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 produced in the late 1960s and has a well-proportioned 39mm case in stainless steel. The 60-minute bi-directional bezel is clear and legible.

The serial number can 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 marks 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, clear Heuer logo.

Under the plexiglass, the matte black, 2^nd Generation baton dial is in excellent condition with even patina across the lume pips and beautifully balanced by two silver, chronograph register dials offering 45-minute timing capability. Polished, lume filled 2^nd Generation silver, (dauphine or ‘Alpha’) hands and indices appear original, alongside the tritium lume spots. The 2^nd execution dial finished its production in 1968 making this rare example, one of the last produced.

This manual wind movement is signed Heuer-Leonidas SA. This rare and highly sought-after piece is offered on a black leather strap with polished, signed Heuer silver buckle.

The watch is presented in excellent condition, with working movement. The case and case back are presented in very good condition with some wear commensurate with age and authenticity due to general use. The leather strap is in excellent condition with signed Heuer buckle.

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