HEUER | 'BIG REGISTER' FIRST EXECUTION AUTAVIA, REF 2446STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCHCIRCA 1962

Dial: black Calibre: cal. 72 manual winding, 17 jewelsMovement number: 456'530Case: stainless steel, screw-down backCase number: 49'215Dimensions: 39mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: none

MVT: running at the time of cataloguing. Chronograph functioning. CASE: In original and crisp condition. With nice facets to the lugs. With wear throughout. Band and case back with scuffs and dings. The bezel with loss of black on insert and scratches throughout. Text to the case back faded with use but is still crisp and can be seen without a loupe. DIAL: signs of age and wear. The lume plots have blackened, as have the hands. Discolouration and marks to the subsidiary dials. The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Apart from Motorsport and immense style, there is one thing that connects the likes of Steve McQueen, Gilles Villeneuve, Jochen Rindt and Derek Bell: The Heuer Autavia. First produced in 1962 the Autavia, a fusion of ‘Automotive’ and ‘Aviation’, was the first chronograph wristwatch Heuer produced that bore a model name on the dial. The present lot represents the earliest execution of the reference 2446 and is set apart from its successors by several elements. The dial is striking, aptly named ‘Big Register’, and the luminous hands are entirely coated, unlike the later executions whereby the lume was inserted. The watch is also powered by the Valjoux 72, the same engine that fuelled the manual winding Rolex Daytona.  This gives the watch a slightly deeper profile than its sister reference 3646 utilising the slimmer Valjoux 92. 

Another key feature, though not specific to this reference, is the rotating bezel. The 2446 was produced with two types of bezel one calibrated for 12 hours and the other calibrated for 60 minutes, as with the lot here. In their advertisements Heuer praised the bezel as ‘the most useful feature of the new Autavia’ and listed the benefits to Scientists, Divers and Pilots –

‘Pilots set known timemarkers in advance e.g. approach time before landing, acceleration-time before take-off, estimates time of arrival etc.

Skindivers, Sportsmen and Scientists can preset any known timemark such as diving time, oxygen supply etc.’  

The present lot is offered at auction in honest condition. The watch, ultimately a tool, shows signs of wear consistent with its purpose.  The watch retains its presence however, and is further elevated as its age shows amounting huge character overall.  Interestingly this watch numbered 49215 between the lugs actually shares this number with an identical reference 2446.  This, while very unusual, is most likely a very honest error by Heuer at the time of production.  Indeed other pieces are known which share a case number and the manufacturing processes in the 1960s, such as they were, may easily account for this mistake. It is however of no detriment and, if anything, provides the watch with greater charm.