HEUER Autavia GMT, Ref. 2446-C, Second Execution Mark 2, case no. 129980, circa 1969
HEUER
Autavia GMT, Ref. 2446-C, Second Execution Mark 2, case no. 129980, circa 1969
A very fine and very attractive, early, water-resistant, tonneau-shaped, stainless steel, hand wound, dual time chronograph wristwatch with two-tone dial, matte black with silvered registers, luminous hands, 12-hour and 30-minute registers, bi-directional 24-hour blue and red steel bezel, stainless steel Gay Freres bracelet with deployant clasp engraved 4.67.
Fitted with a caliber Valjoux 724, manual winding, column-wheel chronograph mechanism, 17 jewels, shock-absorbers. Compressor type construction with snap on case back, round chronograph pushers, hesalite crystal.
Dial, case and movement signed.
Diam. 40.50 mm. Thickness 14.10 mm. Approx. overall length for bracelet 190 mm.
The present watch is a very pleasing example of the Autavia GMT featuring a modified Valjoux 72 movement as well as charismatic red and blue “Pepsi” bezel, also found on the Rolex GMT-Master ¬(see lot 58).
The present watch is a Mark 2, second execution reference 2446 C GMT, featuring a white chronograph hand, smooth round pushers, stepped and larger registers. Early models were set with screw-back cases, shortly later in 1969 fitted with snap-back compressor cases made by E. Piquerez SA (EPSA), such as the present watch. With its second time zone feature, this Autavia GMT is a superb tool watch with outstanding proportions and aesthetics. With case number 129.980, the present watch belongs perfectly to the second execution of the model, ranging from 129.XXX and 131.XXX.
It also includes the rare original Gay Frères bracelet that enhances the aesthetic appeal and elegance of the watch.
