TAG Heuer’s history is rich with iconic names, particularly in the realm of chronographs and sports watches. While models like the Carrera and Monaco have maintained their original character since the 1960s, the Autavia series has undergone significant evolution. Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Autavia line in 2022, TAG Heuer has released three new Autavia references that highlight different phases of the series’ history. The new collection includes two variants of the replica TAG Heuer Autavia 60th Anniversary Flyback Chronograph and the replica TAG Heuer Autavia 60th Anniversary GMT 3 Hands, each reflecting the Autavia’s legacy of innovation with new movements and diverse design elements.
Both the replica TAG Heuer Autavia 60th Anniversary GMT 3 Hands and the two versions of the replica TAG Heuer Autavia 60th Anniversary Flyback Chronograph have sporty 42mm stainless steel cases. They share the overall case design of the current Autavia line, featuring a coin-edge bidirectional bezel, brushed vertical case sides, and tapered, polished lugs. The chronograph models use screw-down mushroom pushers, adding to their retro-modern appeal and ensuring solid water resistance. All three 60th Anniversary models are adorned with polished ceramic bezel inserts with silver engraved scales. The GMT model features a classic black and navy blue 24-hour insert, while both Flyback Chronograph models sport all-black inserts. The black DLC finish on one of the chronograph variants gives it an aggressive look, paying homage to the Autavia’s military history, including its use by the German Bundeswehr and the Israel Defense Forces. Both Flyback Chronograph models have sapphire display casebacks, revealing the newly developed in-house flyback chronograph movements, whereas the GMT model has a closed caseback with an intricate engraving of a wire wheel and airplane propeller, symbolizing the combination of “automotive” and “aviation.” All three models offer 100 meters of water resistance.
The replica TAG Heuer Autavia 60th Anniversary GMT 3 Hands is notable as the first Autavia GMT model without a chronograph. Its dial design, while innovative for the brand, stays true to the modern three-hand Autavia layout, featuring broad Roman sword hands and rounded applied Arabic numerals for a flieger-like appearance. The rich navy blue sunburst dial is accented with vibrant orange, used sparingly to maintain a balanced design. The slim spear-tipped orange GMT hand adds a subtle touch of color. Overall, the dial is a versatile and clean design that integrates both the automotive and aviation themes of the series.
In contrast, the dials of the Super Clone TAG Heuer Autavia 60th Anniversary Flyback Chronograph models are more striking. The black DLC model emphasizes a military aesthetic with a matte black dial and mint green lume. Its 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock subdials feature a unique terraced look with a sloping chapter ring and raised azurage central section. The stainless steel chronograph model returns to the Autavia’s motorsports roots with a silver and black panda dial layout, reminiscent of the rare 1968 Reference 2446C SN Autavia. The dynamic silver sunburst dial is complemented by bright white lume, polished hardware, and a pale gray running seconds subdial at 6 o’clock, giving it a more refined look compared to its black DLC counterpart.
Both versions of the 1:1 Fake TAG Heuer Autavia 60th Anniversary Flyback Chronograph are powered by the new in-house Heuer 02 COSC Flyback automatic chronograph movement. This movement offers COSC certified chronometer accuracy and flyback functionality, with an 80-hour power reserve at a 28,800 bph beat rate. The movement’s finishing includes matching Côtes de Genève across the bridges and the black DLC skeleton rotor, with the column wheel highlighted in red. The replica TAG Heuer Autavia 60th Anniversary GMT 3 Hands uses the Sellita SW300-based Calibre 7 COSC GMT automatic movement. Despite some purists’ preference for a “true GMT” quickset local hour hand, this movement provides reliable performance with COSC certified chronometer accuracy and a 42-hour power reserve at a 28,800 bph beat rate. The Flyback Chronograph models are paired with classic black alligator leather straps, which may clash with the aggressive black DLC model, while the GMT model features TAG Heuer’s brushed stainless steel take on the three-link oyster style bracelet.