SKU: 178795022

Heuer Autavia GMT Fab. Suisse dial BoR Gay Frères Ref. 2446C from 1972

Sale price$5175.00 Regular price$5750.00
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Description

Heuer Autavia GMT Fab. Suisse dial BoR Gay Frères Ref. 2446C from 1972Heuer Autavia GMT Ref. 2446C Double 'Swiss' Dial Rarity on Original Gay Frres Bracelet (Circa 1972) A standout among vintage chronographs, the Heuer Autavia GMT Ref. 2446C is a compelling blend of motorsport utility, travel functionality, and vintage Swiss design. This circa 1972 example, powered by the Valjoux 724 GMT movement, boasts exceptional provenance, full originality, and an ultra rare dial configuration believed to have been produced for the

Heuer Autavia GMT Ref. 2446C – Double 'Swiss' Dial Rarity on Original Gay Frères Bracelet (Circa 1972)

A standout among vintage chronographs, the Heuer Autavia GMT Ref. 2446C is a compelling blend of motorsport utility, travel functionality, and vintage Swiss design. This circa 1972 example, powered by the Valjoux 724 GMT movement, boasts exceptional provenance, full originality, and an ultra-rare dial configuration believed to have been produced for the French market. Collectors, take note—this is a seldom-seen configuration of one of Heuer’s most iconic references.

A Case of Function and Form – The Waterproof Compressor Case

Measuring 40mm in diameter, the compressor-style case remains entirely unpolished, retaining its factory-original edges, chamfers, and angles—a key detail that seasoned collectors will appreciate. The tall case profile and robust build were engineered for water resistance, a feature complemented by the original Heuer crown and pushers, both period-correct and untouched.

A domed original plexiglass crystal sits proudly above the dial, providing a warm, vintage distortion and preserving the integrity of this remarkable piece.

The Dial – ‘Fab. Suisse’ Double Signature & Glowing Patina

Perhaps the most compelling feature of this Autavia GMT is its rare dial inscription: a double signature reading ‘Fab. Suisse T Swiss’ at 6 o’clock. Reserved for French-market models, this ‘Fab. Suisse’ marking is exceptionally rare, and no other known Ref. 2446C GMT examples with this signature have surfaced publicly—a true anomaly and conversation piece for the advanced Heuer collector.

The black dial itself is flawless, with vivid white printing and beautiful tritium lume plots that have aged to a creamy, warm tone. The matching handset also shows uniform aging, with the red GMT hand and central chronograph seconds adding a pop of color to the otherwise tool-focused layout.

Bezel & Bracelet – Originality and Character

The original bi-directional 24-hour bezel insert has developed a charming fade, with ghosting around the numerals—a sign of authentic use and aging rather than replacement or refurbishment. The bezel is the correct aluminum insert for the GMT variant and completes the classic Autavia look.

This example is fitted with a highly desirable Heuer-signed Beads of Rice (BoR) bracelet, manufactured by Gay Frères, the most iconic bracelet maker of the 20th century. The bracelet is stamped Q4 1972 on the inner clasp and features an extended length, capable of fitting wrists over 20cm—a practical and rare trait. Its taper, comfort, and historical relevance only enhance the vintage experience on the wrist.

Inside the Case – Valjoux 724 GMT Chronograph Movement

Powering the watch is the Valjoux 724, a manual-wind chronograph caliber with integrated GMT complication. Known for its reliability and robustness, this movement keeps excellent time and operates flawlessly across all functions.

Recently inspected and performing admirably, this movement is a staple of 1960s–70s high-grade sports chronographs and is getting harder to find in untouched condition.

Provenance & Condition – Belgian Original with Historical Depth

This Heuer Autavia GMT was acquired directly from the family of the original owner in Belgium, adding personal and historical depth to its story. Its condition, originality, and the presence of the rare French-market Fab. Suisse dial elevate it well beyond a standard vintage chronograph.

