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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph

Heuer Autavia Reference 2446

Partially verified

This Heuer Autavia, reference 2446, is a chronograph wristwatch produced in the 1960s, featuring a first-execution case design. The stainless steel watch measures 38.5mm in diameter. It displays a matte black dial with white sub-dials, identified as a Mark II variant, and features radium-lumed dauphine hands and indices. The timepiece retains an unsigned crown and pump pushers alongside an original bidirectional rotating bezel with a lumed triangle. The screw-down case back carries factory engravings. It is presented on a two-piece handmade leather strap. The auction description reports the watch is functioning correctly and maintaining time. The case condition is described as having original factory angles and minimal signs of previous polishing. The radium plots and hands exhibit a deep golden beige patina without significant degradation. No accessories are included with this timepiece.

Front view of the Heuer Autavia reference 2446, showing the matte black dial, white sub-dials, and rotating bezel.
Front view of the Heuer Autavia reference 2446, showing the matte black dial, white sub-dials, and rotating bezel. — Craft & Tailored. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
craftandtailored.com
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph
Maker / attribution
Heuer
Reference
2446
Catalogue / lot identifier
HURAUT2446
Source-reported date
1960s
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
527XX

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and External Features

The stainless steel case measures 38.5mm in diameter and retains original factory angles. It is fitted with an original bidirectional rotating bezel, which features a lumed triangle marker. The auction description reports minimal signs of wear and limited evidence of past polishing on the case surfaces.

The timepiece is equipped with an unsigned winding crown and two small pump-style chronograph pushers. The screw-down case back is present and retains original factory-applied engravings which are described as fully legible. The watch is currently paired with a modern handmade two-piece leather strap.

Evidence for this section
  • “The exceptionally well-preserved case retains its original dimensions and factory angles with honest signs of gentle use and minimal evidence of being previously polished.”
  • “The original bidirectional rotating bezel also remains in superb condition, showing almost no wear, minimal fading, with the lumed triangle intact.”
  • “The case retains its original unsigned crown and small pump pushers.”
  • “The screw-down case back retains all of the factory engravings in crisp and fully legible condition.”

Dial and Hands

The watch features a matte black dial with three white sub-dials, identified by the auction description as a Mark II variant. The dial and sub-dials are reported to be in vintage condition without notable damage or discoloration.

The indices and dauphine-style hands are treated with radium luminous material, which has aged to a deep golden beige tone. UV light inspection as reported by the auction house indicates no significant degradation of the luminous material on either the dial plots or the hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “The original Mk. II matte black dial with white sub-dials is in virtually perfect vintage condition, exhibits no damage or notable age.”
  • “The radium lume plots have achieved a deep golden beige patina and exhibit no notable degradation under UV light inspection.”
  • “The original radium dauphine style hands have aged a shade more saturated than the dial and also display no degradation when inspected under UV light.”

Movement and Operation

The internal movement and specific technical specifications are not detailed in the source. The auction description notes that the service history of the watch remains unknown.

Despite the unknown service history, the vendor states that the watch is currently keeping time correctly and the chronograph functions are operational. A movement service is offered as an optional provision upon request.

Evidence for this section
  • “The service history is unknown, though the watch is keeping time perfectly and functioning correctly.”
  • “A movement service can be provided upon request at the time of service.”

Open research questions

  • What specific production year is associated with serial number 527XX?
  • Does the serial number range align with the specific internal movement calibre often found in the 2446 first-execution cases?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Heuer Autavia Reference 2446
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Dial TypeMk. II matte black“The original Mk. II matte black dial with white sub-dials is in virtually perfect vintage condition”
LumeRadium“The radium lume plots have achieved a deep golden beige patina”
FunctionsChronograph“The Autavia was then reintroduced as a wristwatch in 1962”

Visible details

  • Bidirectional rotating bezel with lumed triangle
  • Matte black dial with three white sub-dials
  • Unsigned crown with dual pump pushers
  • Screw-down case back with visible serial engravings

Research qualifications

  • Service history is unknown
  • Source does not confirm specific year of manufacture within the 1960s decade

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت Heuer Autavia مدل 2446 (نسخه First Execution) دهه ۱۹۶۰

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 03edce0217

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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