TAG Heuer Autavia 02 Chronograph Watch Review
Friday - 18 August 2017
Upon its 55th anniversary, TAG Heuer revisit the legendary Autavia chronograph of the early sixties. Originally designed in the Jack Heuer era of TAG, the timepiece captured the very essence of the motor sport in this decade; a thrilling, sexy yet life threatening world that managed to mix excitement with a chilling danger as many drivers risked their lives racing around the track with a fiery temperament, impulsive nature, untamed adrenaline and no calculations. In fact, aside from cigarette manufacturers Jack was the first Formula 1 sponsor, a connection that remains alive today.
Fastened to the wrists of Steve McQueen, Jack Rindt and Mario Andretti (to name a few), the Autavia model was chosen by TAG Heuer followers from a choice of 16 vintage models. With over a huge 50,000 votes in total, the winner of the first generation watch to revisit was the Autavia.
The rebirth of the chronograph remains firmly faithful to its iconic roots yet embraces the contemporary audience; a charming, retro piece that attracts a modern clientele with new technology to improve functionality. Embracing TAG’s accuracy, the design houses a new Heuer-02 calibre proprietary chronograph movement housed in the legendary, cherished model that continues to thrive off the never forgotten world that gambled with lives, ran on tobacco, kerosene and thrill - a place where everything could change in a second.
With respect for its predecessor, the Autavia boasts a refined notched bidirectional bezel, a black dial with three highly legible white counters and polished steel baton indexes with luminescent inserts. A slightly larger watch face at 42mm in comparison to the 39mm of the sixties responds to a modern market. New features include a self-winding calibre, a 80 hour power reserve, a date display at 6 o’clock, a sapphire case back and an impressive 100 metres water resistance. Finished with a brown leather strap the Autavia embraces the vintage aesthetic that a contemporary audience adore.
TAG Heuer offers a taste of the sixties. A nostalgia that lives in the present harnessing the latest technology whilst paying tribute to a successful iconic model.
