3 Vintage Driving Watches You Can Buy Right Now
While the Carrera may have been the watch that established Heuer as a manufacturer of legendary racing chronographs, it was the Autavia that was truly designed with the automotive market in mind. Let’s now take a look at a stunning example of the aforementioned Heuer, along with a couple of other horological curiosities that are sure to get your heart racing.
Heuer Autavia
Overall, this 1969 example of the Ref. 2446C from San Francisco’s H.Q. Milton is in nice shape. While the bezel is a bit scuffed up, I will note that it appears to have aged to an almost bluish tone of grey over the years, presumably as a result of extensive exposure to sunlight.
Waltham chronograph
I always like to make it known that while many vintage watches do indeed command astronomical prices, relative bargains are still out there if you’re willing to do a little hunting. Case in point, this 1960s Waltham chronograph from Menta Watches that’s in excellent, mint condition.
This one seems to check all the boxes, with an unpolished case, original crystal, and a clean, and highly legible dial. Additionally, this piece features a tachymeter scale, so you can easily calculate your travelling speeds and distances when on the road.
Breitling Navitimer
Yes, this is a Breitling Navitimer, and before you ask, I’ll confirm that those are two little airplanes above the logo on the dial. Doesn’t seem like a driving watch, because it isn’t. But then again it is. Allow me to explain.
As many will know, the Navitimer is an evolution of Breiting’s slide rule Chronomat, and its origins lie in aviation, but during the 1960s, drivers like Jim Clark relied on the Navitimer for their in-car calculations, as the watch featured many useful scales on its dial. I also recently spotted one on the wrist of Jackie Oliver while going through old photos, so it seems Formula One community really quite liked the watch.
