Heuer Autavia 2446C
Launched in 1962 as their first wrist-mounted chronograph with a turning bezel, the Heuer Autavia is one of the most iconic watches in automotive history. Named after a dash counter that Heuer offered for cars, boats and planes - the word Autavia is created by combining “AUTomobile” and “AVIAtion”. With its iconic panda dial, luminescent hour markers, 100m water resistance, and robust case design, the Autavia was truly a versatile watch that succeeded in fulfilling Heuer’s simple ethos of being a legible chronograph. Moreover, thanks to its aforementioned features, the Autavia could be used by pilots just as well as divers and drivers alike. Due to its commercial success and immense popularity in the early 60s, Heuer released the 2nd generation of the Autavia, which they did in 1968 with the ref. 2446, as pictured here. This gave the Autavia a revamped look in the form of squared lugs and a larger bezel. Kept in Heuer’s catalogue until 1986, the Autavia was a hugely successful watch that truly was one of the early champions in the chronograph arena. Featuring a reverse panda-style dial, the ref. 2446C's dial is similar to the layout and design on the Cup-winning "Rindt" reference worn by famed F1 driver Karl Jochen Rindt. Named the ref. 2446C, this example's secret lies in the "C" which stands for "compressor." This is a reference to its compressor case, a design that utilises surrounding water pressure to tighten the caseback onto the case and increase water resistance. This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
