wear. It retains its correct 'fluted' pushers, signed crown at the 9 o'clock position, as well as the correct bezel assembly with a red/blue aluminum 24-hr insert. Inside, the matte black dial features white and white subsidiary registers, both of which are garnished with just the right amount of red accents. The red-painted handset tied everything together beautifully, with a vibrant GMT hand that stands out for quick legibility. Powering this piece is a modified variant of the legendary Calibre 12 automatic-winding chronograph movement with a date at the 6 o'clock position: the Cal. 14. This piece comes fitted to a signed black leather strap and signed steel buckle, both replacements, as well as papers. While not an outright rare Reference, excellent, well rounded examples like the one that we have here don't surface on the market everyday.