Editor’s Note: Need a quick watch fix? This preview of the new TAG Heuer Autavia is a GET TO THE POINT (GTTP) review with all the info you want / need to know QUICK. For our actual hands-on reviews, please head to the dedicated section here. Now let’s get to the point.
What Is It
To mark the Autavia’s 60th birthday, the TAG Heuer Autavia family is joined by new three members that bring to the collection new complications.
The 2019/20 — the year could be debated as this was intended to be a 2019 launch but hit the boutiques in 2020 after a hiccup — TAG Heuer Autavia was somewhat inspired from the original Autavia models of the mid-1960s and also managed to have a contemporary appeal.
That Baselworld 2019 introduction comprised of seven sporty models – five in sleek stainless steel and two in ‘noble’ bronze (review here).
The latest TAG Heuer Autavia models for 2022 take this evolution further, adding three new models: two new chronograph models based on the reference 1550 SG from 1960s and one three-hand GMT model (a first for the Autavia collection).
These should definitely appease the desire of those watch enthusiasts who have been wanting motorsports themed watches combined with aviation inspired timepieces with exceptional legibility.
Basic Specifications of the new TAG Heuer Autavia models
- Ref. CBE511B.FC8279 TAG Heuer Autavia 60th Anniversary Flyback Chronograph in a 42 x 15.68mm polished and fine-brushed stainless-steel case with black ceramic bidirectional rotating bezel and retailing for 9’100 AUD
- A DLC-coated version of the above chronograph, the ref. CBE511C.FC8280 retailing for 10’100 AUD
- Ref. WBE511A.BA0650 TAG Heuer Autavia 60th Anniversary GMT 3 Hands model with a 42 x 13.65mm case and a ‘Batman’ style rotating bezel retailing for 6’100 AUD
- 100m water-resistance
- Announced as part of the third edition of the LVMH Watch Week 2022 (January 24 – 28, 2022).
Movement in the TAG Heuer Autavia Flyback Chronographs
Both the new TAG Heuer Autavia feature the same movement, the Calibre Heuer 02 COSC Flyback.
The movement is based on their Calibre Heuer 02 automatic manufacture chronograph movement that measures 31mm in diameter, comprises of 33 jewels and 168 individual components including a column wheel and a vertical clutch, beats at the frequency of 4Hz (28’800 A/h), and offers an impressive 80-hour power reserve.
The movement in the new TAG Heuer Autavia Flyback Chronographs is a COSC-certified version with added flyback capabilities.
Movement in the TAG Heuer Autavia GMT
The TAG Heuer Autavia GMT makes use of the Calibre 7 COSC GMT, which essentially seems to be based on either the ETA 2893-2 or the Sellita SW330-2.
It should feature a typical 56-hours power reserve (and minimum of 50-hours). Assuming it’s based on the SW330-2, the 25.60 x 4.1mm movement comprises 25 jewels, beats at the standard 4Hz frequency, has an angle lift of balance of 51°, features a Nivaflex balance spring, Incabloc shock-absorber, and maximum amplitude of 315° and min of 200°.
Kicks Ass
Out of the three, my pick is the blacked-out DLC-coated TAG Heuer Autavia 60th Anniversary Flyback Chronograph ref. CBE511C.FC8280. From what I have seen, it is the most ‘bad-ass’ release of recent times. Had it yellow accents, it could be a ‘Cobra Kai’ universe timepiece.
I know DLC-coated timepieces exist dime a dozen, but it ends up a winner or a loser based on the execution; or to borrow the word from The Karate Kid / Cobra Kai cinematic universe, this particular chronograph has ‘balance’.
Without going into the whole pricing, true GMT or not, and 42mm sizing debate — too expensive perhaps but hey pricing has always been subjective in the luxury world, damnit it allows one to read another time zone, and yes it is large for someone with slim wrists — I frankly reckon the TAG Heuer Autavia Flyback Chronograph kicks some serious ass: manufacture movement, COSC-certification, impressive 80-hour power reserve, a decently decorated movement visible through the display case-back, killer legibility and inclusion of numerals inspired by the historic Autavia reference 73663, excellent contrast between matt dial and sunken azurage counters, sporty pushers, a bidirectional rotating bezel for counting daily events in one’s life, flyback function, indexes and hands with contrasting green Super-LumiNova®, and practical 100m water resistance.
The panda version is just not my cup of tea though. Of course each to their own. That and perhaps the date should have been excluded; if the date aperture doesn’t naturally fall in sync with the hour markers, or it happens to be at the ungodly 4.30 location, timepieces are better without it.
Finally, the GMT version is interesting; I haven’t quite made up my mind whether I love it or simply like it, but I am definitely pro watch enthusiasts purchasing it.
It is such a simple, no fuss, high on legibility timepiece that does what it is supposed to do without any frivolous distractions. I appreciate it for its head-on approach of tackling the ‘arduous’ problem of telling two timezones on one wrist device that many brands seem to struggle with.
The blue sunray-brushed dial is youthful and versatile, the blue and black ceramic bezel very Rolex Batman-esque but still different being slimmer and glossier, and the use of orange accents eye-catching. I also like the inclusion of an extra-large crown reminiscent of the historic TAG Heuer dashboard timers.
Sure I would have preferred a smaller diameter and thinner than 13.65mm case, but the world ain’t perfect.
On the whole, the new TAG Heuer Autavia 60th Anniversary watches shine bright, whether you have a need for speed or are travelling through harsh lighting conditions. When it comes to telling time, it’s got your back.
To find out more about the new TAG Heuer Autavia and other TAG Heuer watches, please head to their website here. All images unless otherwise specified are © TAG Heuer Brand of LVMH Swiss Manufactures SA – 2022.
