The Heuer Autavia really needs no introduction. What was once seen as a cheap sports chronograph has, become a bonafide collectable vintage piece with a huge following.
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 marking a new chapter in the Heuer name.
In fact, we’ve seen the Heuer brand go from strength to straight, 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. 2446 ‘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 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.
The Ref. 2446 Second Execution is a very attractive watch, with its classic reverse panda layout and elongated, bevelled lugs. Furthermore, with a strong racing heritage that can rival both Rolex and Omega, it really is a quintessential 60’s sport watch.
