One of Australia’s leading watch retailers, Watches of Switzerland, marks its 21-year relationship with TAG Heuer with an Autavia chronograph clad in blue and orange livery that’s limited to just 150 pieces. Founded and still owned by the van der Griend family, Watches of Switzerland (WOS) was in fact the company that brought TAG Heuer to Australia, having introduced the brand Down Under in 1987.

Like several other recent TAG Heuer editions, the WOS watch is based on the Autavia launched last year, which means a 42mm steel case and the Heuer-02 automatic chronograph movement inside. Though the modern day Autavia is based on the vintage Autavia ref. 2446 “Mark 3” of 1966, the orange and blue colours take their inspiration from Autavia watches of the 1970s.

So unlike most Autavia editions that are some combination of black and white, the “Watches of Switzerland Anniversary” edition has a metallic blue dial finished with radial brushing, white sub-dials, and a striking orange centre seconds hand. The orange hand is matched with beige Super-Luminova on the hands and hour markers.

The sapphire back features an unobtrusive WOS logo printed on its centre, along with the limited edition number (in the format “XXX/150”) engraved on the steel rim.

Made in-house by TAG Heuer, the Heuer-02 movement inside has a 75-hour power reserve, vertical clutch and column whee.

The Autavia “Watches of Switzerland Anniversary” is offered either on a “beads of rice” steel bracelet, or a brown calfskin strap.

Price and availability 

Limited to 150 pieces, the Autavia “Watches of Switzerland Anniversary” is available online as well as in Watches of Switzerland stores. Each of the first 100 watches sold will be accompanied by a copy of Autavia: Story of an Icon, a book explaining the history of the model.

The Autavia (ref. CBE2115.BA0687) on a steel bracelet is priced at A$7800, while the same on a leather strap (ref. CBE2115.FC8226) is A$7650. Prices include 10% Australian sales tax, as well as shipping within Australia.

For foreign clients, the prices are equivalent to US$5600 and US$5500 respectively. Buyers overseas can get in touch direct to order.