The TAG Heuer Autavia celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2024. A look back at the eventful history of this watchmaking icon, from its beginnings in the world of Formula 1 to its recent revival. Discover how this legendary watch was able to conquer the hearts of collectors and establish itself as a must-have in sports watchmaking.
The birth of a legend: the Autavia by Jack Heuer
In 1962, the young Jack Heuer, who had just taken over the reins of the family business, launched the Autavia. This watch marked a turning point in the history of the brand, which until then had specialized in dashboard chronographs.
The first Autavia reference 2446 is distinguished by its imposing 39 mm case and its refined dial with three counters. Its bidirectional rotating bezel, an innovation at the time, gives it unique versatility. Jack Heuer explains: โScientists and pilots could use the 60-minute scale to measure elapsed time, while a 12-hour scale could indicate a second time zone. ยป
The name โAutaviaโ, a contraction of โautomobileโ and โaviationโ, testifies to Jack Heuerโs ambition to create a versatile and professional watch.
The golden age: Autavia and Formula 1
In the 60s and 70s, the Autavia became inseparable from the world of Formula 1. Jack Heuer, a motorsport enthusiast, formed partnerships with the greatest drivers of the time.
Swiss driver Jo Siffert played a key role in this strategy. Winner of the British Grand Prix in 1968, he became the brand's unofficial ambassador. The reference 1163T, nicknamed “Siffert Autavia”, made an impression with its panda dial and blue chronograph hand.
Other F1 legends like Jochen Rindt, Mario Andretti and Niki Lauda also wear the Autavia. The watch becomes a real symbol of prestige in the paddock.
A technical revolution: the automatic Autavia
In 1969, the Autavia reference 1163 inaugurated the caliber 11, one of the first automatic chronograph movements in the world. Developed in collaboration with Breitling and Hamilton-Bรผren, this revolutionary caliber places the crown on the left of the case.
The 42 mm cushion case and bold design of this new Autavia make it an icon of the 70s. Various versions are available, including the famous GMT reference 11630.
Decline and rebirth
The quartz crisis of the 1980s hit Heuer hard. Production of the Autavia was stopped in 1985, shortly after the brand was bought by TAG (Techniques d'Avant-Garde).
We had to wait until 2003 to see the rebirth of the Autavia, in a limited edition inspired by the โSiffertโ model. But it was not until 2017 that TAG Heuer truly relaunched the collection, after organizing an online vote to choose the design.
The modern Autavia: between heritage and innovation
In 2019, TAG Heuer surprises by presenting a three-hand Autavia, moving away from the traditional chronograph. This new interpretation combines design elements from different eras of the brand.
For the 60th anniversary in 2022, TAG Heuer unveils three new models: โ Two flyback chronographs equipped with the Heuer 02 manufacture caliber โ A GMT equipped with caliber 7 (Sellita SW300 base) certified chronometer
These new Autavias retain the spirit of the 2019 version, with some aesthetic modifications. The flyback function, a first for the Autavia, reinforces its sporty and aeronautical DNA.
Autavia today: between โAutโ and โaviaโ
TAG Heuer is now positioning the Autavia as a collection in its own right, beyond a simple chronograph. The brand is highlighting the watch's aeronautical heritage, as evidenced by the engraving of a propeller on the caseback of the GMT models.
Frรฉdรฉric Arnault, CEO of TAG Heuer, explains: โThe flyback function establishes a link between the worlds of aviation and the automobile.โ This approach broadens the appeal of the Autavia, while retaining its sporty DNA.
The Autavia 2024 perfectly embodies TAG Heuer's philosophy: a versatile watch, both sporty and elegant, capable of seducing both nostalgic and contemporary watch enthusiasts.
Sixty years after its creation, the Autavia continues to make the hearts of watch enthusiasts beat faster. Its rich history, its link with motorsport and its ability to reinvent itself make it an essential piece in the world of luxury sports watches. Whether โAutโ or โaviaโ, the Autavia remains above all an exceptional watch, witness to Swiss watchmaking history and innovation.
SRQ Backlot