Heuer. A Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch
Model: Autavia
Ref: 2446C
Circa: 1968
Valjoux cal. 72 mechanical movement, 17 jewels, black matte dial, applied baton numerals with luminous accents, luminous matchstick hands, outer minute divisions, three silvered engine-turned subsidiary dials for 12 hour and 30 minute registers and constant seconds, faded black bezel calibrated for 12 hours and 60 minutes, two round chronograph buttons in the band, snap back, case, dial, and movement signed
40mm.
More about Heuer:
In 1962 Heuer launched the Autavia chronograph, designed for automotive and aviation events. Produced for more than twenty years, the model went through a number of versions, including transitioning from a manual-wind movement to an automatic movement in 1969. This wide range of styles is part of what makes Heuer so appealing to watch collectors – there is an Autavia for everyone.
The Autavia was available in a variety of dial, bezel, and case combinations – the present example is part of the series produced with a compressor, or snap-back, case. The Compressor cases were only produced for a few years, from 1968 through 1971, and were divided into three references: the 2446C, the 7763C, and the 7863C. Of these references, the 2446C was the only one with three subsidiary dials – the 7763C and 7863C featured two subsidiary dials, and the 7863C also had a date window. All of the C references featured either a tachometer bezel or a minutes and hours bezel.
The present 2446C features a bezel with minutes and hours, and has faded to a gray color, a shade that compliments the matte black dial and light taupe color of the luminous material. With a Valjoux cal. 72 movement, recognized as one of the finest vintage chronograph movements, the present watch is a excellent example of a Heuer chronograph that has lived a rich history while maintaining all of its original character.