Introducing the TAG Heuer Heritage Autavia

“Watches of Switzerland Anniversary” Edition

As one of the most innovative and forward-thinking brands in the industry, TAG Heuer continues to capture the hearts and minds of watch lovers everywhere with its dynamic designs and high-quality production. All the while keeping an eye firmly on its impressive past. Today, TAG Heuer is a brand that is known and loved by Australians. That’s in no small part thanks to the pioneering efforts of my Father, and our Chairman, Eric Van Der Griend, the man responsible for introducing TAG Heuer to Australia over thirty years ago.
Now, as we embark on a new and exciting journey with our Watches of Switzerland eCommerce platform, we are proud once again to have TAG Heuer as a partner by our side. To celebrate this momentous occasion and our ongoing relationship, we have collaborated with the brand to create a special, Australia-only Anniversary edition, of one of the most sought-after vintage re-issue models in recent memory: the TAG Heuer Heritage Autavia.

For most, the TAG Heuer Heritage Autavia needs no introduction. Unveiled to rave reviews in 2017, it was inspired by the original Autavia Ref. 2446 Mark 3 from 1966, following a competition by TAG Heuer in which over 50,000 people voted. That particular model was nicknamed the ‘Rindt’ after Formula 1 champion Jochen Rindt, who was often seen wearing one. Autavias were also regularly spotted on the wrists of other top Formula 1 drivers in the 1960’s and 70’s, including Mario Andretti, Jo Siffert and Clay Regazzoni.
Created by Jack Heuer in 1962, the Autavia – a contraction of AUTomobile and AVIAtion – was specifically designed for motor car racing and was the first wrist chronograph with a rotating bezel. Its large snailed counters, highly legible dial and inherent functionality made it an overnight success and served as a catalyst for TAG Heuer becoming the official timekeeper of the Carrera Panamericana, Ferrari Scuderia and eventually, Formula 1. The Heritage re-edition presented last year carries on this rich tradition whilst simultaneously introducing some contemporary updates, including a larger case and of course a modern movement.

For the TAG Heuer Heritage Autavia “Watches of Switzerland Anniversary” Edition, we wanted to stick with this winning formula, but add in some of our own flavour to make it truly unique. Presented in a 42mm round case, made from steel and rated water resistant to 100m, it features the iconic 12-hour graduated black aluminum bidirectional notched bezel, which can be used for tracking a second time-zone. The real showstopper, however, is undoubtedly the striking sunray blue dial and orange central chronograph hand we’ve adopted from the 1965 model.

It provides the perfect backdrop for the three large, snailed white counters for the running seconds and chronograph minute and hour counters and ensures our limited-edition Anniversary model is instantly recognisable on the wrist. The hands and applique indexes in steel have been coated with beige Super-LumiNova® for optimal legibility and the date is shown via an aperture just above six o’clock. Completing the look is the original “HEUER” logo at 12 o’clock, just beneath the Autavia moniker.

Inside is the new Heuer-02 chronograph calibre, a proprietary movement operating at a frequency of 4 Hz and offering a power reserve of 80 hours. Just 6.9 mm thick, this self-winding movement comprises 168 components, a pillar wheel and a vertical clutch. A sapphire case-back with the Watches of Switzerland logo in the centre showcases the movement’s traditional finishes. Limited to 150 pieces only, each one has the words “LIMITED EDITION” and its number “XXX/150” engraved on the case back.

Our TAG Heuer Heritage Autavia “Watches of Switzerland Anniversary” Edition is presented on your choice of a vintage brown calfskin leather strap with ecru top-stitching and polished pin buckle with Heuer logo, or a 7-row steel “Rice Grain” bracelet with folding clasp.
We’re also pleased to announce that each of the first 100 pieces sold will also receive a free copy of “AUTAVIA – Story of an Icon”, which explores the history and heritage of this legendary watch.

We think you’re going to love our TAG Heuer Heritage Autavia “Watches of Switzerland Anniversary” Edition, which is why our team has been working so hard to make purchasing one a seamless process. Available now at all our 4 locations (in Melbourne, Melbourne International Airport, Perth and Sydney) and thanks to our new eCommerce platform, from 1 September, anyone in Australia can see and order this watch online, exclusively from Watches of Switzerland, with delivery guaranteed within three working days.
As an exclusive limited edition of one of TAG Heuer’s most iconic timepieces I encourage you to be quick, as demand will be high. I hope you enjoy our latest Watches of Switzerland exclusive, and we thank our Partners at TAG Heuer for their support.