TAG Heuer Autavia Flyback Chronograph CBE511A.BA0687
About This Watch
The TAG Heuer Autavia Flyback Chronograph CBE511A.BA0687 revives one of the brand's most historically significant names — Autavia, a portmanteau of "automobile" and "aviation" — first used on Heuer dashboard timers in the 1930s before becoming a wristwatch collection in 1962. This modern interpretation houses a flyback chronograph complication, which allows the chronograph to be reset and instantly restarted with a single pusher press, without the traditional stop-reset-start sequence. This feature was originally developed for pilots who needed to time successive legs of a flight without losing seconds between measurements. The Heuer 02 COSC Flyback caliber is a technically impressive manufacture movement that delivers 80 hours of power reserve alongside the flyback function — a combination that rivals significantly more expensive competitors. The 42mm stainless steel case is topped with a bidirectional ceramic bezel graduated in 12-hour increments, enabling the tracking of a second time zone or elapsed hours. The black dial with its vintage-inspired design features luminous Arabic numerals and a date window at 6 o'clock. The Autavia represents the adventurous spirit of TAG Heuer's heritage, designed for those who explore by land, sea, or air. The flyback chronograph elevates this model above standard chronographs, offering a complication that is both functionally valuable and mechanically fascinating. For collectors who appreciate technical depth, the Autavia Flyback delivers serious horological substance at a competitive price.
In-Depth Review
TAG Heuer's revival of the Autavia collection has proven to be one of the brand's most successful contemporary offerings, and the CBE511A.BA0687 exemplifies why. This 42mm chronograph sits at the intersection of historical homage and modern horological capability, equipped with the in-house Heuer 02 movement—a COSC-certified automatic caliber delivering an exceptional 80-hour power reserve. The flyback chronograph complication, a feature that allows continuous timing without resetting, transforms what could be a straightforward sports watch into a genuinely functional instrument. The design philosophy remains faithful to the original 1960s Autavia aesthetic: a clean black dial, bidirectional ceramic bezel with a 12-hour insert, and a sturdy 100-meter water-resistant stainless steel case that refuses to apologize for its 16mm thickness. This is purposeful watch design stripped of unnecessary ornamentation.
The Autavia speaks to a specific collector mindset—those seeking legitimate tool-watch credentials without the premium pricing of brands like Rolex or Omega's sports lineup. The flyback chronograph justifies itself for pilots, engineers, and horologically engaged enthusiasts who appreciate mechanical sophistication. At its current market price of $4,800, it substantially undercuts the Omega Seamaster Chronograph and competes more directly with the Tudor Black Bay Chrono, though TAG Heuer's design language feels distinctly its own. For buyers unwilling to chase vintage pieces or accept quartz alternatives, this represents genuine value in the luxury sports watch category—a watch that delivers on heritage, movement quality, and practical complication without requiring financial sacrifice.
Specifications
Movement
| Movement Type | Automatic |
|---|---|
| Caliber | Heuer 02 COSC Flyback |
| Power Reserve | 80 hours |
| Frequency | 28,800 vph |
| Jewels | 33 |
Case
| Case Diameter | 42.0mm |
|---|---|
| Case Thickness | 16.0mm |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Crystal | Sapphire with anti-reflective coating |
| Bezel | Bidirectional rotating, 12-hour ceramic insert |
| Dial Color | Black |
| Lug Width | 22mm |
| Lug-to-Lug | 50.0mm |
Features
| Water Resistance | 100m / 328ft |
|---|---|
| Bracelet/Strap | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Clasp | Folding clasp with double safety push-buttons |
| Weight | 180g |
| Complications |