Heuer Autavia GMT (Ref. 2446C) Mk. III, 1972

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

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 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. In addition to the standard Autavia chronograph, the 2446C was also produced as a GMT with the cal. 72C movement, and featured a classic “Pepsi” 24hr bezel and a slightly different dial design. The GMT line of Autavia’s carried on after the 2446C as well and into the more chunky Autavia designs of the 70s, all of which are desired and prized by collectors. Stock # HURAUT2446CGMT-3 Brand Heuer Style Autavia GMT Model 2446C Serial 19XXXX Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Matte Black, White Sub-Dials Millimeters 40 Strap Heuer Gay Freres "Beads of Rice" Bracelet W/ HLB End Pieces CASE & BRACELET The classic compression-style Autavia case has been lightly polished in the past and remains in excellent overall condition, retaining broad chamfers on the lugs and light signs of use throughout. The original "Pepsi" bezel insert features some fading and gentle wear. The case retains its original fluted pump pushers that are characteristic of the MK III GMT, and the Heuer signed crown remains original as well. The case back is unmarked from the factory which is also correct for the MK III 2446 GMT. The watch comes on its original and uber rare Heuer Gay Freres "Beads of Rice" bracelet which is stamped 3/72 and retains its original and also extremely rare HLB end pieces, the bracelet retains 18 links that show minimal stretch and will fit up to a 7 3/4-inch wrist. DIAL & HANDS The "reverse panda" matte black dial with white sub-dials is in beautiful vintage condition. The matte black portion of the dial has taken on an excellent micro-dot texture that is consistent throughout. The white sub-dials show some age, namely in the 3 o'clock sub-dial which exhibits slight browning in the color. The tritium lume plots have taken on a charming golden-yellow patina, under U.V. light inspection the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock lume plots remain intact but feature light degradation which is expected and the rest of the lume plots exhibit no degradation. The original tritium hands have aged to a darker pumpkin-orange color and display no degradation under U.V. light inspection. ACCESSORIES