CIRCA: 1968
REF.: 2446C
CASE NUMBER: 129610
CASE MATERIAL: Stainless steel
CASE DIMENSIONS: 40 mm in diameter
DIAL: Black dial with three white subregisters and steel hour markers with tritium luminous material
BRACELET MATERIAL: Steel Guy Freres bracelet
MOVEMENT: Manual
FUNCTIONS: Time, Chronograph
CALIBER: Valjoux 72
The 2446C is the second generation manual wind Autavia. It's a handsome tool chronograph with a simple and rugged look. It has a beefy 40 mm case with attractive beveled lugs and a bidirectional rotating bezel.
Heuer asked E. Piquerez SA (EPSA) in 1961 to design what has now become the iconic compressor case design. One of the distinguishing features of a compressor is that the back tightens more as the watch is subjected to water pressure. The Autavia's compressor is slightly different. It uses a snap back that is held in place with a big c-clip that is held into the mid case in a deep channel. Water sealing is done with a big rubber o-ring.
The Heuer 2446C was produced for only four years as a transitional model. Combined with the famous and rare Guy Freres bracelet designed for this reference, it's beauty, rarity, and durability make it the ideal sport chronograph.
Condition
Dial and hands in excellent condition with only one small mark near the "1" hour marker. Luminous material in the dial and hands is completely intact and appears to be original to the watch. The case, with scratches commensurate with age and wear, appears to be unpolished.
Any reference to condition in a condition report will not include a full description of condition, and for example, may not specify all faults, alteration, adaptation, mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, or dial. Colors and shades may look different online or in printed materials than they look on physical inspection, and images may not clearly show the condition of a lot. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot in person and make their own evaluation of the lot. They must understand that any statement made by Fortuna Auction LLC ("Fortuna") is merely a subjective, qualified statement and does not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Fortuna. All dimensions in catalog descriptions are approximate. No warranties are made that watches in water-resistant cases are currently water-resistant. Fortuna does not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets or leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts.
Pre-owned watches, unless still in original packaging or never worn, will likely have some degree of wear and scratches. This should be expected for many of the watches offered in auction. Even if a watch is running and keeping time, bidders and buyers should expect that all movements will require maintenance. Fortuna recommends that all successful buyers promptly take their watches to a professional watchmaker for evaluation.
Prospective buyers should also refer to any notices as well as the Conditions of Sale in Fortuna's print catalogs and made available on its website, digital bidding platform, and other third-party digital bidding platforms. Please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, including but not limited to customs regulations, duties, and lots incorporating materials from endangered species. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DESCRIPTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED BY FORTUNA, THAT ANY OF THE LOTS FOR SALE ARE MERCHANTABLE OR SUITED FOR ANY PURPOSE.
Any reference to condition in a condition report will not include a full description of condition, and for example, may not specify all faults, alteration, adaptation, mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, or dial. Colors and shades may look different online or in printed materials than they look on physical inspection, and images may not clearly show the condition of a lot. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot in person and make their own evaluation of the lot. They must understand that any statement made by Fortuna Auction LLC ("Fortuna") is merely a subjective, qualified statement and does not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Fortuna. All dimensions in catalog descriptions are approximate. No warranties are made that watches in water-resistant cases are currently water-resistant. Fortuna does not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets or leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts.
Pre-owned watches, unless still in original packaging or never worn, will likely have some degree of wear and scratches. This should be expected for many of the watches offered in auction. Even if a watch is running and keeping time, bidders and buyers should expect that all movements will require maintenance. Fortuna recommends that all successful buyers promptly take their watches to a professional watchmaker for evaluation.
Prospective buyers should also refer to any notices as well as the Conditions of Sale in Fortuna's print catalogs and made available on its website, digital bidding platform, and other third-party digital bidding platforms. Please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, including but not limited to customs regulations, duties, and lots incorporating materials from endangered species. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DESCRIPTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED BY FORTUNA, THAT ANY OF THE LOTS FOR SALE ARE MERCHANTABLE OR SUITED FOR ANY PURPOSE.