Rounding out the year of the Autavia with the new Jack Heuer Limited Edition

At this year’s Baselworld fair, TAG Heuer released a reissue of the classic Autavia chronograph. The watch was the result of a month’s long “Autavia Cup” contest where collectors voted online to choose a favorite vintage HEUER for reissue. TAG Heuer ultimately went with the “Autavia Rindt” edition (pictured). Today, in celebration of Jack Heuer’s 85th birthday, the brand has released the Jack Heuer limited edition. Designed by Mr. Heuer himself.

" 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! "

Jack Heuer

Most notable on this piece is the dial, finished in what TAG Heuer calls “Silver Sunray” pattern. You’ll likely notice this effect resembles what other brands may call a “starburst” dial. The three snailed counters keep accurate track of the Hour, Minute, and Second displays. At 6 o’clock you’ll find a “HEUER-02” inscription which is just about the only other noticeable change from the original dial.

It’s worth noting that these pieces are not carbon copy clones of the original Autavia models. The watch may take design cues from the original, but the case (at 42mm) is noticeably larger with a thickness of 15.6mm. In comparison to the original’s 40.5mm thinner case. Both Autavia’s came on the brand’s “beads of rice bracelet” and for the most part the bracelet remained untouched. The modern Autavia’s case size will remain a hot button topic for years to come. I’m middle of the road on the issue, I can understand why TAG made the move to accommodate the HEUER 02 caliber. In comparison to the original’s Valjoux 72, the 02 movement is far more advanced.