This Heuer Autavia 2446 combines two extremely rare features: It has the rare Transitional case, which was only produced for a short time between the first and second executions of the Autavia. And it is also a military version with the engraving of the Argentine Air Force on the case back.
The Autavia reference 2446 was produced in the 1960s and is powered by the Valjoux 72. The robustness and reliability of this chronograph made it a popular wristwatch for professional motor sports enthusiasts.
In addition to the "normal" civilian versions, special editions of the Autavia were produced for the Argentine Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Argentina). These watches bear the FAA emblem on the case back. It shows two large wings and two hands holding a torch in the center of the oval.
The transitional version of the Autavia reference 2446 is highly sought after by watch enthusiasts. This particular model is known as the "Transitional" because it represents a bridge between two case designs, namely the first and the second version. In this version, the lugs have no chamfer between the top and sides, whereas the first and second executions had these chamfers.
The beautiful reverse panda dial has applied steel markers and a fine minute scale on the edge of the dial. Housed in a perfectly proportioned 36 mm case, the Autavia offers a stunning classic look on the wrist.
Condition report
Dial: absolutely flawless black matte surface - clean white sub-dials - original tritium lume in the hour markers and hands - signed "Heuer Autavia" at 12 o'clock and "T SWISS" in the sub-dial at 6 o'clock.
Case: very good condition - slight signs of wear - full profile - storage marks on the back - intact serial number between the lugs - intact engravings on the back including the FAA emblem - original Heuer crown - excellently preserved bezel inlay without scratches.
Movement: manual-wind caliber Valjoux 72 - values on the timegrapher: rate: -19s/day, beat error: 0.3 ms, amplitude: 284 degrees.
Summing-Up
This Heuer Autavia 2446 is a historically important military chronograph that comes from a fascinating chapter in Heuer's history and is irretrievable due to its unique combination of rare features.
Seriennummer: 83xxx
Int.Exe.: 1628038