There are many very subtle design differences between the chronograph wristwatches within the Autavia reference 2446 models that aren't always immediately obvious. This can be explained by the fact that Heuer's designs were intuitive and dependent on each particular task the watch was to perform. After immersing himself in the racing circuit, Jack Heuer produced the tachymeter bezels for the postulant racing drivers; recognizing the surge in luxury travellers he added minutes and hours bezels for aspirational aircraft pilots.

The second execution models saw several notable design changes, specifically to the dial, such as smaller baton hour markers with outer lume dots applied directly to the dial and smaller sub registers leading collectors to believe that it is the best looking iteration of the Autavia bar none. The case remained nevertheless unchanged from the first execution and was still offered with the rare and special lume piece bezels (as found in the present lot). We believe that this particular example is the earliest known second execution serial found. The present lot has all the correct attributes for such an early example, with an Ed. Heuer signed caseback and chronograph bridge and transitional minute hand with distinctive lume shape (as found on the first execution). The dial on this example has a gorgeous even patina, and the subdials have aged to a creamy off white color. All of this adds up to a watch that would be a fine catch for the refined collector.