The Autavia Heuer 02 Chrono 42 mm 2017 model, which reflects the motor racing spirit of this era and the world of timekeeping, with its simple yet effective lines, is the result of the Autavia Cup, organised by TAG Heuer in 2016.
Collectors and TAG Heuer online followers were asked to choose their favourite model from a shortlist of 16 Autavia watches which had been released in the past, and to vote online.
In total, TAG Heuer recorded over 50,000 votes, with the winning watch being the Autavia “Rindt”, produced in 1963. The 2017 reinterpretation of this model is inspired greatly by this piece.
Did you know?
The name “Autavia” is a what I would call a portmanteau, combining the notions of AUTomobile and AVIAtion. At the time the Autavia chronograph was new, and cutting-edge with a rotary bezel. This meant that the watch was like a dash counter, but one which could be worn on the wrist.
The 2017 Autavia chronograph features three white, snailed chronograph counters. They have been spaced further apart to be more harmonious and easier to read. The date window has been positioned at 6 o’clock. The watch is now water-resistant to 100 meters and its original diameter of 39 mm has been expanded to 42 mm to give it a more contemporary, elegant look. The length of the minute track lines respect the golden ratio of 1/3-2/3, as applied by Jack Heuer to the early pieces. The watch also features a black aluminium bezel, which is notched and bidirectional, and a vintage brown calfskin leather strap with ecru top-stitching. If you wish you can buy the Autavia with a 7-row steel “Grains of rice” bracelet, inspired by the 1960s.
Technical details of the watch
>> Reference CBE2110. FC8226 with brown strap / CBE2110.BA0687 with 7-row steel “Grains of rice” bracelet
>> Movement Heuer 02 Manufacture – automatic chronograph with date 80-hour power reserve
>> Case Diameter 42 mm – in polished steel Polished steel horns with 2 facets Notched black aluminium bezel with hour gradations, bidirectional rotation Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflection coating and fluted steel crown Polished steel mushroom push-buttons and sapphire case-back
>> Dial Black opaline – date window at 6 o’clock Three white snailed counters: – Chronograph minute counter at 3 o’clock – Chronograph hour counter at 9 o’clock – Small seconds counter at 6 o’clock Rhodium-plated applique indices, with polished and satin-finished top, with beige SuperLuminova™ highlights and minute track Rhodium-plated beige SuperLuminova™ hour and minute hands Black varnished chronograph hands White varnished chronograph seconds hand “Heuer” logo and “AUTAVIA” inscription at 12 o’clock, “HEUER-02” inscription at 6 o’clock
>> Water-resistance 100 metres
>> Strap In vintage brown calfskin leather with ecru top-stitching Polished pin buckle with Heuer logo
>> Prices including VAT 4,800 CHF / 4,600 Euro with leather strap 4,950 CHF / 4,750 Euros with the 7-row steel “Grains of rice” bracelet
TAG Heuer 02 Manufacture Calibre – automatic chronograph with date & 80-hour power reserve