製造商: Heuer 年份: Circa 1970 型號: 2446C 錶殼號碼: 145'035 型號名稱: Autavia Argentinian Air Forces 材料: Stainless steel 機芯: Manual, cal. 72, 17 jewels 錶帶/ 錶鏈: Stainless steel Gay Frères bracelet, end links stamped HLB, max length 210mm 錶扣: Stainless steel Heuer deployant clasp stamped 1.70 尺寸: 40mm Diameter 簽名: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
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At first glance, one can see that the present Autavia, 2446C, is characterized by the 'compressor case', hence the "C" after the reference number. Introduced circa 1968, the compressor case was an alternative to screw down cases and insured waterproofness and robustness to the watch. The case became larger by 1mm than its predecessor, boasting 40mm case diameter. The present watch is also fitted with a bezel indicating only the hours. But what makes the present watch special and distinguishes it from its peers is the engraving on the caseback. This watch had a totally different destiny than the normal production as it was commissioned by the Argentinian Air Force for their pilots. Bearing the FAA, Fuerza Aerea Argentina emblem along with the issued number 0823, the watch was on duty in the early 1970s. Jack Heuer designed the Autavia as the perfect chronograph for racing, using a strong contrasting color scheme on the dial to improve readability in precarious situations. This contrast between the color of the dial and the one of the subdials also made it a suitable watch to be used by Air Forces around the world. Despite its tumultuous life, this watch remains in very good condition and is still fitted with its original Gay Frères bracelet stamped 1.70.
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.
