The history of TAG Heuer is inexorably linked to that of the chronograph, going back more than half a century. In the current catalogue, TAG Heuer’s (née Heuer) chronographs can be found across three main collections, but the oldest remains the Autavia, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.
It was 1962 when the Autavia collection made its debut, launched as the first collection overseen by CEO Jack Heuer, who was just 28 years old at the time. To mark the occasion (serendipitously, TAG Heuer’s current CEO Frédéric Arnault is 27 this year), TAG Heuer has released a trio of new timepieces in the Autavia collection this year, including two flyback chronographs and a sporty GMT.
These freshly launched timepieces will join the rest of the modern Autavia collection, which has been growing in popularity for the last few years. The La Chaux-de-Fonds based watchmaker has been making a concerted effort to return the Autavia to the spotlight, which has been historically dominated by the Carrera and Monaco collections.
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The two Autavia Flyback Chronographs are the first of their kind, with one finished in black DLC with minty green dial markings, and the other with an attractive black and silver “Panda” layout. Both timepieces offer subtle references to historical Heuer watches, with nods to a German Air Force chronograph from the ’70s and motorsports legend Jo Siffert’s chronograph respectively.
Both Autavia Flyback Chronographs feature 42mm steel cases that stand 15.68mm tall, bidirectional rotating ceramic bezels and a healthy 100m of water resistance. They are both powered by the reliable and accurate Calibre Heuer 02 COSC Flyback, which offer 80 hours of power reserve and have been chronometer-certified by COSC. The two chronographs both arrive on alligator leather straps, secured with a classic folding clasp.
In contrast, the Autavia Chronometer GMT presents a more modern, sporty aesthetic. With a cleanly designed 42mm case and slightly simpler functionality, it’s kept slimmer than its chronograph siblings at just 13.65mm thick.
The Autavia Chronometer GMT also features a ceramic bezel insert, however, this time with a black and blue 25-hour scale around its circumference, that matches the sunburst blue dial. Contrasting the blue dial is a bright yellow GMT hand, filled with the same luminous material as we find around the rest of the dial. The GMT arrives on a robust steel bracelet, making it an ideal travelling timepiece.
The three 60th anniversary additions to the Autavia collection breathe more life into the family, successfully blending contemporary tastes with historically significant design cues. The trio of timepieces are currently available, and while they aren’t limited editions, will be sold in “limited quantities” according to TAG Heuer.
The Autavia Chronometer Flyback Chronograph With Panda Dial has an RRP of $9,100, while the Black DLC version is a little more at $10,100. The Autavia Chronometer GMT arrives with an RRP of $6,100.
