TAG Heuer Silently Releases A Black Dial For The Autavia Flyback Chronograph

It appears that it’s an increasingly common tactic to launch a new watch and not communicate about it whatsoever. We’ve seen it with the Tissot PRX from yesterday, but in the past also with watches like the Omega CK 859 or the IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XX. Today we bring you another one that’s quietly released and immediately available, this time from TAG Heuer. Following the redesigned special editions for the 60th anniversary of the Autavia from last year, this new model combines a stainless steel case with a strong and classical black dial.

The Autavia collection goes back a very long time and is important in TAG Heuer’s history. With a name that combines both Automobile and Aviation, its intentions are clear as day, especially in this chronograph variation. Joining the Autavia family is the new reference CBE511A.FC8279, an adaptation of the silver dial presented on the occasion of the Autavia turning 60 last year. This still uses the sturdy 42mm wide stainless steel case, with a bidirectional rotating bezel that has a 60-minute ceramic insert. The mushroom-shaped pushers emphasise the solid design of the case, with the crown emblazoned with a black insert and the TAG Heuer logo. On top sits a domed sapphire crystal.

The new black dial has retained the design of its predecessors, with large applied markers and a tricompax chronograph layout. The white-on-black design makes it incredibly legible, especially with the stout hour and minute hands, finished with Super-LumiNova (as are the markers). The dial is encircled by a sloping minute track. The chronograph and small seconds subdials are recessed and have a grooved circular pattern. The only touch of colour on the otherwise monochromatic dial is the word “Autavia”, which is printed in yellow/orange.

The text on the dial already hints at what’s inside, as the Autavia Flyback Chronograph is fitted with the Calibre Heuer 02. This COSC-certified chronometer movement can be seen through the caseback. It runs at a rate of 28,800vph and comes with flyback functionality. That allows you to instantly reset the chronograph and start timing a new event without the need to stop it, then reset it, and then start it again. The finishing is quite nice, with vertical ribbing on the plates and bridges, a red column wheel and a black openworked rotor. The power reserve is very good, at 80 hours when fully wound.

Just like the models from last year, this black dial Autavia comes on a black alligator leather strap with a red lining and an integrated quick-release system. It is available through TAG Heuer’s online boutique and retailers for a price of EUR 6,550.

For more information, please visit TAGHeuer.com.