‘Jochen Rindt’ 2446 Heuer Autavia Third Execution

To us, Heuer are not a quartz Moonswatch-me-too Hodinkee marketing exercise. Similarly, Heuer are not 18mm thick, uninspired chronographs made to give Frédéric Arnault something to do other than party. No modern marque may be so far off course from its roots as TAG. So let’s focus on the second half, Heuer, instead. Heuer were, once upon a time, making a cooler, more casual Daytona (or Speedmaster). Heuer were made by and for people who actually used racing chronographs for their expressed purpose. Pretty nearly all dashboard timers and race timing stopwatches, those that actually recorded racing history, bore the shield. Over half of the Formula 1 grid, in its golden years, wore Heuer. One of them was named Jochen Rindt. You might have heard of his wife here last week. Well, this is is his chosen chronograph. And it’s what Heuer means to me.

This is a 2446, a simple three-register Valjoux 72. But this we call the Jochen Rindt because the man wore one constantly while racing up until his tragic accident in 1970. The German/Austrian Formula 1 driver remains the only man to have ever been posthumously awarded the Formula 1 World Championship. This, in addition to winning the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans in a 250 LM. Jochen was a famously hard-charging, thrilling driver to watch. Just go watch Monaco 1970. On his wrist for all it was Heuer, photographed many times. That’s the kind heritage any brand would be unwise to take disregard or take lightly.

The watch itself bears a 12-hours bezel, one of the cleaner aesthetics, and second generation 38.5mm case with beveled lugs (pre-1967 Autavia cases are non-beveled). The dial was made by Singer, same as the aforementioned Daytona and Speedmaster, but underneath a more domed acrylic crystal. While this one is on leather, Rindt wore his mostly on a Gay Frères bracelet made for Heuer, which you can find with patience. I’ve said it before, but if you love vintage chronographs want others to know what you’re wearing, buy a 6263 or 6265. If you love F1 history, handsome chronographs, and don’t care what anyone thinks, the Heuer of old is a perfect place to peruse. This might be the quintessential driving chronograph. It’s the real deal, non-TAG Formula 1.

This example is pretty strong overall. The dial is lovely, with no visible damage, warmed subdials, and a lovely pumpkin tritium. The case has seen a light polish, not abusive at all, and still looks great. The original Heuer clasp is on the strap, which is quite cool. It comes from a well-regarded Parisian retailer.