Heuer Autavia 2446C

Many of the best drivers of the golden age of motorsports --the 1960s and 1970s-- strapped a Heuer timepiece to their wrists. And of all of them, it is perhaps the Autavia that is the most iconic of them all. Heuer first applied the name "Autavia" (a portmanteau of "automotive" and "aviation," signifying its intended use in both automobiles and aircraft) to dashboard clocks in cars and airplanes. But it's with the wrist-worn chronographs intended for use in motorsports that the name "Autavia" is best associated. 

The earliest Autavias wrist chronographs were introduced in the mid-1960s and housed manually-wound chronograph movements. These early models had screw-down case backs, unusual for racing chronographs of the period. These were followed up by snap-back compressor cases for improved water resistance. In 1969, Heuer shifted to the larger, cushion-style cases that are most often associated with the model, primarily to accommodate the new Calibre 11 automatic movements. 

This Autavia 2446C features the larger compression case snap-back case, fitted with a rotating bezel. The 40mm case is thin for its size, and the downwardly-angled lugs hug the wrist, making it great to to wear, and arguably the most comfortable of the three primary case styles. Its triple-register inverse panda dial is probably the most popular color way and configuration in the chronograph market, and this particualr example is supremely clean, with crisp printing, beautifully faded lume, and crisp white subsidiary register devoid of the discoloration and wear commonly seen on these models. It also comes fitted with a MH (Minutes/Hours) bezel insert, early barrel pushers, and a signed crown.

Internally, the 2446C is powered by the Valjoux 72 manually winding chronograph movement, also found in the Rolex Daytona and Universal Geneve Nina Rindt.  The Valjoux 72 is generally regarded as one of the best chronograph units ever made, a further indication of the incredible quality that Heuer brought to market at the time. With its case profile, superlative movement and attractive dial, this generation of Autavia is about as perfect a vintage chronograph as you can get, and this example doesn't disappoint on any level.  While values languished for many years, a recent surge in appreciation for the model is both a testament to the endurance of its design as well as its impeccable racing heritage. 

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Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

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Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

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Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.