Heuer - Racing Pulse New York Saturday, December 12, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Heuer
    Year: Circa 1972
    Reference No: 2446C
    Case No: 144’998
    Model Name: Autavia GMT
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. Valjoux 724, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel link bracelet, endlinks stamped HLB, max overall length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Gay Frères clasp, stamped 3.72
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed, buckle signed Gay Frères

  • Catalogue Essay

    With the increase in the number of transatlantic flights in the 1960s, airlines began to realize the importance of dual-time wristwatches as an important “tool” for flight crews to keep track of both local and home time. Many brands began to manufacture these watches and Heuer introduced its first Autavia GMT in 1968.
    Early examples used screw-back cases, however shortly thereafter, the brand began utilizing snap-back compressor cases made by E. Piquerez SA (EPSA), which tighten as a watch submerges underwater. The reference 2446C GMT is a manual wind, three-register chronograph and was part of these newly-designed timepieces for pilots and jet set glitterati. The 24 hour bi-directional bezel offered clear readability to the wearer with the blue and red sector divided per hour.

    The present example is from the fourth execution reference 2446C GMT with brushed steel hands with red luminous inserts and red tips, red chronograph hand, large stepped subsidiary dials with a “Swiss” stamped on the hour register, fluted pushers and signed crown. The watch comes affixed with an original Heuer “double-grains” of rice Gay Freres bracelet. With its second time zone feature, this Autavia GMT is a superb tool watch with outstanding proportions and aesthetics – transporting one to an alluring era when travelling was not just functional but also an adventure in and of itself.

  • 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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11

Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. 2446C
A fine and attractive stainless steel dual time chronograph wristwatch with Gay Frères bracelet

Circa 1972
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed, buckle signed Gay Frères

Estimate
$8,000 - 12,000 
CHF7,300-11,000
€6,800-10,200
HK$62,000-93,000

Sold for $13,860

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas & International Strategy Advisor
Senior Vice President
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

Racing Pulse

New York Auction 12 December 2020