The LVMH brand TAG Heuer adds another feather to their hat with the introduction of carbon-composite hairspring technology in their latest Autavia collection. This year’s Baselworld saw the reintroduction of the collection as a standalone entity by the brand. The new range of Autavia focuses its design after the original heritage versions which were launched in the 1960’s.
Named after the combination of two key territories, automobile and aviation, Autavia was primarily used as a dashboard instrument for racing cars and aircrafts. Fast forward to 1962, Jack Heuer introduced the name as the chronograph wristwatch it is well-known for today.
The seven new Autavia models unveiled at Baselworld 2019, come in a 42mm stainless steel case featuring three hands and bevelled lugs inspired from first generation models which were introduced in the 1960’s. A bidirectional rotating bezel with a 60-minute scale in black ceramic, blue ceramic or stainless steel features the iconic XL crown on the side. The oversized crown takes inspiration from the original pilot’s watches and timers which made them easier to use while wearing gloves. The smoked dial is available in black, grey or blue, and features a date window at the 6 o’clock position and the hour markers, hour, minute and seconds hands are coated in SuperLuminova®.
The highlight of the collection is the carbon-composite hairspring which has been used in the chronometer-certified Calibre 5 movement of the watch. Introduced by the brand earlier this year, this unique combination is what gives the collection its Isograph distinction. The reinvented hairspring is lightweight and has low density deeming it virtually unaffected by gravity and shock. It is also completely antimagnetic.
The 42mm pieces are available in five stainless steel models and two bronze models and are all available with a variety of straps.
