HeuerAutavia

KEY FACTS

●     A sought-after reference from Heuer’s golden age of crafting automotive and aviation-inspired watches

●     Known by collectors as the "Autavia Rindt” as it was worn by the Formula 1 world champion Jochen Rind

●     Offered by a private collector as a watch-only lot

●     The vendor advises the watch is keeping time and the chronograph is functioning correctly, having been overhauled by the renowned vintage Heuer specialist Abel Court four years ago and has worn sparingly since 

FUNCTIONS

●     Hours, minutes, small seconds and 12-hour chronograph

●     Bi-directional bezel with a 12-hour scale

●     Powered by the venerable Valjoux 72

●     Manually wound with a 42-hour power reserve

SUMMARY

Taking its name from a combination of its target markets (“automotive and aviation”), the Autavia was unveiled in 1962 as the first new model created under the guidance of the company’s then-new CEO, Jack Heuer. The Autavia was an instant and consistent success right up until the mid-1980s when the curtain came down on the brand. Before the line was revamped in the 70s with more colourful designs, these early references were renowned for their handsome utilitarian aesthetic which has proven to be timeless. This example features a ‘reverse panda’ dial with a 12-hour rotating bezel and is complemented by a sharp angular case. The tritium luminous material in the hands and hour markers has faded to a characterful patina. As a coveted model reference, the 2446H was associated with Formula 1 champion Jochen Rindt, who was documented wearing this specific reference in numerous photographs throughout his career.

All watches offered for sale are searched and cleared against The Watch Register database and a certificate is available to the winning bidder upon request.

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