The TAG Heuer Autavia is an interesting timepiece for me, the reference WBE5116.EB0173 with the blue dial is what I would be interested in. The blue dial with Arabic numerals is interesting, the date window at the 6 o’clock keeps the diai symmetrical. The white border surrounding the date window offers depth, but I struggle to read the date on most occasions anyway so could do without the date window.

The Calibre 5 automatic movement is COSC certified, from the literature I cannot determine if this is an ETA 2824-2 or a Selitta SW 100-2. One way of telling is determining if a 25 jewel or 26 jewel is used, an ETA movement is 25 jewels, whilst the 26 jewel is the Sellita model. I would personally prefer a base ETA movement after some less that satisfactory experiences with Selitta movements.

 Nivarox hairspring provides anti-magnetic capabilities, this is the Isograph model with printed on the smoked gradient dial. Beating at 28,800 vph, this keeps the movement nice and accurate, whilst some manufacturers are slowing down movements to extend service periods, this 4 Hz frequency maintains COSC accuracy and certification.

This is the three hand model, I am not up for the chronograph model, even if it is not historically correct. Incidentally, the Autavia was originally a dashboard timer, so a chronograph is really purpose orientated. That being said, I have no issues with chronographs, the three hand version of the Autavia looks so clean and uncluttered. 

The 42 mm case is a reasonable size for my wrist, I can understand it being too large for many wrists. The case design is similar to previous models, the 42 mm case is identical to the chronograph models. There is an argument that the three hand reference has a slightly smaller 40 mm case, there are times a 42 mm case is just too big for many wrists and I tend to agree, you don’t want the lugs hanging over your wrist. 

The three link stainless steel bracelet, with butterfly clasp is clean. The bidirectional ceramic bezel insert provides a scratch resistant face with the sapphire crystal, almost mandatory for modern luxury watches. While some believe leather looks more formal, I prefer a stainless steel bracelet for a sports watch and a leather strap for a dress watch.