Heuer Autavia 2446 Chronograph "Rindt"

Heuer's connection with Formula 1 is long-standing, going all the way back to the foundation of Formula 1 in 1950. Drivers in teams ranging from Lotus to Maserati to Jack Heuer's favorite Ferrari wore Heuer chronographs. Some of these have entered horological history carrying the names of the drivers who wore them, an enduring testament to this fruitful relationship.

The name "Autavia" comes from a combination of two words: Automotive & Aviation. Heuer originally applied the moniker to dashboard clocks and instrumentation used in automobiles and aircraft, but recycled it in the 1960s and applied it to their line of professional racing chronographs for which the name is best known.

Values for early Heuer chronographs (particularly manually-winding screw back Autavia models) are on the rise, and good examples are getting hard to come by. The most desirable models, the iconic Reference 2446, feature a reverse panda triple register dial layout and outer rotating bezel. They were made famous by legendary Formula 1 driver Jochen Rindt

Reference: 2446

Circa: 1960’s

Dial: Tritium - Panda

Hands: Tritium

Bracelet: Black Leather rally strap - Aftermarket

Case: 38.5mm - Stainless Steel

Lug Width: 20mm

Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, chronograph

Accessories: Watch Only (No box or papers)

Crystal: Mineral

Bracelet size: 7.5”

Caliber: Valjoux 72 - Automatic - Running (+8 s/d 314 Amp) Column wheel chronograph movement with a lateral clutch (nicknamed “The Driver’s Engine), the same movement that powered the Rolex Daytona for years.

Case is thick and a first execution case has previously been polished. The serial numbers are still present but very difficult to make out. The newer black transitional bezel insert is good and shows some wear from age. Excellent newer matte black third execution dial with white subdials that are warming with age. The lume plots have aged to a light sage hue and the hands are matching. Strap has light normal wear. Movement was serviced in October of 2019 by third party and is running (+8 s/d 314 Amp). One light mark on the crystal at 9.

TAG Heuer, founded simply as "Heuer Watchmaking" in 1860 by Edouard Heuer in St-Imier, Switzerland, has a storied history of innovation and precision in watchmaking. Early milestones include the 1882 patent of Heuer's first chronograph and the 1887 patent for the oscillating pinion, a key development in mechanical chronographs. Throughout the early 20th century, TAG Heuer focused on creating precise timekeeping devices for transportation, including the "Time of Trip" dashboard chronograph and the "Mikrograph," the first stopwatch accurate to 1/100 of a second. The introduction of the Autavia and Carrera chronographs in the 1960s, and the Monaco in 1969, solidified the brand's reputation for excellence and innovation, particularly in motorsports.

In 1985, the TAG Group acquired Heuer, forming TAG Heuer and bringing new technological advancements to the company. The 1999 acquisition by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton S.A. further enhanced its prestige. Today, TAG Heuer continues to innovate while honoring its rich heritage, with recent introductions like the "Pendulum Concept" and the development of smartwatches that blend traditional Swiss craftsmanship with modern technology. The brand maintains strong ties to sports, particularly motorsports, and offers a diverse product line that includes the Carrera, Aquaracer, Formula 1, and Connected series. Under the leadership of CEO Frédéric Arnault and honorary chairman Jack Heuer, TAG Heuer remains a leader in Swiss watchmaking, known for its avant-garde design and precision.