New Autavia Flyback

abrod520

So I also tried these on yesterday. Decided to hold thoughts for today when I have a slightly less busy schedule.

And you know what? It's actually not that bad in person. It's still not for me, but it's not without merit. There is however, a complete dealbreaker... but it's not what you'd expect 😉

So, first off - it's not quite as chunky as the renders make it seem. Yes, it's still thick, but in the renders it looks like the dial is sitting in a porthole where in reality, it's not as 'deep' under the crystal. Makes it feel less massive on the wrist.

Also making it feel less massive? This watch is shockingly light for a steel watch. Even on the bracelet. Maybe it's just because of how large it looks but you could tell me it was made of titanium and I'd believe you. That'll do, TAG, that'll do.

And I have to say, it was fun being able to fool around with different straps / bracelets in the store thanks to the quick-change strap system. The quick-changes are interchangeable with the three-hand Autavia models, so there were a couple of fun options to try on, all before a purchase decision would be necessary. I think this is a good idea for the buying experience, honestly.

Another major plus is that the H02 movement in these is much smoother than in the earlier models. Pusher feel is premium - unlike the Autavia reedition or the Carrera 160s, who feel notchy and cheap quite frankly. And the oversized crown while ridiculous-looking does negate much of the fiddliness of other screw-down crowns.
It also winds nice and smoothly, Jim.

For the lows, it's obvious - the silver one looks like they had something good going and then lost their nerve with the running seconds. It's not as bad in person but still makes the watch feel like it's almost there but not quite, which ends up actually detracting from the overall experience. It's so clearly obvious what this could have been had they just left off the running seconds entirely, that it makes you dislike what they actually ended up shipping :/
Oh, and the black one doesn't have any real Bund charm in person as I thought it would. I actually preferred the silver!

Here's the ultimate deal-breaker though...

That quick-change strap system works on fixed springbars. That means it will only work with TAG's straps, and no other straps.
(There's a tiny shoulder that you could maaaybe get off with a lot of fiddling and scratches to the watch, but for all intents and purposes you'd have to have a watchmaker cut the bars off, which would also mean no more being able to swap back to the OEM TAG strap or bracelet)

So, ultimately, it's not that bad of a watch but only being able to use official TAG quick-change straps (which are not very attractive, they're all bulky smooth leather at the moment with no sporty options) means I'd pass on this watch even if it were otherwise perfect. 👎

abrod520

Flat bevels on the underside of the lugs. Not uncommon - our Carrera 160s have them.

They're maybe not usually as large though I guess?

Mspeedster

Video on the forgotten 3rd child of the new Autavia releases. The GMT looks better than some of its pics in this video to me.

abrod520

In addition to me being a bad photographer, I also dropped my phone a while back and now my camera lens is cracked, hence the weird soft-focus effect these days 😜

I really should get it fixed I suppose

abrod520

I didn't like it. I took a look at it in the Boutique but decided it wasn't worth sharing any impressions on. But basically, the blue dial is flat and boring, it feels heavy but not in a good way, and anyone who doesn't buy a Black Bay GMT instead (or one of the Swatch Group's true GMTs) is playing themselves.

TheorPhys

Bit a bullet and ordered the one with silver dial, expect it to come tomorrow. Was deciding between this Autavia and Carrera chronograph CBN2013.FC6483 . Almost bought the latter, but literally in the very last moment, something pushed me to change the page and to get an Autavia 😀 Just out of curiosity, what do you think about that Carrera model? Haven't seen too many discussions about that line of chronographs. Cheers!

TheorPhys

Bit a bullet and ordered the one with silver dial, expect it to come tomorrow. Was deciding between this Autavia and Carrera chronograph CBN2013.FC6483 . Almost bought the latter, but literally in the very last moment, something pushed me to change the page and to get an Autavia 😀 Just out of curiosity, what do you think about that Carrera model? Haven't seen too many discussions about that line of chronographs. Cheers!