112 Heuer Very Fine and Rare Orvis Chronograph Tidal Indicator Wristwatch Reference 2446sf in Steel, Retailed by Orvis

Estimate: €10,000 –⁠ 20,000

Model: Solunagraph
Reference: 2446SF
Case Material: Stainless steel
Bracelet Material: Leather
Year: 1970s
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 72-3’
Case N°: 324171
Dimensions: 40 mm
Signed: Case, dial, movement

Realized at the end of the ’70s, Heuer sold the model “Solunar” through both Abercrombie & Fitch and Orvis, the brand also retailed it under their own brand with the model name Mareographe. The present lot is an exponent of reference 2446 and the 40 mm stainless steel case with a compressor-type snap on back is a real eye-catcher: it is robust, unpolished and has few natural signs of wear with two round chronograph pushers in the band, with a third push button on the left side of the case. The bezel of this particular Solunagraph has a special tachymeter scale: the usual bezels show markings of high speeds between 60 and 400 units per hour, which are useful on a racetrack. The Solunagraph, however, was designed for sailors. The speed of the sailing ships on the water are lower. Therefore, it made more sense to design a tachymeter scale to meet these special needs. The dial has an aluminum-black finish that has been perfectly preserved. The luminous material in the hour markers, hands and even in the small dots at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock is fully intact. The caliber is a Valjoux 723: it is a Valjoux 72 movement with an extra module for the tide function, indicated by the additional “3” and is a wonderful addition to any collection of rare chronographs.