Michael SatterfieldFrom 1933 to 1957, the Autavia was used to keep time in race cars and aircraft. Mounted on the dash, the classic “rally clocks” are prized by collectors, and it is that heritage that inspired the Tag Heuer Autavia watch collection released this week at Baselworld. The original Autavia chronograph wristwatch was first launched in 1962; its racing heritage and easy-to-read dial made it popular among motorsports enthusiasts, military operators, and men of style. Production of the original wristwatch ceased in 1985, and vintage Autavias are prized by collectors today.
Like many brands, Tag Heuer is revisiting its greatest hits with a retro-inspired modern Tag Heuer Autavia. Drawing from the original 42mm rounded case with beveled lugs, an oversized crown, inspired by pilot’s watches, and a bidirectional rotating bezel with a 60-minute scale in black ceramic, blue ceramic, or stainless steel, give the new Autavia the same timeless style that made the original so popular.
Tag Heuer Autavia On Leather Strap
The functional and easy-to-read face is enhanced by SuperLuminova® coating on the hour markers and hour, minute, and second hands, making it possible to read the watch in low light. The smoked dial is available in black, grey, or blue, and has a date window at 6 o’clock. The Autavia is offered with a stainless steel bracelet or leather calfskin straps in dark or light brown. Watches ordered with the bracelet include a NATO strap, and the bracelet and straps feature push-button releases, making changing out straps easy to do at home.
The launch campaign features racing driver and actor Patrick Dempsey, a fitting spokesman for a watch with a great motorsports pedigree.
The new references include:
WBE5112.FC8266: blue dial and bezel, brown leather strap.
WBE5110.FC8266: black dial and bezel, brown leather strap.
WBE5111.FC8267: grey dial, steel bezel, brown leather strap.
WBE5112.EB0173: blue dial and bezel, stainless steel bracelet, and NATO strap.
WBE5110.EB0173: black dial and bezel, stainless steel bracelet, and NATO strap.
Movement
Automatic Calibre 5 with new in-house Isograph hairspring, chronometer-certified, diameter 26 mm,
25 jewels, balance oscillating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), 38-hour power reserve.
Display
Date, hour, minute and seconds.
Case
Diameter 42 mm, case in stainless steel, bidirectional rotating bezel in blue or black ceramic or stainless steel, sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment, water-resistant to 100 m (10 bar).
Dial
Blue, black or grey smoked dial, rhodium-plated indexes, and hands filled with SuperLuminova®.
Strap
Light or dark brown calfskin strap or stainless-steel bracelet, pin buckle in stainless steel.
