As a highly sought after model by collectors, this Autavia series chronograph worn by legendary drivers in the 1960s will return in glory in 2017.
Autavia is an acronym for the words AUTomobile and AVIAtion. It is synonymous with a rotating bezel, an oversized snail-shaped chronograph dial and classic black and white color schemes. Born in 1962, this brand’s classic now incorporates new upgraded features and a proprietary homemade movement to celebrate its 55th anniversary with a new retro look.
The avant-garde design of the new generation of Autavia series watches is also loyal to the original and fully demonstrates the spirit of racing in the golden age. Just like the original pioneer, this new work with a contemporary style
‘The Autavia Cup’
Stand out in the large-scale online selection event: Autavia ‘Rindt’, which was voted by more than 50,000 netizens and won an overwhelming victory among 16 vintage watches, is the famous F1 driver Jochen Lint
(Jochen Rindt) A replica of what he has worn.
• The Autavia series was designed by Jack Heuer in 1962. It is the first chronograph with a rotating bezel, and it will soon be renewed.
• It is the watch worn by the most famous racers in the 1960s and 1970s. They are: Jochen Rindt, Mario Andretti, Joe Steffi (Jo Siffert), Clay Regazzoni …
• Acronyms for cars (AUTomobile) and aviation (AVIAtion), derived from Heuer’s first race car and aircraft dashboard timer in 1933.
• The 1960s racing spirit blends with contemporary functions, reinterpreting the iconic collectors’dreams.
• Design inspired by Autavia ‘Rindt’ worn by 1966 legendary F1 champion Jochen Rindt.
• During the “Autavia Cup” event (an unprecedented online interactive event in 2016), online users voted to select from 16 retro styles.
• Black rotating bezel, three large white snailed chronograph dials, rough lines and perfect readability, inspired by the original model.
• Increased 42mm diameter, 100m water resistance, 6 o’clock position date window and Heuer-02 exclusive self-winding chronograph movement for the new model.
Racing pedigree
The new generation of Autavia is not only a re-release of iconic watch styles, it also reflects respect for the real racing world and its roots, and enhances functionality through technology-TAG Heuer’s signature precision. New modes of operation, modern functions, contemporary machinery. The style has not changed for a long time and is legendary. With its rough temperament, fans of retro chronographs are obsessed with it. 1960s F1 hero watch. Legendary image with kerosene, cigarettes and adrenaline. Autavia will always represent this exciting and ever-changing world.
Performance that wins everyone
The return of the Autavia collection dates back to a unique large-scale online event, ‘The Autavia Cup’, held in spring 2016. The purpose of this event is to gather the brand’s collectors and fans, and discuss with watch experts, and finally vote for a retro watch as the inspiration for Autavia replica watches.
Netizens voted to choose their favorite one from the 16 first-generation Autavia watches of the 1960s. After two stages of selection, the total number of votes exceeded 50,000, and the winner was selected in the final 4 works: the famous Autavia model in 1966, Ref. 2446 Mark 3, this watch was named ‘Rindt’, In honor of the famous F1 champion Jochen Rindt, he was named after wearing the watch for a long time.
Watch fans like the replica watches are back: this innovative collaborative project greatly demonstrates Tag Heuer’s commitment and respect for true lovers and excellent consultants. ‘Autavia
‘Rindt’ ‘s widespread response on social media has reborn this winning replica watch. The second representative case, slim bezel, beveled lugs, black dial, three white chronograph dials, linear hands and Based on polished stainless steel match-shaped hour markers and luminous markers, this landmark new piece has all the attributes of a winner. The ‘image ambassador’ of the watch
Jochen Rindt-one of the greatest drivers in F1 history and a great contribution to the world-renowned watch.
Characterizing Modern Marks
From the original 39 mm in the 1960s to a more eye-catching 42 mm, with a 12-hour graduated bezel and a new Heuer-02 chronograph movement, the new Autavia watch inherits the design philosophy of the original watch series and Aesthetic style, and update and upgrade according to the current market trends, more modern. Its functions better meet contemporary needs: the self-winding movement has an 80-hour power reserve, a date window at 6 o’clock, and 100 meters of water resistance. A two-way grooved bezel made of black aluminum alloy encloses the black dial and three white luminous chronograph dials cleverly located inside. The stainless steel hands and appliqué hour-markers covered with a Super-LumiNova® beige luminous coating are very legible.
