Ever since its debut in 1968, the Heuer Skipper has been a prominent presence in the Heuer collecting community as one of the more idiosyncratic models the brand has released. Now, the Skipper makes its long-awaited comeback to the main collection with the aid of TAG Heuer’s most recent redesign.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Skipper embraces the regatta aesthetic of its predecessor, featuring teal, lagoon green, and orange highlights inspired by a historic racing vessel. This recognisable livery is now placed inside the contemporary “Glassbox” design introduced back in March.
Initial thoughts
The Heuer Skipper truly deserves recognition as an underrated watch in the realm of 20th century chronographs. Unlike its renowned stablemates, the Autavia, Monaco, and Carrera, the Skipper was primarily designed as a dedicated tool for sailboat racing, placing it in a particularly small niche. Undoubtedly, the decision to include this iconic timepiece in the contemporary Carrera collection was a smart move. By doing so, it introduces this captivating design to a broader audience, considering that the majority of individuals may not necessarily utilise the watch for sailing activities.
This wears exactly the same as the Glassbox of earlier this year, but with a splash of colour and slight change in functionality. Image – TAG Heuer
By embracing the elegant aesthetics of the Glassbox design, the Skipper establishes itself as a standout timepiece, exhibiting a rejuvenated and modern style compared to its predecessor. While the colour scheme pays homage to the ref. 7754, its inclusion in the Carrera collection shows the brand’s continued willingness to explore more vibrant designs.
Nevertheless, there is an aspect that some may find jarring in the dial design. Unlike the original version where the word “Skipper” was positioned at the top, the Carrera marking now replaces it. The Skipper marking has been moved to the register at nine o’clock. This arrangement feels somewhat awkward, as it would be preferable if the watch either omitted the Skipper marking in the register or incorporated a distinctive logo to clearly differentiate it from another iteration of the Carrera. However, having these two names placed in this way shows a clear hierarchy, this is first and foremost a Carrera, but with the functionality and face of a Skipper.
Priced at US$6,750, the Carrera Skipper carries a modest premium compared to the standard Glassbox models. While there are alternative yachting watches available, such as the Corum Admiral’s Cup or the higher-priced Rolex Yacht-Master, the Carrera Skipper offers excellent value for its price. With its well-proportioned 39 mm case, it offers a captivating fusion of vintage and contemporary design, and the inclusion of a top-tier in-house movement, this timepiece certainly warrants serious consideration if you are in the market for a vintage-styled regatta timer.
The original Skipper
The Carrera Skipper is a contemporary interpretation of the renowned Heuer Skipper ref. 7754, first introduced in 1968. The Skipper took inspiration from the triumphant New York Yacht Club’s vessel, the Intrepid, which emerged victorious in the America’s Cup, the world’s oldest international sailboat racing competition.
The original Skipper had a deep blue dial enhanced by coloured registers, featuring a teal shade for the 30-minute sub-dial and a 15-minute regatta counter with three five-minute segments in hues of orange, teal, and lagoon green. A popular choice among both professional and amateur sailors, the Skipper remained in production until its discontinuation in 1983.
An example of the Heuer Skipper ref. 7754 that sold in 2022. Image – Phillips
After only surviving in collector circles on the secondary market for decades, the Skipper made a notable resurgence 34 years later, thanks to Benjamin Clymer, Founder of Hodinkee. In 2017, Mr. Clymer spearheaded a limited edition release that reimagined the Skipper’s design, incorporating elements from the Carrera line. This special edition garnered significant attention, reigniting interest in the model and prompting TAG Heuer to reintroduce this yachting icon to the 21st century.
A yachting watch for the 21st century
The Carrera Skipper undeniably embodies the essence of a modern-day yachting watch. This is evident in its thoughtfully crafted design, seamlessly integrating into the contemporary Glassbox form and functionality with 100 m water resistance. Just like the Glassbox models, it features a case profile with raised markers positioned beneath a highly-domed crystal.
