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Lot Essay
With the exceptional rise to fame of the Autavia over the past two years, perhaps culminating in the spectacular result achieved by Christie’s for a 1st execution in the New York December 2016 auction when the hammer fell for 125,000 USD including premium, it has become increasingly hard to find beautiful, fresh to market example. That is one of the reasons why it gives us immense pleasure to present a breathtaking example of the 2nd execution reference 2446 consigned by the original owner.
Purchased on behalf of the consignor from Switzerland in 1964 by a friend who was a flight attendant for Qantas, it cost the princely sum of 16 pounds 16 shillings representing a dramatic saving against the list price in Sydney, Australia where the owner was based! The watch has been very well cared for over the years exhibited by a Huguenin Freres case that appears to show no signs of polish, with sharp edges, clearly defined facets, attractive patina and original finish through, as well as the correct unsigned crown.
The movement is really an example to how a Valjoux 72 calibres should look with no signs of heavy servicing, strong original finish and no pronounced oxidisation, with just a neat watchmakers mark to the inside of the case back dated 2-9-69 indicating that it has received careful attention at some point in the past. The dial is particularly handsome with faint aging to the subsidiary dials and attractively aged luminous material but no heavy service marks around the hands from their removal, a rarity on these sports utility chronographs that were mere tools to their owners before their values increased dramatically.
A rare opportunity for a discerning collector to secure an exceptionally well preserved, fresh to market example of this iconic watch from the original owner that really should not be missed.
Purchased on behalf of the consignor from Switzerland in 1964 by a friend who was a flight attendant for Qantas, it cost the princely sum of 16 pounds 16 shillings representing a dramatic saving against the list price in Sydney, Australia where the owner was based! The watch has been very well cared for over the years exhibited by a Huguenin Freres case that appears to show no signs of polish, with sharp edges, clearly defined facets, attractive patina and original finish through, as well as the correct unsigned crown.
The movement is really an example to how a Valjoux 72 calibres should look with no signs of heavy servicing, strong original finish and no pronounced oxidisation, with just a neat watchmakers mark to the inside of the case back dated 2-9-69 indicating that it has received careful attention at some point in the past. The dial is particularly handsome with faint aging to the subsidiary dials and attractively aged luminous material but no heavy service marks around the hands from their removal, a rarity on these sports utility chronographs that were mere tools to their owners before their values increased dramatically.
A rare opportunity for a discerning collector to secure an exceptionally well preserved, fresh to market example of this iconic watch from the original owner that really should not be missed.