After exactly 40 years of its removal from the TAG Heuer catalogue, the ‘Skipper’ is now officially back and here to stay. This modern ‘Skipper’ merges the aesthetic cues of the original with the manufacture’s latest ‘glassbox’ format for the Carrera.
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00:00 Reflecting on the past Skipper
00:50 Introducing the modern Skipper
01:12: Case specifications
02:20 Dial design
03:20 Movement
03:40 Summary
This Skipper watch was first produced in 1968, with 300 models made in Carrera cases. The Skipper would then later shift into the Autavia case, and, eventually, would stop being produced in 1983. Thus, excluding a limited edition from Hodinkee, this is the first time the Skipper has rejoined the TAG Heuer Catalogue in 40 years.
In a robust-elegant 39mm case, the stainless steel watch carries enough of a diameter to speak to the modern marketplace without ostracizing collectors with smaller wrists or who generally prefer more classic sizing. With its 100-metre water-resistant case 13.9mm thick and 46mm lug-to-lug, its size caters to the majority of wrists who are eager to get in on the ‘Skipper’ party.
The dial largely emulates its muse, but is by no means a 1:1 revival. With its modern movement, the dial has switched from a two register layout to a three register layout – and the positioning of the indications has shifted accordingly as well. Whereas the 9’ register was originally reserved for the small seconds indication, this new model hosts a skipper-branded 12-hour elapsed-hours register at the 9’ position in a tonally-matching teal hue. At 3’, however, the same tri-coloured 15-minute regatta-timer register remains – a must considering it is the most iconic signature of the reference. These two registers also introduce a step to their design adding depth, where as the vintage model had fully flat registers. At 6’, previously unused space aside from the Swiss tritium text, we now have an unbordered sector small seconds register that shares the space with a framed white on black date complication.
Other subtle visual deviations include black text for the 3’ and 9’ register, utilizing two digits across the regatta-timer and switching 0 to 15, and the outer minutes track is not a contrasting white as seen on the vintage model and is instead a continuation of the sunburst blue. But we still have the orange central chronograph seconds hand and a sunburst finish to the dial.
Affixed to the watch is a blue fabric strap with a leather under, secured to the wrist by its branded folding clasp with double safety push buttons. While the usage of a leather under makes it a little questionable for underwater adventures, remember 100-metre depth rating, it is definitely an appropriate combo for comfort while yacht-racing or a smart-casual dockside soiree.
Inside and exhibited is the automatic TAG Heuer chronograph calibre TH20-06 with 80 hours of power reserve. The calibre is decorated industrially, but to a degree that makes it worthy of exhibition. It’s column-wheel design ensures there is no stutter when the central chronograph seconds hand starts, important for true timing of events, and offers the oxymoronic butter smooth and crisp actuation of the pushers.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Skipper is available now for purchase worldwide. Price: AU 9,800 CHF 6,600
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Brand: TAG Heuer
Model: Carrera Skipper
Case Dimensions: 39mm (D) x 13.9mm (T) x 46mm (L2L)
Case Material: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: 100m
Dial: Blue ‘Skipper’ dial
Crystal(s): Sapphire crystal and exhibition caseback
Strap: Blue fabric strap with two-button folding clasp
Movement: In-house automatic TH20-06
Power Reserve: 80 hours
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph
Availability: July 2023
Price: CHF 6,600
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