Traditionally known for making some of the most recognisable chronographs in the history of motorsport, TAG Heuer is trading asphalt for the high seas with its unveiling of the Carrera Skipper this week.
The highly anticipated launch is the latest in a flurry of celebrations for 2023, all highlighting the original Carrera chronograph’s 70th birthday.
Unlike the initial batch of this year’s Carreras however (most having made their debut at Watches & Wonders) the Skipper is a decidedly maritime offering — a reimagining, if you like, of a historic Heuer sailing watch through the prism of the new ‘Glassbox’ aesthetic.
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The first and arguably most important point to note — depending on your priorities — is that, unlike its historical predecessor, this TAG Heuer Skipper will be a permanent addition to the Carrera range — a boon for those who missed out on the cultish limited edition made in conjunction with Hodinkee (back in 2017).
Originally manufactured between 1968-1983, the Skippers of the pre-TAG era bore a unique connection with the American marketplace.
Evolving out of the specialised Seafarer and Mareographe models made at the request of Abercrombie & Fitch (in those days, a New York-based outfitter for “elite outdoorsmen”), the Skipper would be forever immortalised as the watch of the 1967 America’s Cup: made to commemorate the victory of the New York Yacht Club over ‘Dame Pattie’ (the vessel fielded by the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron).
Much of the aesthetic DNA of those watches has been re-envisioned within the confines of the ‘Glassbox’ design — including the famous ‘regatta counter’ utilising teal, green, and orange in order to highlight the three 5-minute segments preceding a yacht race’s start.
In contrast to the Hodinkee LE however, the latest Regatta incarnation also incorporates a second chronograph totaliser: this one capable of timing events for up to 12 hours; signed with the word ‘Skipper’ in an arc from 4 to 8 o’clock.
Below decks, the spec sheet is pretty closely aligned with all the ‘Glassbox’ Carreras released earlier in the year. Part of the TH20 family of in-house chronographs, the TH20-06 gives wearers an 80-hour power reserve; date window; bi-directional winding; and a size factor that integrates commendably with the watch’s 39mm case.
