The Autavia was first introduced by the Heuer Watch Company in 1933, this was a dashboard timer that was in production until 1957. The name Autavia is a marriage of automotive [Aut] and aviation [avia] and was used on the dashboards of both racing automobiles and aircraft.

The Autavia was then released as a wristwatch in 1962, this came in the form of a racing chronograph to time race laps until production stopped in 1985. The entire Heuer catalog contained chronographs, they did not not have a three hand watch as they were a strong motor racing timer. They had the Skipper, a yacht racing chronograph based on the Carrera, whilst I love chronographs, the three hand version of the Autavia is pretty special, this is a great looking timepiece.

The Autavia Isograph was released in 2019 as a three hand watch, this is somewhat a difference to the classic Heuer Autavia that was only a chronograph. So, this isn’t a reissue, this takes one of the most popular Heuer models and creates a new persona. The COSC chronometer certified Calibre 5 movement features a carbon composite hairspring that is anti-magnetic and anti-shock.

This isn’t hard to imagine as the Autavia morphed from a dashboard timer to a wristwatch, the Autavia features large Arabic numerals, a grain (fumé) textured dial, a quick release strap, a 42 mm stainless steel case and bidirectional ceramic bezel. This timepiece is striking, it looks pretty good and will pop on the wrist.