Jack Heuer, founder and creator of TAG Heuer, turns 85 this year. To mark his birthday celebration, the company is launching a limited edition of the famous Autavia timepiece to pay homage to the brand’s honorary President.

The story of the Autavia is one with “a rich drama, full of twists and turns,” recalled Jack Heuer, Founder of TAG Heuer in reference to the Autavia. “It is one of my proudest achievements to have successfully converted chronographs into the Autavia wristwatch in 1962, so this collection has a special place in my heart: It was the very first timepiece that I designed, and today I am proud to present the last watch that I have created!”

This update of Jack’s first wrist sports chronograph speaks volume of an iconic watch that has captured the spirit of golden age motor racing. The earlier version of the Autavia chronograph was made legendary by racing drivers in the 1960s and much appreciated on collectors’ circuit before making a comeback today.

Designed by Jack himself for racing cars and aircraft in 1933, the new sports chronograph classic distinguishes itself from the other wrist watches produced today. The key features are the self-winding calibre movement and its larger 42 mm case, which provides the date at 6 o’clock, and a power reserve indicator with water resistance to 100 m.

The latest generation of the Autavia is made to tell time more accurately with the improved minute track subdivisions, marked by the “1/3-2/3” ergonomic rule of the era created by Jack Heuer himself.

The balanced minute hand and small seconds displays and the applique indexes come in steel coating with beige Super-LumiNova®. On the case back, carries the DNA and aesthetic codes of the original (updated for today’s market).

Drawing eyes to the 12-hour, graduated with a black aluminium bezel and featuring the mushroom push buttons, a ridged crown, and the Heuer logo, finally completed with a “grains of rice” steel bracelet for a vintage feel.

And finally, “Heuer Parade” organised by Phillips on Nov 11, in Geneva, will auction the limited edition timepieces carrying the number 1/1932.

For more information about TAG Heuer, please visit tagheuer.com.