Beschreibung:

Heuer Follow Ref. 2446M A fine and rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with reverse panda dial with creamy subsidiary registers and minute bezel. Circa 1963 39mm. Diameter Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
Manufacturer: Heuer Year: Circa 1963 Reference No: 2446M Case No: 52'882 Model Name: Autavia '2nd execution' Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. Valjoux 72, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Heuer 'sun' buckle Dimensions: 39mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Literature: Similar watches are illustrated in "Heuer Autavia Chronographs 1962-85" (2nd Edition) by Richard Crosthwaite & Paul Gavin, pages 50-54. Catalogue Essay There are many very subtle design differences between the chronograph wristwatches within the Autavia reference 2446 models that aren't always immediately obvious. This can be explained by the fact that Heuer's designs were intuitive and dependent on each particular task the watch was to perform. After immersing himself in the racing circuit, Jack Heuer produced the tachymeter bezels for the postulant racing drivers; recognizing the surge in luxury travellers he added minutes and hours bezels for aspirational aircraft pilots. The second execution models saw several notable design changes, specifically to the dial, such as smaller baton hour markers with outer lume dots applied directly to the dial and smaller sub registers leading collectors to believe that it is the best looking iteration of the Autavia bar none. The case remained nevertheless unchanged from the first execution and was still offered with the rare and special lume piece bezels (as found in the present lot). We believe that this particular example is the earliest known second execution serial found. The present lot has all the correct attributes for such an early example, with an Ed. Heuer signed caseback and chronograph bridge and transitional minute hand with distinctive lume shape (as found on the first execution). The dial on this example has a gorgeous even patina, and the subdials have aged to a creamy off white color. All of this adds up to a watch that would be a fine catch for the refined collector. Read More Maker Bio Heuer Swiss • 1860 Follow This iconic chronograph manufacturer has a long tradition of precision timekeeping. As early as 1882, founder Edouard Heuer held a patent for a chronograph watch; in 1887, he received a patent for an oscillating pinion, which is still in use today. These specialized timepieces have been at the heart of the firm's success, enabling the brand to be chosen as early timekeepers for the Olympics. In 1969, the company introduced their first automatic chronograph watch, the Monaco Heuer, which celebrated the Monaco Grand Prix. Other key chronograph models include the Autavia and the Carrera, all of which having become iconic models of the firm. View More Works