HeuerAutavia

The name Heuer has long been synonymous with motor racing’s most prestigious contests including Formula 1, Indy 500 and Daytona 500. Mario Andretti’s rich racing career gave him victories in each of the above disciplines and many more besides. He was often presented with a winners watch to celebrate and proudly wore them even when racing. Although the Autavia ‘Andretti’ was not actually named after him, the legions of Heuer fans coined the nickname in honour of the heroic driver.

The Autavia, aimed at automotive and aviation enthusiasts, was the first watch Jack Heuer brought to market as the new company CEO in 1962. The watch contains the manually wound Valjoux 92 calibre. This calibre was the only one used in the Autavia series with two sub registers for the chronograph all other calibres had 3 sub dials.

This iteration of the Autavia ‘Andretti’ reference 3646 was introduced in 1968 and has a well-proportioned 39mm case in stainless steel. The 12 hour bi-directional bezel is clear and legible.

The serial number can clearly be seen at the base of the case between the lugs, indicating that this is from the early run of cases. The outer part of the screw in steel back has some light and superficial scratches but shows its original Heuer engravings on the outside.

Both chronograph pushers are in good condition as is the knurled steel crown which sports a large Heuer logo.

Under the plexiglass, the matte black baton dial is in excellent condition, beautifully balanced by two silver chronograph register dials offering 45-minute timing capability. Polished silver hands and indices appear original, alongside the tritium lume spots.

The chronograph movement is a highly reliable Valjoux 92 calibre which was designed specifically to work with a 2-dial register. This manual wind movement is signed Heuer-Leonidas SA. This rare and highly sought after piece is offered on a black perforated leather racing strap with polished original steel Heuer buckle.

The watch is presented in excellent condition, with working movement. The case is in excellent condition with some light scratches due to general use. The perforated leather strap with Heuer buckle is in excellent condition.

This watch was originally purchased by an American soldier in 1968 whilst stationed at Hahn Air Base in Germany. This was a frontline NATO facility utilised during The Cold War.

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