Bold in Bronze: The New TAG Heuer Autavia Models

Earlier this year, TAG Heuer introduced its legendary Autavia timepiece as a new stand-alone collection that continues the tradition of versatility, ruggedness and reliability that characterized the original Autavia from 1960. Two durable and timeless models in bronze are now available in stores and online. These watches are an ideal choice for explorers and adventurers who want to wear their unique lifestyle on the wrist.

Bronze is not only elegant and characteristically timeless, it is also extremely robust and therefore ideally suited for a lifestyle that includes all kinds of outdoor activities. The warm apperance of the metal alloy has long been valued by watch collectors. It is anti-magnetic and resistant to normal wear and tear. Bronze is also well known for its maritime heritage – it is not susceptible to saltwater corrosion, making the bronze Autavia models suitable for maritime adventures.
The most distinguishing feature of the bronze TAG Heuer Autavia models is the unique patina that naturally develops on the cases over the course of time – depending on the wearer’s lifestyle. The brushed finish of the case ensures that the patina develops evently. This oxidation process, caused by air, water and changes in temperature, is a completely natural process. First, the bronce changes into red-brown colour and then turning bluish-green. The result is a beautiful vintage effect without affecting the quality of the material.

The 42mm watch is available in two different versions: with a fumé green or brown dial. Both are equipped with bidirectional rotating ceramic bezels in either black or brown and are water-resistant up to 10 bar.
As with all TAG Heuer AUtavia models, the new models also provide excellent legibility. The hour markers as well as hour, minute and seconds hands are generously coated with Super-LumiNova, making it easily possible to read the time even in the dark.

The TAG Heuer Autavia models are all powered by a COSC-certified movement, the automatic Calibre 5. It operates at a frequency of 4 Hz and provides a power reserve of approximately 38 hours.
A tyre and propeller have been etched into the titanium caseback as a nod to the collection’s rich heritage and the Autavia’s origin in the automobile and aviation industries.

TAG Heuer has equipped the watches with easily interchangeable leather straps; brown for the brown model and khaki for the green model. They can be qickly – and without tools of course – switched out and TAG Heuer sells all Autavia straps seperately.

The new Alpina Seastrong Diver 300

Alpina has relaunched its Seastrong Diver 300, and, with its updated design, the watch remains true to the outstanding characteristics of the previous models. The new Seastrong Diver 300 is clearly inspired by the watch manufacturer’s legacy and is the perfect successor to the Alpina timepieces of the past centuries – especially the Seastrong „10“ from the 1960s. Retro is still a hot trend in the watch industry as well as with watch enthusiasts; a trend here to stay, it seems.

An oversized case with striking curves, luminous indexes and an unidirectional rotating bezel; these are the outstanding features of the new Seastrong Diver 300. In addition, Alpina has equipped this diver’s watch with a new case with a diameter of 44 mm. It is made of either titanium or bronze and bears a PVD coating. The 60-minute-bezehl comes in grey, navy blue or black, and, as is common with diver’s watches, is uni-directional. All indexes on the bezel are coated with lume so that they are perfectly readable under water.
The dials of the new Seastrong Diver 300 are available in dark brown, grey or blue. Of course, each and every one of them is contrasting beautifully with the large, luminous indices and hands, which results in an exceptionally good legibility. The large triangle at twelve o’clock is a reference to the legendary Alpina logo. At three o’clock you’ll find a small date window, which Alpina has matched to the colours of the various dials, so it blends in perfectly.
Both the case back and the crown are screwed down. The Seastrong Diver therefore has a water resistance of 30 atm – or 300 metres.
The diver’s watch is powered by the AL-525, an automatic calibre. It operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides a power reserve of at least 38 hours. The movement can be seen through the transparent case back.

Alpina supplies the Seastrong Diver 300 with a vintage leather strap. Since leather straps are not suitable for prolonged contact with water, a rubber strap is also included, making the watch a perfect companion for under water adventures.