Several weeks before Watches & Wonders 2023 took place, TAG Heuer launched a new version of their Autavia Flyback Chronometer watch with a crisp stainless steel case and black dial. The launch was done pretty hush hush, with no press release provided or any official marketing message seen. It is one of those few watches, similar to the IWC Pilot’s Mark XX watch from last year, that is released silently and spotted by only real brand fanatics. But don’t worry, Horologii has your back, and we’re here to tell you all there is to know about the new TAG Heuer Autavia Flyback Chronometer Black Steel watch.
Although certainly not their most famous collection, the TAG Heuer Autavia series is an important family in the Swiss watch brand’s portfolio. It was originally launched in 1962 by Jack Heuer, its name originating from dashboard instruments for the “AUTomobile” and “AVIAtion” industries. The watches ultimately became racing chronographs and although the Carrera may be their pièce de resistance of this genre today, it was the Autavia pretty much up until the early 1980’s. To celebrate the Autavia’s 60th birthday last year, TAG Heuer launched a trio of Autavia 60th Anniversary watches which included a single GMT model and two Flyback Chronographs. Of the latter, there was a silver-dialled model with a stainless steel case and a black dial with a black DLC coated case. Now, almost merging these two models together is the new TAG Heuer Autavia Flyback Chronometer Black Steel watch.
Found under reference CBE511A.FC8279, the new TAG Heuer Autavia Flyback Chronometer Black Steel watch utilises many of the same features as the silver-dialled version from last year. It has a vintage-inspired stainless steel case with a 42mm diameter, a large, knurled mushroom-style chronograph pushers, domed sapphire crystal glass and a double knurled crown topped by a black lacquered element adorned with the TAG Heuer shield logo. On top is the same bi-directional rotating bezel with a black ceramic insert, a silver engraved 60 minute scale and fine steel ratcheting. The TAG Heuer Autavia Flyback Chronometer also boasts a 100 metre water resistant rating.
For the first time, the stainless steel case of the TAG Heuer Autavia Flyback Chronometer watch is joined by a classic black dial. There’s still the same large applied markers in white and a tricompax chronograph layout with each of the recessed subsidiary dials for the small seconds, 12 hours and 30 minutes also coloured in black. The two chronograph counters contrast slightly for their snailed decoration while the small seconds is printed in white. The hands for the hours and minutes are sword-shaped and like the Arabic numerals are generously adorned in glow in the dark Superluminova. The TAG Heuer Autavia Flyback Chronometer Black Steel watch also incorporates a subtle date window integrated into the small seconds dial and a single touch of colour to the otherwise monochromatic display is the orange hue used on the “Autavia” lettering.
As its name suggests, the TAG Heuer Autavia Flyback Chronometer Black Steel watch is chronometer certified for accuracy, employing the Calibre Heuer 02 automatic winding chronograph movement. It runs at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and promises a 80-hour power reserve when fully wound. It also has a flyback chronograph mechanism which allows you to reset the chronograph and start timing a new event without the need to stop it, then reset it, and then start it again. The movement is put on display through the TAG Heuer Autavia Flyback Chronometer Black Steel watch’s case back where you can spot vertical ribbing on the plates and bridges, a red column wheel and a black openworked rotor.
Completing the TAG Heuer Autavia Flyback Chronometer Black Steel watch is a sophisticated black alligator leather strap with sporty red lining, black stitching and a classic pin buckle in stainless steel. The strap does incorporate a quick-release system so you can effortlessly swap this band for something else. The TAG Heuer Autavia Flyback Chronometer Black Steel watch is not a limited edition, staying for a while as a permanent piece in the Autavia collection, and retails at £5,600.
If you’d like to learn more about the new TAG Heuer Autavia Flyback Chronometer Black Steel watch and secure one of the models for yourself, head over to the Jura Watches website here. Alternatively, get in touch with the team by calling 01335 453453 or send us a message at help@jurawatches.co.uk.
Specifications:
- Case Size: 42mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Bezel: Bi-directional with black ceramic insert and 60 minute scale
- Glass: Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Crown: Screw in
- Case Back: Exhibition
- Water Resistance: 100 metres
- Movement: Calibre Heuer 02, in-house, automatic winding, chronometer certified with column wheel and vertical clutch
- Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph seconds, 30 minutes, 12 hours, date
- Power Reserve: 80 hours
- Jewels: 33 jewels
- Frequency: 28,800vph
- Dial: Black with black counters, Superluminova hands and numerals
- Strap: Black alligator leather with red lining
- Buckle: Pin, stainless steel
- Reference: CBE511A.FC8279
- Limited: No
- RRP: £5,600
