Heuer

• Valjoux cal. 72 manual winding lever movement, 17 jewels • matte black dial, applied stainless steel faceted baton indexes with luminescent dots, luminescent baton hands, engine turned subsidiary dials for constant seconds, 30 minute, and 12 hour registers, outer minute and 1/5 second divisions • stainless steel case, revolving bezel calibrated for 12 units, chronograph pushers to band, solid snap on case back • case, dial, and movement signed • with a stainless steel Heuer buckle

CASE: Case in fair vintage condition with wear, scuffing, nicks, and scratches consistent with age and use. Left side case band with wear, scuffing, and small nicks throughout. A horizontal scratch to the upper lug band. All lugs with small scratches, indentations and nicks. Area between lugs with nicks throughout. Stamped reference and serial number still visible. Case back with heavier wear, and scuffing throughout. Some light surface scuffs and scratches. Heuer logo and text apparent, but is very worn. Heuer logo to crown also with heavy wear. Bezel with wear, scuffing, small dents to the band, and some color losses to the black face throughout. DIAL: Dial is beautifully aged with warm subsidiary dials. Heavy oxidation to the luminescent markers. Oxidation and some loss to the luminescence within the hands. Debris and light surface wear throughout. MOVEMENT: Chronograph function working properly. Movement in good condition. Gasket with some wear and stretch. The movement is running at time of cataloging, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. ***Please be advised that the bands on this watch are made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) and thus not sold with the watch, they are for display purposes only. We will remove these bands prior to international shipping.***
"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."

The Autavia chronograph is one of many firsts for Heuer: the first chronograph to have a model name, the first chronograph to incorporate a revolving bezel, and the first wristwatch designed by Jack Heuer at only 30 years of age. The Autavia was creatively named for its target markets AUTOmotive, and AVIAtion, and unveiled in 1962 with great success.  The Heuer reference 2446C is particularly special within the development of the Autavia line for its limited production (1968-1971), transitional dial and case configuration. The reference was aptly named for its updated case developed by E. Piquerez SA. The C applied to the reference 2446C, represents the compressor design back which allowed the case back to tighten as the watch is subjected to water pressure. A rubber gasket is fitted within a narrow stainless steel channel for water sealing. 

The Autavia chronograph is equipped with a Valjoux 72 movement, one of the most celebrated manual-winding chronograph movements to date. Identical to the movements of Rolex Daytona models of the 1960s, it is no surprise that the Heuer Autavia has gained significant interest in recent years.