Specifications:

  • Reference: 2446C GMT

  • Year: Circa 1972

  • Case: 40mm waterproof compressor-style stainless steel, unpolished with sharp original edges

  • Crystal: Domed original plexiglass

  • Dial: Original high-quality black dial with rare 'Fab. Suisse T Swiss' double signature (French market), tritium plots with stunning patina

  • Bezel: Original bi-directional aluminum GMT bezel with natural fade

  • Crown & Pushers: All original Heuer-signed crown and pushers

  • Movement: Manual-wind Valjoux 724 with GMT complication – excellent working condition

  • Bracelet: Original Heuer-signed Beads of Rice bracelet by Gay Frères, stamped Q4 1972, extra-long (fits wrists over 20cm)

  • Case Serial: 109xxx

  • Provenance: Sourced from the family of the original Belgian owner

  • Condition: Excellent vintage condition with full originality and historical value

Why This Watch?

The Heuer Autavia GMT Ref. 2446C is already a grail-tier piece in vintage chronograph circles, but this example stands in a league of its own. With its super-rare 'Fab. Suisse' double-signed dial, unpolished case, original GF bracelet, and authentic Belgian provenance, it represents an extraordinary opportunity for the discerning collector. Whether admired in a curated watch collection or worn as a slice of GMT racing heritage, this Autavia captures a rare moment in time—down to every last lume plot.

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Exchange/Return Notes
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SKU: 178795022

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4.5 ★★★★★
Based on 23 reviews
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Product Reviews
L
Verified Purchase
L.Lopez
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 5
Good Tissot Watch
Color: Grey
Arrived on time, in its original box, include a 2 year international warranty, into the box include a book with the Tissot brand history in Switzerland. Algo a second book with a whole catalog of Tissot watches men and women. The watch looks better when you put in on your wrist. The “naval” blue really gives the clock a classy look. The stainless steel workmanship is really good, the metal is bright and perfectly polished. The metal wristband quality is very good, did not have any problem to adjust the size , I went to my preferred clock workshop for this job, they extracted a few pieces of the band to fit to my small wrist size. Have to get used to the butterfly latch, but after a few days, now I learned to open and close it without any effort. The clock it’s very accurate, I’ve been using my Tissot for near a month and it just increased a few seconds per week. I do the setup and check accuracy with my pc clock. In short, It”s a good value watch, nice, good looking, accurate.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2021
J
Verified Purchase
Jose Correa
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 5
Stunning Automatic Watch With TopTier Durability and Precision
Color: Grey
“I got this Tissot PRX for my cousin’s birthday and bro fell in LOVE instantly. This thing keeps time like a beast, never slows down, never lags. Automatic movement, so no batteries, no drama. Durability? Stupid good. You can hit it, bump it, live life rough, it still looks box fresh. Size wise it was almost perfect. I just had to remove two links, nothing big. It’s light, functional, comfortable, doesn’t weigh you down, doesn’t get in the way but more importantly I can say this watch is in everyone’s eyesight when we wear it. Cause of course I had to get another one! Basically. I gave him a very nice piece as a gift, and now he’s walking around like he owns Switzerland.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2025
C
Verified Purchase
Cienfuegos
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 5
Great watch!!!!
Color: Grey
Excellent quality, one of the best, elegant.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2026
T
Verified Purchase
T. H.
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 5
Excellent value for an automatic watch, keeps VERY good time.
Color: Grey, Color: Grey
I've only had the watch for a day but wanted to leave a quick review on it to share a couple of notes. So far it keeps VERY good time, better than any of the automatics I own (including a Rolex Submariner, Tag Heuer Aquaracer, Tag Heuer Formula One, and several other sub $1k watches). I set it to an atomic time app on my phone yesterday and 24 hours later it's still SPOT on - hasn't gained/lost even a 1/10 of a second. I was shocked to see it's kept PERFECT time for the last day, I'm really blown away so far. I've worn it the entire time, we'll see how well it keeps time while being stored in a winder. This picture shown is the watch with a 22mm leather band on it, fit's without any issues (just need to squeeze in the leather a tad). I doubt it would work with a 22mm metal bracelet, but leather works great. Just FYI since the 21mm lug width is kind of odd. The face isn't quite a lustrious as the images make it look, but it's still a great-looking watch. For a sub $1000 automatic you can't go wrong, this is a fantastic watch at a great price. It'll be my daily driver for some time I'm sure. If I have any issues in the future I'll update the review.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2021
B
Verified Purchase
Beniamin Grigoryan
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 5
It looks really cool and striking.
Color: Grey, Color: Grey
Really cool and beautiful watch. Although my specific unit runs 5 seconds fast every day—at first it’s annoying, but eventually you stop caring. 🤣
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Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2026

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