Blog Layout
The 2446c Heuer Mareographe
The 2446c Heuer Mareographe. Possibly the best looking Heuer signed dial ever made?
The 2446c series was introduced in late 1968 when the earlier screw back case Autavias were phased out. It utilised a compressor "snap back" case which is larger than the earlier screw back case by 1mm, although it actually wears larger than that difference may suggest due to the depth of the case and width of the lugs.
The yachting themed dial that was used for this special series was specific to this case, and so whilst the silver and blue dials used in the 2444/2446/2447 Mareographe and Seafarer versions are almost (but not quite) identical, the 2446c uses a bespoke and spectacular gun metal grey dial. Combined with contrasting white sub registers with flashes of "yachting" blue, it is exceptionally beautiful - undoubtedly one of the most beautiful produced for Heuer. The Mareographe, like the Seafarer was conceived to appeal to the man at sea, whether that be a fisherman, a yachtsman or just an all round adventurer. Not only did it allow the owner to tell the time and to time via a traditional chronograph, but it also had a regatta timer and the magical "tide disc". It was this tide disc which was the chronograph’s real point of differentiation and, once set, it effectively tells you the two high and low tides for each day on an ongoing basis. There were two distinct Mareographe, Seafarer and Solunagraph batches: the 1st execution which had plain steel hands and the one colour mk1 tide disc; and the 2nd execution pictured here with white bund style hands with mk2 tide disc which features two shades of blue.
The batches have distinct serial numbers, with the 1st execution being seen in between the standard 2446c batches in the 110xxx - 19xxxx serial range, and the rarer 2nd execution all being in the 324xxx serial range. Earlier examples featured plain pushers whereas later examples used fluted pushers which was the standard for Heuer in the 1970s. It is hard to pin down accurate production numbers, but I would estimate a maximum serial allocation of 1000 for both executions to include all three dial variations, with the Heuer signed version being the less observed of the threeWhilst the A&F Seafarers are more observed and perhaps the most discussed, given a choice as personally as a Heuer collector the Heuer shield always trumps the A&F and Orvis signed dials. Heuer mostly made the Seafarer series as bespoke orders for Abercrombie and Fitch, and latterly a batch of Solunagraph for Orvis, so finding Heuer signed dials is statistically rarer. In fact, I suspect the Heuer signed dials were mostly factory orders, using left over dials from the commissioned watches as Heuer always had an eye on utilising all that was available to them.
So what should you note as a collector? Well, The compressor case bezel is thinner, wider and lighter than the screw back case series as it is made from aluminium and it suffers damage more easily as a result, especially because the bezel edge has "teeth" which were extremely susceptible to scuffing. The case is very difficult to polish, the thin original lug bevels get worn easily and once polished never have the crispness that mint unpolished cases have. In fact it might be the single most difficult Heuer case to do justice to when it comes to being refurbished, therefore, it is critical that the case is in good condition.
Much of the value is tied into the gunmetal grey dial which often degrades as metallic dials from this period did not take kindly to water or humidity, both conditions likely to be associated with the use of such a watch. The paint is often degraded to some degree, and the difference in value between a salty sea dog and a perfect dial is vast. Values on the Heuer signed 2446c Mareographe might be expected to range between £12500 and £30000+ for the very best. The A&F I would estimate is worth perhaps 10% less with the Orvis more like 25%+ behind a Heuer example.
Click the link below to preview and/or buy one of the two Heuer collector reference watch books to feature the 2446c Mareographe, the Autavia Chronographs 1962-85 or the "Best of" Heuer holy grail book "Superstars".
Note: Please do not reproduce these images without permission.
Heuer Prices For Autavia Carrera and Monaco and market commentary
Vintage Heuer Price Guide Market Update for Autavia, Carrera and Monaco watches
The vintage Heuer price guide and market update for Autavia, Carrera and Monaco watches
The December 2022 Heuer price guide update
Information on the Heuer Autavia Orange Boy 1163
Vintage Heuer values in 2022 for Autavia, Carrera, Monaco
Information on the Heuer 2446 Seafarer for Abercrombie and Fitch
Vintage Heuer watch market update, Autavia, Carrera and Monaco values
Information on the 1st execution Heuer Autavia 2446 with all lume hands
Information on the vintage Heuer Skipper 7754 aka "Skipperera"