39mm. Diameter
In the autumn of 1961 Jack Heuer, alongside his production team, decided to create the Autavia (the name coming from a combination of the words Automobile and Aviation) as their first named chronograph series. Prior to that point they had not made a chronograph wristwatch with a turning bezel and the Autavia would have this new feature on both models (round and tonneau cases) with a choice of division markers. Two types of bezels were available, one with 60 separate one-minute divisions and another with a 12-hour division.
The first Heuer advertising brochure from 1962 shows both the reference 2446 and the reference 3646 under the title "New AUTAVIA Chronographs for pilots, sportsmen, divers and scientists'; showing that Heuer was promoting the collection across all spectrums and trying to appeal to all markets. A wonderful quote from the brochure states, "Guaranteed to function perfectly at altitudes up to 35, 000 feet or depths of 330 feet underwater': This attitude of making robust tool watches, which were fit for many purposes, was to become the building blacks of the Heuer range.
The current demand for the early Autavias has never been stronger and collectors are realizing how rare examples like this present first execution watch are in comparison to other great chronographs from the same era which share the same Valjoux 72 movement.
According to our research, the first batch of reference 2446 with full lumes hands are known with serial number starting from circa 49’169 to 49’429 .
The present watch, for the first time offered to the public, bears a movement number 49’298 making it one of the last Autavia with full lumes produced known.
Over the past 10 years, only a handful has appeared on the international auction market. The offered lot is not only the 1st execution example in remarkable condition, it is also the first Autavia with full lumes ever offered in a Phillips auction room.
This timepiece with its vivid modern looks and powerful design proudly embodies the genetic template of the Autavia. It is featured prominently in the Heuer Autavia Chronographs 1962-85 book by Richard Crosthwaite & Paul Gavin. We would like to thank Dash.com for the precious information and details.