A remake modelled on the Autavia ref. 2446 “Nina Rindt” of the 1960s, the Autavia Heuer 02 is the flagship of TAG Heuer‘s Heritage line. Only just recently the base for a “panda” dial Jack Heuer birthday special, the Autavia has once again been tweaked to create a 150-piece limited edition for the United Arab Emirates.

Loosely inspired by the sun and sand of the Persian Gulf, the Autavia UAE Edition has its bezel insert and chronograph registers in brown, not unlike the faded “tropical” dials that are fashionable amongst vintage watch enthusiasts.

The dial itself is cream, with the Super-Luminova on the hands and hour markers done in a tan shade, once again to mimic the look of vintage watches.

Though TAG Heuer has begun to introduce regional or national editions with increasing frequency of late, they are affordable and mostly attractive, as this one is. It’s a good looking watch, and also fairly unusual, for a relatively modest sum.

Livery aside the watch is identical to the stock model, with a 42mm steel case and the Heuer 02 movement inside. The product of industrialised production, the Heuer 02 offers a long list for features for a relatively modest price.

It’s an automatic chronograph movement that’s the workhorse of the TAG Heuer line-up, featuring a column wheel, vertical clutch and a 75-hour power reserve.

Price and availability 

The Autavia UAE Edition is limited to 150 pieces numbered from “1” to “150”, and priced at AED21,500, which is about US$5770. A handful are available at Dubai Watch Week, while the remainder will be delivered in December and in 2018, available at Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons stores.