Manufacturer: Heuer Year: Circa 1968 Reference No: 2446 Case No: 100'012 Model Name: Autavia GMT '1st execution' Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. Valjoux 724, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Original Heuer Corfam strap Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Heuer sun buckle Dimensions: 39mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Literature: A similar watch is illustrated in 'Heuer Autavia Chronographs 1962-85' (2nd edition) by Richard Crosthwaite & Paul Gavin, pages 84-87
Catalogue Essay
Around 1968, Heuer introduced its very first GMT chronograph model, which used a variation of the short run fourth execution Autavia dial in a screw-back case. A noticeable feature of this particular type of dial is the lume hour Tritium markers that are applied directly to the dial, reminiscent of the very first Autavia watches (but without numerals). The 24 hour hand enabled the reading of a second time zone in conjunction with the bezel. This new feature was obtained by using a modified Valjoux 72 calibre, known as the Valjoux 724 movement.
The timepiece illustrated here in these pages is considered one of the "Holy Grails" of Heuer collecting, and has seldom been seen, in fact it may be the only time one has appeared at a major auction house.
Research suggests only 8 have been found to date and all of them within a tight serial number range covering approximately 70 numbers, from100012 to 10008x. This example is the earliest known survivor of this tiny batch and may be the best preserved, with beautiful patina on the dial and hand lume and a mint condition bezel. The rarest Heuer GMT ever produced in stunning condition, what's not to like?
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.