Cover The new Carrera Skipper (Photo: Tag Heuer)
The new Carrera Skipper (Photo: Tag Heuer)
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The launch of this iconic model also marks the watchmaker’s return to maritime timekeeping
Watch enthusiasts love it when brands bring back well-loved icons from their past, and this particular piece from Tag Heuer is sure to excite collectors.
While being better known for its close ties to motor racing, the Swiss watchmaker has also produced watches designed for timing other sports—including sailing—throughout its history. Among these, the Skipper is one of the most distinctive, bearing a brightly coloured design that stands out among the watches in Tag Heuer’s repertoire.
This popular watch was produced in different variants from 1968 right up to 1983, before disappearing from the scene. Now, it is making a return, exactly 40 years on, with updated features that do not detract from its original aesthetics.
Above The colourful subdials of the Carrera Skipper make it highly recognisable (Photo: Tag Heuer)
The colourful subdials of the Carrera Skipper make it highly recognisable (Photo: Tag Heuer)
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The new Skipper is based on the recently launched “glassbox” Carrera—this means it has a bezel-less case, while the sapphire crystal extends all the way to the edges of the case, resulting in a sleek and modern look. The details that give the old Skipper its distinctive vintage style have, naturally, been retained—these include the brushed main dial in the brand’s signature Carrera blue, triangle-shaped markers around the outer curved flange, the colourful subdials with the Skipper name on the 12-hour counter, and the bright-orange central seconds hand.
Above One of the hues applied on the watch is referenced from the famous US yacht, Intrepid (Photo: Tag Heuer)
One of the hues applied on the watch is referenced from the famous US yacht, Intrepid (Photo: Tag Heuer)
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There’s significance behind the colour palette used on the watch, of course, as some of the hues are used in reference to the Intrepid—the 12-metre US yacht famed for winning the America's Cup race in 1967. Tag Heuer was the official timing partner of the vessel, having equipped her crew with a set of hand-held yachting stopwatches and also wristwatches. The green and light teal of the subdials represent the colour of the boat’s rigging and its deck, respectively, while the blue of the main dial is said to be inspired by the colour of the sea.
Above The new Skipper combines advanced performance with vintage-styled aesthetics (Photo: Tag Heuer)
The new Skipper combines advanced performance with vintage-styled aesthetics (Photo: Tag Heuer)
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The new Skipper is technically up to date, with regards to performance. Within its 39mm case is the automatic TH20-06 movement with an 80-hour power reserve. The watch comes with a fabric strap for both durability and rugged appeal. This latest release will join Tag Heuer’s core collection, paving the way for an upcoming series of watch models that are designed for sailing.
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