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.

Watch is in very good condition overall. Dial is excellent, with matching tritium indexes. Some light abrasions are present in the subdials which can be seen under 10x magnification. Bracelet is an original Gay Freres bracelet that is dated 1967. It fits up to an 8" wrist.

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.