Why This Watch Matters Here we have a classic Heuer Autavia in an expertly designed compressor water-resistant case with a Valjoux 72 under the hood. The Full Story The earliest Heuer Autavias were introduced by the brand in the early 1960s and featured a screw-back case in nine different variations through the production range. With "big eye" registers, the very first of these Autavias have come to achieve some extremely strong auction results. Although the most sought-after in the vintage market, the "big eye" Autavias, proved not to be king in 2017. That year, 16 Autavia designs were pitted against each other in an online bracket competition dubbed the Autavia Cup. Collectors and fans of Heuer logged on, tapped in, and submitted over 50,000 votes. In the end, the ref. 2446 Mark 3, a later screw-back Autavia with a more standard sub-register size and layout, was crowned the winner, eventually becoming the Heuer Heritage Caliber Heuer 02. This winning watch, the Heuer Autavia ref. 2446 "Rindt" gained its nickname thanks to an association with the German Formula One driver, Karl Jochen Rindt. Following the "Big Eye" and "Rindt" screw-back Autavias came what we have here today, the ref. 2446C Mark I Autavia. Notably similar to the Cup-winning "Rindt" is the dial layout and design: a reverse panda motif. The "C" here stands for compressor, as in compressor case. Rather than a screw down caseback, these second generation Autavias featured a nifty design in which the caseback was actually controlled by the surrounding water pressure; the gaskets tighten accordingly to ensure water resistance up to 100 meters (330 feet). Specific to the Mark I compressor variety are smaller teeth on the external rotating bezel, polished steel hour and minute hands containing tritium lume, and a white sweep chronograph seconds hand. Heuer offered these with a few different bezel variations, and this one has a Tachymeter scale on it. The example we have today stands out thanks to its great overall condition and nice lume patina. The compressor case proved over time to not be quite as water resistant as the screw-down caseback, with companies like Heuer eventually reverting back to screw-backs and threads. Due to the slightly lower water resistancy, these compressors are less often seen in clean condition, such as this one. The case itself has remained strong, showing facets on the lugs as well. This Mark I ref. 2446C Autavia is really a stunner in the metal – we're extremely excited to offer it. We paired this Autavia with our Bedford Strap in Light Grey. When paired with creamy lume patina and a black dial like this watch, the strap tends to look a bit more light taupe in color, and the tones always work really well together. The Fine Print Maker: HeuerModel: Autavia Reference: 2446C Year: Circa late 1960s Case No: 129610Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 40mm diameter; 13.5mm thicknessCrystal: Yes, plexiglassLume: Yes, tritium Caliber: Valjoux, manually-wound, caliber 72Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The Bedford Strap in Light GreyLug Width: 20mmBox/Papers: No What we Love and What You Should Know This Autavia is in overall excellent, attractive condition. The case is strong with scratches and some nicks along the edges and sides. The facets or bevels on the lugs are clearly visible. The caseback text is visible, a rare condition note on these cases since these engravings were light to begin with. The numbers are visible between the lugs. There is some scratching between both sets of lugs. The rear of the lugs show some scratches from strap removal and placement. The dial has developed a very light patina throughout, and the hands and hour markers have developed a similar light patina. The white sub-registers are clean with only a very light patina. The lume on the hands has developed a pleasing patina. The lume on the dial has developed patina close to matching the hands and some of the plots show normal signs of slight degradation. The bezel is in very good condition with light wear particularly on the side. The dial, case, movement, and crown are signed by Heuer. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
