The Autavia in bronze tells a unique story with an ever-changing patina that captures the wearer’s adventures while keeping time with a COSC-certified automatic movement.
La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland – December 2019: Earlier this year, TAG Heuer introduced its legendary Autavia timepiece as a new stand-alone collection that boasts the versatility, ruggedness and reliability that characterised the original Autavia from 1960. Two durable and timeless models in noble bronze with a green or brown colour scheme, powered by the COSC-certified automatic-winding Calibre 5, are now available in stores and online. The Autavia in bronze is an ideal choice for explorers who want their watch to live with them and show off their unique and adventurous lifestyle.
The 42 mm watch features a fumé green or brown dial with a bidirectional rotating ceramic bezel in black or brown, respectively. The brown model is presented on a brown leather strap, while the green model features a khaki-coloured leather strap. A tyre and propeller have been etched into the titanium caseback as a nod to the collection’s rich heritage and the Autavia’s origin: automobile and aviation.
Ready for a life of adventure
Bronze is not only elegant and characteristically timeless, it is also rugged and ready for a lifestyle that includes the great outdoors. The warm appearance of the metal alloy has long been valued by watch fans and collectors. It is anti-magnetic and resistant to normal wear and tear. Bronze is also well known for its maritime heritage – it is not susceptible to saltwater corrosion, making the bronze Autavia models suitable for ocean adventures.
A unique patina
The most distinguishing feature of the bronze TAG Heuer Autavia models is the unique patina that naturally develops on the bronze case, which will be different for every watch depending on the wearer’s habits over time. The brushed finish of the case ensures that the patina develops evenly. When exposed to elements such as water and air or changes in temperature, the bronze surface will undergo a process of oxidation. Starting with a red-brown colour and then turning a blue or greenish colour, this colourisation effect on the metal is completely natural, and the hue depends on the type of bronze and the elements it has been exposed to. Every oxidation pattern is unique, and the wearer is able to make the watch truly their own. The verdigris tint does not reduce the quality of the material, and the vintage appearance of the case tells the story of the adventures the watch has embarked upon with its wearer. It is also possible to accelerate the oxidation process or reverse it to maintain the original look of the bronze.
Keep customising with easy-to-change straps and bracelets
Suitable for any adventure or any style, the strap or bracelet of every model in the Autavia collection is interchangeable. The bracelet and strap are easy to switch quickly using simple push buttons on the underside of the case – no tools are necessary. NATO straps, leather straps and stainless-steel bracelets are sold separately, so wearers can create their own combinations to complement their unique look.
The universe of the Autavia captured in a contemporary style
TAG Heuer’s stylish, cockpit-inspired watch features eye-catching elements that are rooted in the history of the line. What fans loved about the original – its functionality, timeless style and numerous combinations – are also evident in these stylish new models. The extra-large crown takes inspiration from pilot’s watches and timers that featured oversized crowns to make them easier to use while wearing gloves. The original Autavia was known for being highly legible in any conditions, and this is also the case with the bronze versions. The hour markers and hour, minute and seconds hands are coated in SuperLuminova®, making it possible to read the time even when the wearer’s adventure leads them into the dark.
The avant-garde Swiss luxury watchmaker’s DNA is clearly visible with these sturdy, reliable and fashionable bronze creations. Displaying the authentic Autavia identity, they combine an enduring material with a lasting heritage strengthened by the journeys of the most adventurous TAG Heuer aficionados.
Facts and figures: TAG Heuer Autavia Bronze
Reference WBE5191.FC8276: brown dial and bezel, brown calfskin leather strap
Reference WBE5190.FC8268: green dial, black bezel, khaki calfskin leather strap
Movement
Automatic COSC-certified Calibre 5, diameter 26 mm, 25 jewels, balance oscillating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), 38-hour power reserve
Display
Date, hour, minute and seconds
Case
Diameter 42 mm, case in bronze, bidirectional rotating bezel in brown or black ceramic, sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment, water-resistant to 100 m (10 bar)
Dial
Brown or green smoked dial, rhodium-plated indexes and hands filled with SuperLuminova®
Strap
Dark brown or khaki calfskin leather strap, pin buckle in bronze
About TAG Heuer
In 1860, at the age of 20, Edouard Heuer founded his watchmaker’s workshop in the Jura Mountains of Switzerland. Creating the Mikrograph in 1916, sponsoring Formula 1 teams in the 1970s or launching the first luxury connected watch in 2015 are just a few examples of the major technical innovations, ultimate accuracy and passion for disruptive design that define our unique spirit. Headquartered in La Chaux-de-Fonds, TAG Heuer operates in four production sites – mastering the whole watchmaking process – and is represented on all continents through 4,500 points of sale, including 170 TAG Heuer boutiques that are now directly available on www.tagheuer.com in select countries. TAG Heuer timepieces are designed for those who love challenges. Our influence is enhanced by our unique communication based on three pillars: sport, lifestyle and heritage, embodying our legacy and DNA. Our partnerships and ambassadors illustrate our open-minded and open-door culture, with the most prestigious and avant-garde names teaming up with TAG Heuer: the Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Formula One team, the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix, the ABB FIA Formula E championship, the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E team, the biggest football leagues in Europe, the Americas and Asia, Manchester United, and actors Chris Hemsworth and Patrick Dempsey.
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Discover more at www.tagheuer.com/autavia
For further information, please contact:
Sonja Hagmann, International PR Manager
Tel. +41 32 919 81 52
Mobile: +41 79 898 54 73
E-mail: sonja.hagmann@tagheuer.com