The new generation of Autavia watches inherits the simple and powerful lines of the previous generation, which will be the heart of future collectors. At the same time, it will integrate modern style into the reinterpreted retro look and move closer to the current world. ‘Big push buttons, grooved crowns, Tag Heuer logos and distressed calfskin straps add ruggedness to the watch. At the same time, modern elements are added through date windows and sapphire crystal casebacks that were not available in the past. Beige luminous The coating presents the antique luster of an antique timepiece, which is printed with the stitching of the strap. Following the ‘1 / 3-2 / 3’ golden rule formulated by Jack Heuer then, the carefully developed new retro style can be viewed from the minute Clearly displayed track intervals greatly enhance legibility and accuracy.
The new favorite of purists
The words Heuer-02 above the date window point to an important innovation of this new work: it is equipped with a new self-made chronograph movement Heuer-02 with a frequency of 4 Hz and a power reserve of 80 hours. This self-winding movement, which is only 6.9 mm thick, consists of 233 parts and features a column wheel and a vertical clutch. The sapphire crystal caseback can see the traditional surface decoration embellished on it. At the same time, this TAG Heuer mechanical movement also maximizes the chronograph dial space on the dial side to achieve visual balance and perfect legibility.
Fans of the original Autavia will be crazy about this new retro timepiece. The profound connection with the car, the outstanding characteristics and the classic look are carefully preserved. Perfect proportions, layouts, well-decorated chronograph dials, clear and easy-to-read scales, and a powerful rotating bezel resurface here. For those who are pursuing pureness, an additional surprise is that the watch offers different strap options: a maroon distressed calfskin strap with hazel stitching, or a 60-grain rice grain 7-row stainless steel strap. Autavia watches were an important force in promoting the style of the post-war prosperity era.
The roots of Autavia
If you want to know more about the relationship between Autavia and the car, you have to start from the era it was in. In 1933, TAG Heuer designed the first instrument panel dedicated to racing cars and airplanes: the Autavia timer. Composed of the words AUTomobile and AVIAtion, the name also symbolizes its subtle timing performance. Thirty years later, in 1962, the company’s fourth-generation heir, Jack Heuer, launched his first sports chronograph with a unique and innovative feature: the rotating bezel. Autavia is reborn with this new complete and rich collection. Until 1986, every time a new watch was launched, it became very popular, and it is still the most sought after treasure in the series.
For many people, Autavia is more symbolic than cars in aviation. Because its spokesperson is the greatest F1 driver of the 1960s and 1970s. These include Jo Siffert, Mario Andretti, Jochen Rindt, Derek Bell, Clay Regazzoni • Regazzoni), Gilles Villeneuve, Jacky Ickx, Emerson Fittipaldi, Graham Hill (Graham • Hill), Mario Andretti, Björn Waldegård, etc., even Steve McQueen’s wrists Its figure. At that time, Autavia was an indispensable accessory for championship drivers. In addition to the tobacco dealer, Jack Heuer was the first sponsor of a Formula One car. The deep interest in cars and the extraordinary marketing talents of this visionary business leader have greatly strengthened the connection between watch brands and racing cars.
With F1 championship drivers wearing, Autavia has become a hallmark of sexy, passionate and dangerous areas. The legendary drivers in the golden age of racing provoked exciting and exciting emotions and became a source of obsession for everyone. This excitement is burning with a strong sense of danger, stimulating the driver to drive his war horse to run on the track and take risks with his own life. This is an extremely dangerous sport, and it can happen at any time. Driven by a desire for inner heating, earnest life, no complicated calculations, and courage to take risks, these fast-rising racing stars chose Autaria for its versatility, durability and reliability. The watch has since become a symbol of motorsport.
Changeable design
Classics often come from unique designs. But instead, Autavia is known for its changing image. Two or three chronograph dials, different bezel scales, GMT function, diving or military models, many different looks make the watch the focus of collectors chasing. At first, Autavia was elegant in simple black and white. By the 1970s, watches had added more color, echoing the racing culture of that era. On the 55th anniversary of its advent, this long-established chronograph has continuously evolved its design with the development and innovation of technology. A tribute to the previous works of the past, the new Autavia is not just a simple reproduction of antique timepieces, but also a glimpse of the glory of the past as a manifestation of today’s roots.