Heuer's connection with Formula 1 is long-standing, going all the way back to the foundation of Formula 1 in 1950. Drivers in teams ranging from Lotus to Maserati to Jack Heuer's favorite Ferrari wore Heuer chronographs. Some of these have entered horological history carrying the names of the drivers who wore them, an enduring testament to this fruitful relationship. 

The name "Autavia" comes from a combination of two words: Automotive & Aviation. Heuer originally applied the moniker to dashboard clocks and instrumentation used in automobiles and aircraft, but recycled it in the 1960s and applied it to their line of professional racing chronographs for which the name is best known. 

Values for early Heuer chronographs (particularly manually-winding screw back Autavia models) are on the rise, and good examples are getting hard to come by. The most desirable models, the iconic Reference 2446, feature a reverse panda triple register dial layout and outer rotating bezel. They were made famous by legendary Formula 1 driver Jochen Rindt

Information:

Reference: 2446

Circa: 1960’s

Dial: Tritium - Panda

Hands: Tritium

Bracelet: Black Leather rally strap - Aftermarket

Case: 38.5mm - Stainless Steel 

Lug Width: 20mm

Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, chronograph

Accessories: Watch Only (No box or papers)

Crystal: Mineral

Bracelet size: 7.5”

Caliber: Valjoux 72 - Automatic - Running ( 8 s/d 314 Amp) Column wheel chronograph movement with a lateral clutch (nicknamed “The Driver’s Engine), the same movement that powered the Rolex Daytona for years.

Condition:

Case is thick and a first execution case has previously been polished. The serial numbers are still present but very difficult to make out. The newer black transitional bezel insert is good and shows some wear from age. Excellent newer matte black third execution dial with white subdials that are warming with age. The lume plots have aged to a light sage hue and the hands are matching. Strap has light normal wear. Movement was serviced in October of 2019 by third party and is running ( 8 s/d 314 Amp). One light mark on the crystal at 9.