Heuer - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SEVEN Hong Kong Monday, November 26, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Heuer
    Year: 1962
    Reference No: 2446M
    Movement No: 456'626
    Case No: 49'298
    Model Name: Autavia “Full Lumes”, 1st execution dial , 1st execution hands
    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

  • Catalogue Essay

    In the autumn of 1961 Jack Heuer, alongside his production team, decided to create the Autavia (the name coming from a combination of the words Automobile and Aviation) as their first named chronograph series. Prior to that point they had not made a chronograph wristwatch with a turning bezel and the Autavia would have this new feature on both models (round and tonneau cases) with a choice of division markers. Two types of bezels were available, one with 60 separate one-minute divisions and another with a 12-hour division.

    The first Heuer advertising brochure from 1962 shows both the reference 2446 and the reference 3646 under the title "New AUTAVIA Chronographs for pilots, sportsmen, divers and scientists'; showing that Heuer was promoting the collection across all spectrums and trying to appeal to all markets. A wonderful quote from the brochure states, "Guaranteed to function perfectly at altitudes up to 35, 000 feet or depths of 330 feet underwater': This attitude of making robust tool watches, which were fit for many purposes, was to become the building blacks of the Heuer range.

    The current demand for the early Autavias has never been stronger and collectors are realizing how rare examples like this present first execution watch are in comparison to other great chronographs from the same era which share the same Valjoux 72 movement.

    According to our research, the first batch of reference 2446 with full lumes hands are known with serial number starting from circa 49’169 to 49’429 .

    The present watch, for the first time offered to the public, bears a movement number 49’298 making it one of the last Autavia with full lumes produced known.

    Over the past 10 years, only a handful has appeared on the international auction market. The offered lot is not only the 1st execution example in remarkable condition, it is also the first Autavia with full lumes ever offered in a Phillips auction room.

    This timepiece with its vivid modern looks and powerful design proudly embodies the genetic template of the Autavia. It is featured prominently in the Heuer Autavia Chronographs 1962-85 book by Richard Crosthwaite & Paul Gavin. We would like to thank Dash.com for the precious information and details.

  • Artist Biography

    Heuer

    Swiss • 1860

    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.

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From an Important Heuer Collector

998

Ref. 2446M
An extremely rare, early and fine stainless chronograph wristwatch with big subsidiary dials, large bezel and full lumes hands

1962
39mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$470,000 - 920,000 
€51,900-102,000
$60,300-118,000

Sold for HK$587,500

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SEVEN

Hong Kong Auction 27 November 2018