Heuer Autavia (Ref. 2446C) Mk. I Dial, 1968

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 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 2446s from 1968 featured a white chronograph hand, a small teeth-notched bezel with either a minutes/hours or a tachymeter bezel insert. The Autavia ref. 2446c and was also produced as a GMT chronograph that featured a slightly different dial design and a "Pepsi" 24-hour bezel. The Heuer Autavia ref. 2446C sports the famous Valjoux 72 chronograph movement and featured either a matte black or matte white dial. SPECS Stock # HURAUT2446MH-3 Brand Heuer Style Autavia Model 2446C Serial 13XXXX Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Matte Black W/ Silver Sub-Dials Millimeters 40 Strap Original Heuer "Gay Freres" Beads of Rice Bracelet W/ HLB End Pieces CASE & BRACELET The impressive case retains strong factory dimensions and prominent chamfers around the broad lugs, the case exhibits nominal evidence of being previously polished and honest signs of gentle use. The original rotating minutes/hours bezel is in remarkably well-preserved condition, exhibiting almost no wear while remaining deep black in color. The case retains its original pump pushers and "Heuer" signed crown. The factory engravings on the case back remain crisp, which is uncommon for the reference as it's typical for them to fade from wear, and some tool marks are present. 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 18 links that show minimal stretch and will fit up to an 8-inch wrist. DIAL & HANDS The original matte black "reverse panda" dial with silver sub-dials is in exceptional, near-perfect, vintage condition showing no damage or imperfections. The silver sub-dials feature a warm silver coloration and display no damage and only nominal elements of age. The tritium lume features no degradation when inspected under UV light and has achieved a gorgeous golden-yellow patina. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly with no degradation present under UV light inspection. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is functioning perfectly and keeping time, previous service history is unknown. A movement service can be provided upon request.