The protruding domed sapphire crystal that is the defining characteristic of TAG Heuer’s latest case design.
Housed in a stainless steel case measuring 39 mm in diameter and a height of 13.9 mm, the Carrera Skipper has a distinctive bezel-less design that enhances the bowl-shaped dial. While the absence of a bezel adds a modern touch, the case profile and lugs retain vintage-inspired characteristics. That vintage influence is especially apparent in the faceted lugs, reminiscent of the classic styling found in vintage Carrera timepieces.
New design, but same colourway
The Carrera Skipper stays faithful to the original’s distinct colour scheme while incorporating certain dial design and layout modifications. Embracing a bowl-shaped design, the dial features a brushed metallic blue background, exuding a refined aesthetic. It adopts a two-register layout, with a lacquered teal 12-hour chronograph counter positioned at nine. At three, there is a 15-minute regatta counter with three five-minute segments that are rendered in orange, teal, and lagoon green. This indicates modifications to the original Carrera movement we will cover below.
Image – TAG Heuer
In a manner reminiscent of the blue Glassbox model, the dial features a “ghost” seconds display positioned at six. However, it deviates from the production model, as the markers alternate between orange and white. Differing from the ref. 7754, the Skipper inscription has been relocated to the chronograph hour counter, making room for the Carrera marking above the Heuer logo.
Additionally, a date indicator has been introduced at the six o’clock position, a feature absent in the original Skipper design. Furthermore, both the hour and minute hands are detailed in orange, with the chronograph seconds hand being fully coated.
TH20-06
Inside the Carrera Skipper is the Calibre TH20-06 movement, a sibling of the existing TH20-00 movement crafted by Carole Forsetier-Kasapi, the Head of Movement Development at TAG Heuer. Serving as an enhanced iteration of the Heuer 02, the movement incorporates the same advancements found in the base calibre, including a bi-directional winding system. The main difference between this and calibre found in the Glassbox in March is the 15 minute counter replacing the 30 minute one at three o’clock.
In order to achieve this, TAG Heuer has made a simple, yet effective modification to the calibre. Traditionally, the vertical clutch has one protruding finger which impulses a 30-toothed minute counter wheel once a minute.
The cal. TH20-06 instead has two fingers on the vertical clutch, thus impulsing the minute counter wheel twice a minute. This mechanically simple modification means the minute counter completes a full revolution every 15 minutes instead of 30. It is a mechanically simple modification that can be seen in action, thanks to the exposed vertical clutch visible through the display caseback.
The minute counter hand will advance one hash mark every 30 seconds.
As a modern movement, it boasts both a column wheel and a vertical clutch mechanism. Impressively, it offers a substantial power reserve of 80 hours, allowing for extended periods of use without requiring winding. However, it’s worth noting that the movement finishing leans towards an industrial aesthetic as can be expected for a brand that produces the number of watches TAG Heuer does.
Concluding thoughts
It is truly satisfying to witness the Skipper receiving the well-deserved recognition through this contemporary revival. While its styling pays homage to the original design from 1968, there is no denying that the watch embraces a modern construction, encompassing both its physical attributes and the robust movement that powers it.
Although there is a mild reservation regarding the placement of the Skipper inscription, there is no denying that the watch will simultaneously please the veteran collectors who admire the original design and open this colourful timepiece up to new audiences. The triumph of this revival instils a sense of optimism that the brand will continue to pursue similar endeavours in resurrecting other timepieces from its extensive archive.
Key facts and price
TAG Heuer Carrera Skipper
Ref. CBS2213.FN6002
Diameter: 39 mm
Height: 13.9 mm
Material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m
Movement: Calibre TH20-06 Automatic
Functions: Hour, minutes, seconds, date, chronograph
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hours (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 80 hours
Strap: Fabric strap with folding clasp
Limited edition: No
Availability: At TAG Heuer boutiques and retailers
Price: US$6,750
For more, visit Tagheuer.com.
