TAG Heuer Autavia Chronograph
TAG Heuer Autavia Chronograph
2017 GPHG Chronograph Category Finalist
Lovers of vintage, racing inspired Heuer watches were given a long awaited treat with the revived Heuer Autavia. A brand icon given a modern reworking, while still historically faithful, makes a welcome return and a fair shot at GPHG honours.
So what is it?
Among the six pre-selected finalists in the 2017 GPHG Chronograph category the Autavia is the only one with a distinctly sporty theme, or at least in a conventional sense. The combination of an enlarged 42mm steel case, topped with a tactile rotating bezel with a matte black aluminium insert, and the black dial with snailed silvery subdials, emanates that authentic racing driver spirit of its inspiration. While nostalgia runs deep in its aesthetics, it's a very modern watch, and its well spaced layout is thanks to TAG Heuer's proprietary Heuer 02 self winding movement.
That this new Autavia has been voted through to the six pre-selected finalists is kind of fitting, as it's really only here at all thanks to the result of a another vote, organised by TAG Heuer, where they invited their public to nominate one out of sixteen classic models to return for a limited time with this Jochen Rindt model coming out as the vote winner.
Will it win one more, and slipstream its rivals to take the chequered flag in the lavish Geneva gala?
Although the Chronograph category has only existed since 2014, it's notable that no sporty watch has had success here to date. However, for its revival of a cult watch for the first time in years TAG Heuer have got it spot on with the Autavia. It could spring a surprise, but it would be a surprise.
The Watch Press prediction:
No award this year TAG Heuer. Not that they haven't come up with a highly desirable and usable watch. Were it between the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda Chronor and the Heuer Autavia it would be a close run thing, but I think that's unlikely, given the two Agenhor players involved.
The pertinents
REFERENCE: CBE2110.BA0687
CASE: Steel
BRACELET/STRAP: Steel
BUCKLE: Folding clasp
MOVEMENT: Self winding mechanical. Power reserve: 80 h, 28'800 vph
FUNCTIONS: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date, Chronograph
SIZE: ø 42 mm
THICKNESS: 15.3 mm
WATERPROOFNESS: 100 m
PRICE EXCL.VAT: CHF 4'580
Lovers of vintage, racing inspired Heuer watches were given a long awaited treat with the revived Heuer Autavia. A brand icon given a modern reworking, while still historically faithful, makes a welcome return and a fair shot at GPHG honours.