Thank you very much for that most enlightening post. I had seen the 2446 MH in the 70-71 Heuer catalog, but without the color and a much closer view, I couldn't really tell. I think this gives me all the information there is to be had. I, too, was wondering about dating by the markings on the GF bracelet -- I assume (yeah, I know...) that the initial serialization of the watch case, and the final assembly of the watch and addition of the bracelet might well be separated by some weeks or months of time.

Here's the image from the 1970-71 Heuer catalog:

Thanks again, and thanks to Jeff and everyone on the Chronocentric forum who helped me out.

Regards

Bart Brown

: hello Bart,

: your watch can be found in the 1970/71 Heuer catalog on page 10.4
: bottom left, see catalogs onthedash.

: The compressor case housing the original Val 72 movement (have a
: look at the signature under the balance) is time period correct
: and was the successor of the screw down case used on earlier
: Autavias. It has a snap back mechanism and was sealing itself
: due to different outer and inner pressures whilst diving.
: The bridge is signed Heuer-Leonidas, which is the correct signature
: after the merger of Ed Heuer to Heuer-Leonidas late 1964.

: The dial is period correct (possibly from 1969 as the little T is
: still present) showing the correct later generation markers. The
: red chronograph hand corresponds with the red marks on the outer
: 1/5 second rail.
: 1970 was a transition period for minute and hour hands therefore
: the all steel ones as well as the steel with black inserts were
: used.

: The hands on your watch look well original and the match of patina
: between hands and dial luminous inserts are obvious.
: The MH bezel is original with the little teeth at the edges to ease
: turning with gloves.
: The Heuer signed crown is period correct and was slightly enlarged
: versus earlier Autavia models, fluted pushers are good.

: The 145xxx number is an indication for late 69 or early 70 case
: production run, hence your watch could be well completed and
: sold around mid to late 70is, which would correspond with the
: date of the guy freres bracelet.

: The case and horns look pretty sharp, angled surfaces still intact,
: maybe a very gentle polish in the past, hard to say from these
: rather dark pictures.

: Finally value:
: it is not the most desired Autavia model, however it is a very
: complete set just missing the papers and therefore would be
: normally in the 1800 to 2200 range.
: Already the bracelet would sell for 400 and the box for another
: 200..

: Cheers

: Arno

: www.heuerchronographs.com