The Heuer Autavia really needs no introduction. What was once seen as a cheap sports chronograph has, in the last 18 months become one of the hottest and most in-demand vintage watch in the market.
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 as the model that marked a new chapter for Heuer.
In fact, we’ve seen the Heuer brand go from strength to strength, 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 example while still featuring a round case, is a later variant distinguished most easily but the switch from a screw back case in the earlier iterations to a compressor case. With thicker, blockier lugs, the Ref. 2446C has a more muscular presence as is reflective of the stylistic cues of the era.
Featuring a classic 3 subdial layout and powered by the trusty Valjoux 72 movement, alongside the Rolex Daytona and Omega Speedmaster, this is one of the most iconic manually wound chronographs of the 60’s.
This Heuer Autavia 2446C was part of the 'Heuer Globetrotter' exhibition where Tag Heuer celebrated their history by curating a selection of their finest pieces to display. It comes with a certificate confirming this.
