Heuer - The Crosthwaite & Gavin Collection: Exceptional Heuer Chronographs From The Jack Heuer Era Geneva Friday, November 10, 2017 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Heuer
    Year: Circa 1966
    Reference No: 2446H
    Case No: 95807
    Model Name: Autavia 'Rindt'
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. Valjoux 72, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Gay Frères bracelet with HL endlinks, max length 200mm.
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Heuer folding deployant clasp stamped 2/66
    Dimensions: 39mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Literature: The present watch is illustrated in 'Heuer Autavia Chronographs 1962- 85' (2nd edition),by Richard Crosthwaite & Paul Gavin, pages 66-71.

  • Catalogue Essay

    One of the most coveted of the Autavia models, the present reference 2446 from 1966 was especially favored by its namesake, the rakish Formula 1 Champion, Jochen Rindt, who wore the watch as documented in numerous published photographs. He was a prolific racing driver in the 1960s until his untimely death, during the practice session at Monza for the 1970 Italian Grand Prix. Supported by his beautiful wife Nina, who famously sported a Universal Genève Compax, now known to collectors as the "Nina Rindt'; making this glamorous couple the only one where each partner's name was given to a watch by the collectors.

    The present lot features a stunning matt black dial with contrasting crisp white subsidiary registers, and sports the narrower, yet robust, rotating bezel calibrated for twelve hours, perfect for counting elapsed time or tracking a second time zone.

    The rugged yet refined second execution screw back case with streamlined bevelled lugs measures a hefty 39mm in diameter and is a favorite of the Heuer collecting community. So much so that it was selected amongst 16 Autavia examples as the inspiration for the new TAG Heuer Autavia launched in 2017. This watch is the savvy collectors' chance to not only own a superior example of the "Rindt" but to be thoughtfully transported back to the Formula 1 pit lanes of the 1960s.

  • 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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Ref. 2446H
A very fine stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with matt black dial, white subsidiary registers, hour indication on the bezel and bracelet.

Circa 1966
39mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF12,000 - 18,000 

Sold for CHF37,500

Contact Specialist
Virginie Liatard-Roessli
+41 22 317 81 89
vliatard@phillips.com

The Crosthwaite & Gavin Collection: Exceptional Heuer Chronographs From The Jack Heuer Era

Geneva Auction 11 November 2017