TAG Heuer Autavia Three Hands WBE5116.EB0173
About This Watch
The TAG Heuer Autavia Three Hands WBE5116.EB0173 strips the Autavia to its essential elements: time, date, and a rotating bezel for tracking a second time zone or elapsed hours. The green dial brings a contemporary, nature-inspired palette to this adventure-oriented collection, resonating with the Autavia's heritage as a tool for explorers of land and air. The smoky black ceramic bezel with its 12-hour scale provides a functional complication that adds travel utility without the complexity or cost of a dedicated GMT movement. The Calibre 5 automatic movement — proven and reliable — delivers 38 hours of power reserve with the kind of accuracy that daily wearers can depend on. At 42mm, the Autavia has a purposeful presence that complements its adventure spirit, while the green textile strap with leather lining adds a rugged, outdoor-ready aesthetic that distinguishes it from TAG Heuer's more urban collections. The watch is comfortable enough for extended wear during outdoor activities, with the soft textile strap conforming to the wrist throughout the day. Luminous Arabic numerals and hands ensure legibility from dusk to dawn, critical for a watch designed with adventure in mind. The Autavia Three Hands occupies a unique position in TAG Heuer's lineup as a field watch with genuine heritage, offering a more accessible entry into the Autavia collection than the flyback chronograph variant. It is a watch for those who value simplicity, purpose, and the romance of exploration.
In-Depth Review
TAG Heuer's revival of the Autavia collection represents a genuine return to form for a brand that understands the value of historical narrative. The WBE5116.EB0173 exemplifies this philosophy through a straightforward 42mm field watch that prioritizes legibility and durability over complication. Powered by the proven Calibre 5 automatic movement, this three-hand configuration—paired with a date window and 12-hour rotating bezel—delivers functional simplicity that harkens back to the original 1960s Autavia divers. The green dial and matching textile strap immediately distinguish this piece from the oversaturated black-dial market, signaling an aesthetic confidence that extends to the sapphire crystal and ceramic bezel. With 100 meters of water resistance and robust stainless steel construction, TAG Heuer has created a watch that works across contexts: boardroom-appropriate during the week, capable on weekend adventures, and comfortable enough for daily wear without pretension.
The ideal Autavia owner is a seasoned collector who values historical accuracy without demanding haute horlogerie pricing. This watch appeals to those fatigued by diving watch saturation, seeking a field-watch alternative that combines vintage appeal with contemporary refinement. The 38-hour power reserve and 28,800 vph frequency provide reliable timekeeping without exotic complications.
Positioned at approximately $2,400 in the current market against its $3,150 MSRP, the WBE5116 competes directly with offerings like the Omega Seamaster 300M and Seiko Prospex collection. While those alternatives boast stronger residual value and established following, TAG Heuer's Autavia distinguishes itself through distinctive aesthetic choices and genuine vintage credibility that justifies its mid-range positioning.
Specifications
Movement
| Movement Type | Automatic |
|---|---|
| Caliber | Calibre 5 |
| Power Reserve | 38 hours |
| Frequency | 28,800 vph |
| Jewels | 25 |
Case
| Case Diameter | 42.0mm |
|---|---|
| Case Thickness | 13.0mm |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Crystal | Sapphire with anti-reflective coating |
| Bezel | Bidirectional rotating, smoky black ceramic with 12-hour scale |
| Dial Color | Green |
| Lug Width | 22mm |
| Lug-to-Lug | 50.0mm |
Features
| Water Resistance | 100m / 328ft |
|---|---|
| Bracelet/Strap | Green textile strap with leather lining |
| Clasp | Pin buckle |
| Weight | 95g |
| Complications |