A modern take on a rare edition of the Carrera, dedicated to regattas.

With 60 years of history behind its name, you can certainly expect that the iconic Carrera has been offered in several versions. In fact, countless styles, moves and shapes have been used over the years. Arguably, some are more iconic than others. In addition to the classic silver or panda dials on the first-generation models, the brand has long been creative, launching original dials, such as the Montreal-style Carrera, or looking back to the 1960s, a watch that is considered one of the classic dials Version. Most collectible and most distinctive; Captain Carrera. This brightly colored and instantly recognizable regatta chronograph returns after 40 years of absence from the collection.

The name TAG Heuer Carrera Skipper does not refer to just one watch, however, one specific model (which you can see below) definitely defines the look of this watch. The Skipper was introduced in 1968 and was produced until 1983. While subsequent versions of the Skipper used the Autavia case, the original model (of which only about 300 were produced) was based on the classic Carrera chronograph.

What is so special about this watch? Firstly, it is dedicated to regattas, and as opposed to motorsports, the start of a race is not as easy as standing on the starting line. The regatta countdown timer shows the critical time remaining before the regatta starts, which can vary between 5 and 15 minutes. Audible and visual signals are given before the regatta to remind skippers to get as close as possible to the imaginary start line. Steering a boat at sea and dealing with erratic wind and waves is not like a runner waiting for a signal on the block. The yachts steer back and forth, with a countdown allowing them to maneuver into the optimum position, all the while being very careful not to cross the imaginary starting line.

To this end, the classic Calera chronograph has been modified to display a 15-minute sub-dial, which becomes the 15-minute regatta pre-start counter, divided into three, five-minute segments. Each section has a different color, bright orange is used to remind the crew that only five minutes are left; green represents the color of the ship’s rigging, with a light teal in the middle. This boldly colored FAKE watches for sale with a blue brushed dial has become a highly regarded version. It was somehow restored by our colleagues at Hodinkee in 2017 and is now back as part of the permanent collection.

The new TAG Heuer CARRERA SKIPPER
After a full 40 years out of production, the iconic colored dials of the Carrera Skipper are back, housed in the cool and unique case of the recently launched Carrera Glassbox Chronograph. In keeping with the elements of the old Carrera Skipper that were quite unique from the Carrera, the new version also improves considerably compared to the classic model it was based on.

Starting with the case, here we find the original and visually appealing bezel-less structure of the “Glassbox” watch. The 39mm case is made of stainless steel with a polished top surface and brushed sides. What’s special about this watch is that it doesn’t use a bezel, and it’s visually cool. The super domed box crystal is fixed directly to the case, eliminating the need for traditional frame elements. Therefore, it extends to the very edge of the case. The result is that you can see the dial from the side, with a warm, vintage-like twist. It is paired with a curved inner flange that enhances this domed effect.

The rest of the case used for this new TAG Heuer Carrera Skipper is identical to the classic reverse panda or blue Glassbox chronograph. As such, it retains a comfortable 100m water resistance (for a yachting watch) and relatively compact proportions. If measuring around 14mm in height (affordable for a modern automatic chronograph), the 39mm diameter and restrained 46mm lug-to-lug make this watch very comfortable on the wrist. Sharp faceted lugs and oversized pump buttons remind people that this buy fake watches is first and foremost a Carrera.

Now it’s time to talk about what really matters, about what makes a Skipper a Skipper…the dial. Inheriting the bold and distinctive style of the first-generation vintage watch, the new Carrera Skipper features a dark blue nautical-inspired dial and round brushed surfaces. The dial is decorated with large, clear rhodium-plated faceted hands and applied hour markers. Apart from the phantom small seconds and the framed date window at 6 o’clock, it is mainly the chronograph counters that establish a connection with the past.

The 12-hour counter at 9 o’clock bears the lettering “Captain” in teal, while the all-important minute counter at 3 o’clock is in three shades of Intrepid Teal, Lagoon Green and Regatta. orange. And you’ll notice that it’s changed from a 30-minute display to a countdown-style 15-minute display, implying some revisions to the movement. The final touch of color is provided by the orange lacquered central seconds hand. Overall, this is a unique and original dial that combines modern and historic elements.

Inside the case is the Caliber TH20-06 movement, which is an evolution of the Carrera Glassbox movement and itself an upgraded version of the Caliber Heuer02 movement. This in-house integrated automatic chronograph movement relies on a column wheel and vertical clutch architecture to provide a stable power reserve of 80 hours. It now offers bi-directional winding and has a slightly more modern finish with a newly designed rotor.

The new TAG Heuer Carrera Skipper is equipped with a waterproof blue fabric strap and is closed with a folding clasp.

Technical Specifications – TAG HEUER CARRERA SKIPPER
Case: Diameter 39mm x Height 13.9mm – 46mm lug to lug – stainless steel case, brushed and polished – frameless construction “glass box”, dial in high domed sapphire crystal (AR coated) – rotating Recessed case back, sapphire crystal – 100m water resistance
Dial: Blue round brushed dial – blue domed inner flange with precision 60-second scale – rhodium-plated, faceted, polished hands and applied markers – phantom small seconds – green, orange and cyan 15-minute countdown counter – cyan Lacquered 12-hour counter with captain’s indicator – orange lacquered central seconds
Movement: Caliber TH20-06 – Manufacture – Automatic integrated chronograph with column wheel and vertical clutch – 33 jewels – 80 hours power reserve – 28,800 vibrations/hour – Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, belt 15-minute chronograph and 12-hour counter
Strap: Blue fabric strap with tone-on-tone stitching – stainless steel folding clasp with double safety push buttons
Reference: CBS2213.FN6002