Autavia

The legendary Autavia, who was originally created by Jack Heuer in 1962 is making a comeback in 2017.

A contraction of AUTomobile and AVIAtion, its name is synonymous with its rotating bezel, its large snailed counters and the exemplary legibility of its black and white.

Modern yet faithful to its roots, the new generation Autavia channels the spirit of the golden age of motor racing. As innovative as the original, this contemporary model is the result of an interactive campaign called the "Autavia Cup" run in 2016: from a choice of 16 vintage models, more than 50,000 web users voted for a reissue of the Autavia "Rindt" worn by the famous F1 driver Jochen Rindt.

Much more than a reissue of an iconic model, the new generation Autavia embodies a respect for the authentic world of motor racing and its roots, harnessing technology to improve functionality – TAG Heuer's signature accuracy. New execution, modern functions, a contemporary mechanism. An enduring, legendary style, coveted by fans of vintage chronographs with a rugged appeal. The watch of 1960s F1 heroes. Legendary figures running on kerosene, tobacco and adrenaline. The Autavia will always embody this exhilarating world in which everything can change in a second.

More imposing than its ancestor — 42 mm in diameter compared to 39 in the 1960s — with a 12-hour graduated bezel and a new Heuer-02 calibre proprietary chronograph movement, the latest generation Autavia carries the DNA and aesthetic codes of the original, updated for today's market. Its functions are tailored to modern requirements: a self-winding calibre, power reserve of 80 hours, date at 6 o'clock, water resistance to 100 metres. In black aluminium, the bidirectional notched bezel encircles a black dial with three white snailed counters in an optimal layout. A legible, balanced display with hands and applique indexes in steel coated with beige Super-LumiNova®.

The inscription "Heuer-02" above the date aperture references one of the major innovations of this contemporary model: its proprietary movement, the new Heuer-02 chronograph calibre, with 4 Hz frequency for a power reserve of 80 hours. Just 6.9 mm thick, this self-winding movement comprises 233 components, a pillar wheel and a vertical clutch. Featuring traditional finishes visible through the sapphire case-back, this TAG Heuer proprietary mechanism offers maximum space for the counters on the dial side, resulting in a visual balance and perfect legibility. Furthermore, the Autavia is equipped with a sixties-inspired 7 row steel “beeds of rice” bracelet.

The studied neo-retro style encompasses the minute track subdivisions, employing the "1/3-2/3" ergonomic rule of the era created by Jack Heuer to enhance legibility and accuracy.