TAG Heuer - Autavia Jack Heuer 85th Anniversary Limited Edition

TAG Heuer presented today a limited edition of the Autavia - the iconic Heuer chronograph first launched in 1962 – as a tribute to Jack Heuer, the creator of the watch, which was born 85 years ago in Bern.

This new reissue, limited to 1932 pieces – in reference to the year of Jack's birth – has been designed by Jack Heuer himself.

The number 1/1932 of the limited edition will be part of the exceptional timepieces at the auction “Heuer Parade” organised by Phillips on the 11th of November in Geneva.

More imposing than its ancestor — the polished stainless steel case has a diameter of 42 mm compared to 39 in the 1960s — with a 12-hour graduated bezel and a new Heuer-02 calibre proprietary chronograph movement, the latest generation Autavia carries the DNA and aesthetic codes of the original, updated for today's market.

Its functions are tailored to modern requirements: a self-winding calibre, power reserve of 80 hours, date at 6 o'clock, water resistance to 100 metres. In black aluminium, the bidirectional notched bezel encircles a silver dial with three black snailed counters in an optimal layout.

A legible, balanced display with hands and applique indexes in steel coated with beige Super-LumiNova for a vintage look, also enhanced by mushroom push buttons, a ridged crown, the Heuer logo and a "grains of rice" steel bracelet.

The neo-retro style encompasses the minute track subdivisions, employing the "1/3-2/3" ergonomic rule of the era created by Jack Heuer to enhance legibility and accuracy.

In reference to the Autavia, Jack Heuer said: "The story of the Autavia is a rich drama, full of twists and turns. 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!"

The TAG Heuer - Autavia Jack Heuer 85th Anniversary Limited Edition (ref. CBE 2111.BA0687) has a price of Swiss Francs 5,500 / Euro 5,250 / US$ 5,900. tagheuer.com