trophy slideshow-left slideshow-right chevron-left chevron-right chevron-light chevron-light play play-outline external-arrow pointer hodinkee-shop hodinkee-shop share-arrow share show-more-arrow watch101-hotspot instagram nav dropdown-arrow full-article-view read-more-arrow close close close email facebook h image-centric-view newletter-icon pinterest search-light hodinkee-logo search magnifying-glass thumbnail-view twitter view-image checkmark triangle-down chevron-right-circle chevron-right-circle-white lock shop live events conversation watch plus plus-circle camera comments download x heart comment default-watch-avatar overflow check-circle right-white right-black comment-bubble instagram speech-bubble shopping-bag shop watch Stories Sort Arrows New Search Clear Search

Introducing The TAG Heuer Autavia Jo Siffert Collector's Edition By Calibre 11 (Exclusive Live Pics & Pricing)

This is the first Jo Siffert-style Autavia to actually bear the legendary driver's name.

ADVERTISEMENT
Quick Take

What we have here is the latest execution of a design that originated with the winning watch from the 2017 Autavia Cup competition. It's also the latest "Siffert-style" Autavia, a popular vintage-style dial configuration that features a panda layout accented with with a tell-tale blue chronograph hand. In its own way, this watch is the first Siffert, at least officially speaking: The popular TAG Heuer-focused blog Calibre 11  licensed the Siffert name name directly from the family, and Joe Siffert's signature can be found etched onto the sapphire case back. I'm including a live photo of the prototype's back here, but please note that this is an imperfect representation of what the final watch will look like. In the final, the main plate will come with improved finishing, the crystal will be smoked, and the Siffert signature will not be askew, Calibre 11 founder David Chalmers says. Additionally, the date wheel will be black to match the sub-dial in which it sits. The Autavia Jo Siffert Collector's Edition by Calibre 11 goes on sale on Calibre 11 at 1:00 PM ET today, February 21. The watch is priced at CHF 5,600 and is limited to 100 pieces.

The profile of the watch is identical to that of other Autavia editions.

Why This Watch Matters

This is the first watch collaboration for Calibre 11, a site that has focused on bringing  enthusiasts timely news and reviews about vintage and modern Heuer and TAG Heuer timepieces since 2009. That this watch is so limited, that it's being sold to Heuer enthusiasts by Heuer enthusiasts, and that it is the first new interpretation of a Siffert-style Autavia since 2003 bodes well for its reception and sales. Having said that, there are a few aspects of the design I would be remiss not to address. First, all Jo Siffert Autavias, including the very desireable Chronomatic Siffert and the 2003 reissue, came with a third-generation (commonly known as C-style) case. As you can see from the round case and pronounced lugs on this limited edition, this is much more in line with the first generation of Heuer Autavia cases. After all, the case we have here was modeled after a watch with a first-generation case, the Reference 2446 Mark 3 Jochen Rindt. Moreover, the notched aluminum bezel features an "HM" (hour-minute) configuration very similar to the one seen in the last Autavia LE, made for Jack Heuer's 85th birthday. However, all vintage Siffert Autavias came with tachymeter bezels, though clients could request to have that changed to the "HM."

On the wrist, the Autavia wears extremely well – especially for a watch of its size.

ADVERTISEMENT
Initial Thoughts

In the short time since the Autavia Cup winner was announced, we've seen a handful of limited-edition variations hit the market, including a version for Seddiqi  & Sons in Dubai and a Jack Heuer 85th Birthday Edition. This watch, if judged against actual vintage Siffert models, doesn't hit the mark 100 percent. It is a great-looking chronograph, though, and one that I have very little doubt will sell out very quickly. Viewed as an evolution of the Autavia Cup winner of 2017, this watch's design is a winner. The chronograph minutes totalizer now comes with more legible one minute graduations. The original's 2.5-minute markers are a cause of consternation for some of you out there, as evidenced by comments to some other stories, including my A Week on the Wrist review of the Autavia.


The Basics

Brand: TAG Heuer
Model: Autavia Jo Siffert Collector's Edition By Caliber 11
Reference Number: CBE2114

Diameter: 42mm
Thickness: 15.6mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Dial Color: White with black subdials
Indexes: Applied hour markers
Lume: Yes, on hands and hour markers
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Strap/Bracelet: Black calfskin strap and seven-row stainless steel beads of rice bracelet.

This is the first Autavia to officially bear the Jo Siffert name.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Movement

Caliber:  Caliber Heuer 02
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph, date
Diameter: 32mm
Power Reserve: 75 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 vph)
Jewels: 33


Pricing & Availability

Price: CHF 5,600 (approximately $5,985 at time of publishing)
Availability: Available now
Limited Edition: 100 pieces

For more click here.

Only 100 pieces of this limited edition are being made.