HEUER | 'BIG REGISTER' AUTAVIA, REF 2446 STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH FIRST EXECUTION DIAL CIRCA 1962

Apart from motor sport 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 considered a 'first execution' one, accompanied by second execution hands with stainless steel edges around the luminous material. 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 bezels, one calibrated for 12 hours such as the one here, and another one calibrated for 60 minutes. 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. For example, pilots set known time markers in advance such as approach time before landing, acceleration-time before take-off, or estimated times of arrival while skin divers, sportsmen and Scientists can preset any known time marks such as diving time, oxygen supply or the timing of races.  

The present lot is offered at auction in honest condition and the watch, ultimately a tool, shows signs of wear consistent with its purpose while retaining its presence and attractiveness nonetheless.