TAG Heuer reimagines the Autavia for its 60th Anniversary

Reading Time: 3 minutes

TAG Heuer pays tribute to the Autavia for its 60th Anniversary, a legendary collection created in 1962, with three new models. The Calibre Heuer 02 COSC Flyback manufacture movement brings the flyback function to the Autavia collection for the first time with two new chronograph models, while the Calibre 7 COSC GMT movement drives a brand-new three-hand GMT model – another first for the Autavia collection.

The Autavia wristwatch collection, the first product launched under the leadership of Jack Heuer 60 years ago, got its name from a portmanteau of two pillars of TAG Heuer’s history: automobile and aviation. Initially used for dashboard timers for cars and aircraft starting in 1933, the Autavia name would later make its way onto wristwatches as the segment became of increasing interest to the company.

The newly developed Calibre Heuer 02 COSC Flyback manufacture movement now allows TAG Heuer to flirt with its past. A rarely seen function in chronographs due to its difficulty to implement, the flyback function makes it possible to reset the chronograph hand and commence a new timing without the need to stop it first, saving valuable time in high-pressure situations, such as recording lap times at the racetrack.

The launch of the two flyback chronographs is also another nod to the rich history of TAG Heuer. During the late 1960s, it was Heuer who were most closely associated with a particular order from the German Bundeswehr. The reference 1550 SG – a model still very popular among collectors – was specifically created as a flyback chronograph for their Air Force to meet the special requirements of their pilots, who appreciated the ease of use and reliability.

The references launched in 2022 are immediately recognisable with their distinctive chronograph pushers and an extra-large crown, which are both inspired by the historic TAG Heuer dashboard timers. Another feature that has contributed to the reputation of TAG Heuer chronographs is readability. Here too, TAG Heuer remains true to its DNA with a Super-LumiNova® coating on the hour markers and hands, which ensures quick and clear legibility, once again taking inspiration from a historic Autavia reference, the 73663, which included a dial variation that also featured large luminous Arabic numerals.

A bidirectional rotating bezel – one of the strong features that is part of the Autavia DNA – and a sapphire crystal front and back reinforce the durability and utility of the new TAG Heuer Autavia chronographs.

One of the two chronograph models features a silver dial and polished stainless-steel case, a nod to the rare and coveted panda dials that were produced for the Autavia in extremely limited quantities in the 1960s, while the second Autavia flyback model showcases the direct link to TAG Heuer’s military pieces of the past with its black dial and DLC-coated case.

The third model introduced in the 60th year of the Autavia wristwatch is fitted with the Calibre 7 COSC GMT movement. The completely new three-hand GMT Autavia – the first GMT model in the collection and a perfect fit in terms of components for those who love to travel by road or by air – immediately captures the attention with a radiant blue sunray- brushed dial, a magnificent blue and black ceramic bezel and a polished stainless-steel case, as well as numerals and hands coated with Super-LumiNova® for perfect readability. All three models will be delivered either on a stainless-steel bracelet or an alligator leather strap fitted with a double-pushbutton deployant clasp, and customers can choose an additional strap if they wish thanks to the easy interchangeability options on this model.

Now, 60 years after its launch as a wristwatch, the TAG Heuer Autavia continues its legacy as a robust, reliable and enduring timepiece that is up to any task. The new collection honours this lineage by blending inspiration from the past with modern design touches to create models that are the ideal choice for watch lovers who are constantly on the move and who need absolute timing precision in any situation.