TAG Heuer Autavia

It is 55 years of the TAG Heuer Autavia and the watchmaker is celebrating fans of the collection by releasing a 2017 model inspired by the 1963 Autavia Rindt model. Basically, the brand had announced the Autavia Cup last year, giving TAG Heuer fans and collectors a shot at selecting the appropriate historical Autavia to pay tribute to. More than 50,000 chose between 16 shortlisted models, with the Rindt pulling ahead at the end. Of course, the 2017 model is hardly a mere reproduction, with the redoubtable automatic calibre Heuer 02 powering the chronograph and a black aluminium bezel adding a visceral contemporary touch.

Calibre Heuer 02

Jack Heuer – who christened the watch – wanted the watch to be a virtual dashboard on the wrist and he brought the principles of the golden ratio to bear on the design. This new version certainly takes Heuer’s landmark vision into account, which you can see if you look closely at the way the elements are organised on the dial. Purists may object to the addition of the date window at 6 o’clock and the 42mm size but should be content that the new version improves on the original’s composition and proportions.