We've heard them referred to as "Heuer's Submariner" - not because they make for good diving watches (they don't), but because their design is just as timeless, and their functionality as a racing chronograph parallels that of the Rolex for timing dives.

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. These early Autavias feature large steel screw or snap-back cases and high-grade Valjoux manually winding chronograph movements.

Values for early Heuer chronographs (particularly manually-winding Autavia models) are on the rise, and clean, original examples are getting hard to come by. This particular example is as honest as they come, featuring an unpolished case and a clean, even patina to the hands, and markers. This particular example features a very clean rotating outer Tachymetre bezel - many are beat to hell, but this one is crisp and legible. 

There is no question that this Autavia's condition is owed to the fact that it is a one-owner piece that has spent the last 25 years stored carefully in a desk drawer.  We were fortunate to acquire it directly, and after a full overhaul to the Valjoux 72 movement (which was remarkably clean) it is ready to be used once again!  With its tremendous looks, light patina, and robust internals, it would be a tall order to find a vintage timepiece - any vintage timepiece - that is more perfectly suited for a vintage motorsports enthusiast.

For in-depth information on the Heuer Autavia 2446C, click on over to OnTheDash, .