The first Skipper model from Heuer appeared in the late 1960s and was based on the Carrera chronograph. Designed for professional and amateur sailors, this distinctive chronograph was presented in several variations until 1983, when final full production model of was released.
40 years later, TAG Heuer is launching the Carrera Skipper, the new generation Skipper derived from the recently-launched ‘glassbox’ Carrera (you can read our review
here), a model is being launched as part of the core collection. The watch will also serve as the flagship for a whole series of further maritime models that will mark TAG Heuer’s return to the world of yachts and yachting.
Old and new (on the right)
The new Carrera Skipper revisits the distinctive dial of the original model which Heuer created to celebrate the victory of the ‘Intrepid’, a 12-metre U.S. yacht, at the 1967 America’s Cup.
The circular brushed main dial in signature blue features sharply contrasting sub-dials. In particular, the 30-minute subdial was adapted to count-down the 15-minute regatta pre-start in three five-minute segments. Each of these segments was a different colour, with Regatta Orange being used to alert the crew to the fact that there was just five minutes to go, Lagoon Green to represent the colour of the boat’s rigging and Intrepid Teal to replicate the colour of the yacht’s deck.
Other features drawn from the historic watch include the prominent, triangle-shaped markers positioned at five-minute intervals around the outer curved flange, the bright orange central seconds hand and the inclusion of the ‘Skipper’ name at the base of the 12-hour counter also featuring the signature Intrepid teal colour.
The hours/minutes hands and the indexes are treated with white Super-LumiNova that glows in green in the dark.
The dynamic lines of the 39 mm stainless steel case are highlighted by alternating polished and satin-brushed surfaces. The sapphire crystal runs around the dial edge into the case extending to the full diameter. The total thickness of the watch is 13.9 mm due to the shape of the glass which, alone, is around 3 mm thick.
The crown is not screwed-down but water resistance is nonetheless guaranteed up to a pressure of 10 bar (100 metres / 330 feet).
The sapphire crystal case back showcases an evolved version of TAG Heuer’s in-house automatic chronograph calibre, the 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) Heuer 02.
Named TH20-00, the new-generation movement now features an oscillating weight offering bi-directional winding, where previous versions only charged the movement’s mainspring if the rotor moved in an anti-clockwise direction. It builds a power reserve of 80 hours.
Fitted with a blue fabric strap secured to the wrist by a stainless steel folding clasp with double safety push-buttons, the new TAG Heuer Carrera Skipper ref. CBS2213.FN6002 has a retail price of CHF 6,600.
tagheuer.com
