Heuer Autavia Ref. 11630MH - 'Orange Boy' Unpolished

While the Carrera gets all the attention, the Heuer Autavia is actually the ‘OG’ Heuer. A combination of ‘Automotive’ and ‘Aviation’ - the Autavia line originally started as dash mounted rally timers made for motorsport and aviation applications. It was not until the early 1960s that first Autavia wrist chronographs came around. The first generation Autvaia, the Reference 2446, utilized screw-back cases and the venerable Valjoux 72 manual-winding movements, while the second generation case with used a snap-back case or ‘Compressor’ Case - hence the model shift to 2446C.

This watch, however, is a third generation ‘cushion case’ Autavia, which was the first to get Heuer’s Cal 11 automatic winding chronograph movement. When you think of an Autavia, theres a good chance that this is what comes to mind.

In additional to the case design that has become synonymous with the Autavia name, this example is graced with the nickname 'Orange Boy' for its standout orange accents.

Dating to the early 1970s, this example is offered in fantastic overall condition. The case remains unpolished, showing clear and defined factory finishing throughout with just light signs of wear. It retains its correct 'fluted' pushers, signed crown at the 9 o'clock position, as well as the correct bezel assembly with a black aluminum timing insert. Inside, the matte black dial features white printed text throughout with grey subsidiary registers. The register at the 3 o'clock position bears vibrant orange accents, which are complimented by an orange handset. Additionally, the applied Tritium-filled indices and handset exhibit matching patina. Powering this piece is a legendary Calibre 12 automatic-winding chronograph movement with a date at the 6 o'clock position.

While not an outright rare Reference, excellent, well rounded examples like the one that we have here don't surface on the market everyday.