Heuer Autavia Servicing and Valuation (60's 2466?)

[urquattroGus]

I've been lucky enough to be given my Great Grandfathers Autavia Heuer, I think it's a mid sixties 2466 of some sort.

I see that these have become pretty collectable and I'd like to get it serviced and perhaps valued for insurance purposes.

I'm based in Essex, can anyone recommend someone?

I've been trying to read the online identification guide stuff but it's not that easy!

The plexiglass screen is lightly scratched, I think these can be buffed up a bit??

[hkz286]

do you have any pictures? should be able to identify it fairly easily if you know what to look for

servicing can be done but if any parts are broken then depending on which model it is, it can get quite expensive

the crystal can be polished but knowing how difficult it would be to find a replacement heuer one i would be tempted to leave it for the watchmaker to do.

I don't know of any specific heuer specialists around your area but there is one up in yokrshire

https://www.vintageheuer.com/

Cherish it as a vintage heuer is a very special watch. Finding an all original one now is rare thing.

[Podie]

I've previous had Nick Green (formerly known as "Heuer Boy") work on some of my Heuers - http://chronomatic.com/home.html


Any photos?

[urquattroGus]

One of the pusher buttons was replaced and a name has been engraved into the back, obv new strap but otherwise quite original and all working.

[Podie]

urquattroGus said:

One of the pusher buttons was replaced and a name has been engraved into the back, obv new strap but otherwise quite original and all working.

Lovely!

I'm not an expert, but it looks like a 2446 Mk3

[bristolbaron]

Beautiful. I had an Autavia and two Carreras that I kick myself for selling (at the wrong time too.)

[RiggaTheMighty]

I love working on Heuer, but if you want someone closer, I can’t think of anyone in Essex, but Joe at variomatic, in Anglesey might be able to help?

[mikeveal]

Send a message to AndyTimms on here somewhere. Fairly sure that Andy has a soft spot for these. He may be able to give you some pointers and a feel for value.

[BRR]

I have no advice but just wanted to say it's a lovely watch

[urquattroGus]

Thanks Guys. It does look the business on my wrist!

I found a serial number on the side of the case. Seems like it's a 2446C Rindt from the late sixties or so.

My local watch repairer quoted £650 for a service, I though maybe £450 was more like it?

I have also contacted "Vintage Heuer" in Yorkshire but not sure what to make of 'em.

[andy97]

RiggaTheMighty said:

I love working on Heuer, but if you want someone closer, I can’t think of anyone in Essex, but Joe at variomatic, in Anglesey might be able to help?

Another strong recommendation for Joe at “Anglesey Watch and Clocks” (known as “variomatic” on here). I sent a watch to him via courier and had an excellent service.

[andy_s]

Man that's a corker, very nice, one of the classic watches. These shot up in price a few years ago along with the Daytona / Speedmaster / Zenith / UGs, so it's in good company. I've no idea what they go for now but IIRC they were well over 10K a few years ago. It was a bubble so no idea if it is a bit burst now, but probably not much if so.

Servicing should be simple enough if it's working etc, but it'll be worth it too - just for gaskets, old oil etc. Just make sure it's someone who knows what it is, and make sure they don't change, polish, alter or do anything else except service it. https://watchguy.co.uk/ would do it for about half your quote but has worked on similar vintage/value watches. As above andy_tims may have better ideas & variomatic of course.

It's a beaut.

[urquattroGus]

Thanks, I've sent watchguy something as I liked the site, seems straightforward. May also call the others.

It's funny really, because the design seems to have set the template for many chronos afterwards it seems quite inconspicuous and people think it's a more recent watch.

I like smaller watches, things are getting too big now I think, I wear an Explorer II 40mm everyday which I think has a good form to it.

[RiggaTheMighty]

urquattroGus said:

Thanks Guys. It does look the business on my wrist!

I found a serial number on the side of the case. Seems like it's a 2446C Rindt from the late sixties or so.

My local watch repairer quoted £650 for a service, I though maybe £450 was more like it?

I have also contacted "Vintage Heuer" in Yorkshire but not sure what to make of 'em.

You shouldn’t be paying any more than £250 for a service on your watch.
Yes it’s beautiful, yes it’s vintage, but don’t let anyone take your eyes out because of what it is.

[urquattroGus]

RiggaTheMighty said:

urquattroGus said:

Thanks Guys. It does look the business on my wrist!

I found a serial number on the side of the case. Seems like it's a 2446C Rindt from the late sixties or so.

My local watch repairer quoted £650 for a service, I though maybe £450 was more like it?

I have also contacted "Vintage Heuer" in Yorkshire but not sure what to make of 'em.

You shouldn’t be paying any more than £250 for a service on your watch.
Yes it’s beautiful, yes it’s vintage, but don’t let anyone take your eyes out because of what it is.

Thanks That sounds quite right too! It's a Valjoux 72 movement apparently which is not uncommon.

[RiggaTheMighty]

If you struggle to find anyone, just drop me a message.
Hate seeing people get fleeced for having a quality watch.
Plus I’m a Quattro man myself so....