TAG Heuer reintroduces the Autavia as a complete collection, with a range of models boasting the versatility, robustness and reliability that characterised the original watches of the same name produced in the 1960s. Taking advantage of the carbon composite balance spring technology that identifies each timepiece as an Isograph, the Swiss watchmaker is building on its historical heritage to continue the saga. As one of the brand's pillars, creating a separate line for the Autavia, which will join the Carrera, Monaco, Formula 1, Acquaracer and Link collections in the catalogue, was a natural choice for TAG Heuer. From 1933 to 1957, the Autavia was an on-board instrument used in racing cars and aircraft. Its very name is in fact a combination of automobile and aviation. After production of the Autavia onboard chronometer ceased, the name was still available and the then CEO Jack Heuer decided to use it for the wrist chronograph that the Swiss watch manufacturer launched in 1962. Instantly recognisable, this innovative new timepiece embodied the energy and frenzy of rally racing and was readable in all conditions. Popular with racing enthusiasts and armed forces around the world, the watch enjoyed great success and an excellent reputation until it was discontinued in 1985. Today, the Autavia is reintroduced as its own collection with seven references designed with the adventurous and daring spirit for which it is known. The elegant, cockpit-inspired watch features eye-catching elements rooted in the collection's history. The elements that enthusiasts have loved, such as its functionality, timeless style and numerous variations, are also found in the seven new models unveiled at Baselworld 2019. The 42mm stainless steel three-hand Autavia models sport the round case from the first generation of Autavia and beveled lugs from the 1960s. The bidirectional rotating bezel with 60-minute scale in black ceramic, blue ceramic or stainless steel enhances the watch's sporty look. The XL crown is inspired by pilot's watches and timers that used oversized crowns to facilitate use with gloves. The 2019 models are highly legible in all conditions, just like the original Autavia. The hour markers and hour, minute and seconds hands are coated with SuperLuminova®, allowing you to read the time even when your adventures take you into the dark. The smoky dial, with date window at 6 o'clock, is available in black, grey or blue. Suitable for every adventure and every style, the strap and bracelet of all models in the Autavia collection are interchangeable. The calfskin leather straps are available in dark brown or light brown. The watches presented with a stainless steel bracelet come with a NATO strap in the case. The bracelet and strap are easily changed using simple buttons on the underside of the case, no tools are required. NATO straps, leather straps and stainless steel bracelets are sold separately, so the wearer can create their own combinations to complete their exclusive look. The three-hand Autavia timepieces are powered by the chronometer-certified Calibre 5. The new Autavia models use the most innovative technology, just like the original: they are equipped with the state-of-the-art carbon composite balance spring that TAG Heuer introduced earlier this year. The combination of the calibre and the carbon composite balance spring gives each model in this collection the name Isograph. The trademark name is derived from the Greek word "iso"which means 'equal', and refers to the stable and constant movement of the component. Referred to as the heart of the mechanical watch because of its key role in the overall functioning, the spiral is the most difficult part to make. A team of mathematicians, physicists and chemists at TAG Heuer oversees the creation of this completely reinvented balance spring. The carbon composite balance spring not only revolutionises traditional watchmaking, but also improves the performance of watches equipped with the brand's chronometer-certified movement. Here are the main advantages of TAG Heuer's carbon composite balance spring: made of a lightweight, low-density material, it is practically insensitive to gravity and shock as well as being completely antimagnetic. Perfectly concentric oscillations, which improve the watch's precision, are made possible by the geometry of the hairspring. Optimum thermal behaviour and aeroelasticity were achieved by combining the carbon composite balance spring with an aluminium alloy balance. The carbon composite balance spring is made with the collet already assembled. TAG Heuer is the exclusive manufacturer of these balance springs, designed and produced in its in-house workshop in La Chaux-de-Fonds. The propeller and tyre engraved on the stainless steel or titanium bottom are a reference to the collection's rich heritage. In addition to the three-handed Autavia models in steel, TAG Heuer has launched two other bronze versions. The 42mm timepieces with bronze cases sport a green or brown smoked dial with a black or brown ceramic bidirectional rotating bezel. The model with the brown dial and brown ceramic bezel is fitted with a brown leather strap, while the model with the green dial and black ceramic bezel is offered with a khaki leather strap. The bottom of these watches is made of titanium. TAG Heuer's DNA is evident in this new family of watches. Inspired by past successes, the new Autavia collection has its own authentic identity but remains faithful to the original models that left their mark on the TAG Heuer universe and the history of time measurement.
TAG Heuer Autavia: models and references
- Reference WBE5112.FC8266: blue dial and bezel, brown leather strap
- Reference WBE5110.FC8266: black dial and bezel, brown leather strap
- Reference WBE5111.FC8267: grey dial, steel bezel, brown leather strap
- Reference WBE5112.EB0173: blue dial and bezel, stainless steel bracelet and NATO strap Reference WBE5110.EB0173: black dial and bezel, stainless steel bracelet and NATO strap
Movement
Calibre 5 automatic with new Isograph balance spring manufactured in-house, chronometer-certified, 26 mm diameter, 25 jewels, oscillating balance at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), 38-hour power reserve
Directions
Date, hours, minutes and seconds
Case
42 mm diameter, stainless steel case, bidirectional rotating bezel in blue or black ceramic or stainless steel, sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, water-resistant to 100 m (10 atmospheres)
Dial
Smoked blue, black or grey, rhodium-plated indexes and hands with SuperLuminova
Strap
Light or dark brown calfskin leather or stainless steel bracelet, stainless steel pin buckle
TAG Heuer Autavia (bronze): models and references
- Reference WBE5191.FC8276: brown dial and bezel, brown calfskin strap
- Reference WBE5190.FC8268: green dial, black bezel, khaki calfskin strap
Movement
Calibre 5 automatic with new Isograph balance spring manufactured in-house, chronometer-certified, 26 mm diameter, 25 jewels, oscillating balance at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), 38-hour power reserve
Directions
Date, hours, minutes and seconds
Case
42 mm diameter, bronze case, bidirectional rotating bezel in brown or black ceramic, sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, water-resistant to 100 m (10 atmospheres)
Dial
Smoked brown or green, rhodium-plated indexes and hands with SuperLuminova
Strap
Dark brown or khaki calfskin leather, bronze buckle
