Introduction
Launched in 1962 as their first wrist-mounted chronograph with a turning bezel, the Heuer Autavia is one 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.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Spare parts from repair
Est. value range
$8,000 – $12,000
The Details
Brand
Heuer
Dimensions
40.5m x 14mm
Model
Autavia GMT
Movement
Manual-winding Valjoux cal. 72C
Reference
2446C
Bracelet
Stainless Steel Beads of Rice bracelet
Year
Circa 1969
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch and spare parts from service
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Boasting a large black reverse panda dial with a trio of white sunken subdial with concentric finishing and orange accents through its GMT hand and minute markers, the Autavia GMT's display is clearly designed with legibility at the top of mind.
THE BEZEL
With its beautiful faded "Pepsi" bezel, this example's light red and blue accents really pop against the dark black dial that they surround, and the stainless steel construction that they sit within.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
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.
Condition
The watch is in overall excellent condition. The steel case is well defined, with some scratches and light nicks as expected of a watch of this vintage. The steel bezel is also well defined, and the blue and red 24-hour insert has naturally faded with some very light marks. The original HEUER-signed crown is present. The matte black dial shows some light surface marks, and the hands have some light scratches. The watch is fitted with a Heuer-signed Gay Frères steel bracelet with surface scuffs and light play between the links. The bracelet has 18 links and fits an approximately 7 1/2” wrist. Comes with a spare pushers and some parts.
Our Perspective
An interesting variant of one of Heuer's most iconic tool watches, the Autavia GMT stands at the junction between the utilitarian tool watch that can do it all and a rugged functional everyday timepiece.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
