TAG Heuer Honours its Nautical Legacy with the Newest Skipper

TAG Heuer has returned to its nautical heritage with the unveiling of the new Carrera Skipper (Ref. CBS2213.FN6002) that stays true to the instantly recognisable aesthetics of the original — the beloved TAG Heuer Skipper Ref. 7754, also known as the Skipperera — while imbuing the piece with a distinct contemporary spirit.

Horophiles will be familiar with the connection between the iconic chronograph and Intrepid, the legendary boat that won the famed America’s Cup yacht race in 1967 and why the teal that appears on the dial of the Skipperera (that dates back to 1968) is called an ‘Intrepid teal’. It was a shade specifically created to match the teal of the deck of the Intrepid. Produced till 1983, the Skipperera, with its striking colours — the deep blue dial and orange, green and Intrepid teal — and elements of practicality, turned it into a familiar sight on the wrists of both professional and amateur sailors. The first examples of the Skipper were based on the celebrated Carrera chronograph while later versions used the Autavia case.

Over the years, after production ceased, the Skipper went on to attain a cult status among collectors, with original versions popping up at auctions across the world. This interest amplified when the Skipper was revived in 2017 — a special collaboration between TAG Heuer and specialist website Hodinkee — to produce a run of 125 watches that paid tribute to the 1968 model. This new Skipper will be more attainable though: it will be joining the brand’s core collection, and will serve as the flagship timepiece for a whole series of other maritime models, marking TAG Heuer’s return to the world of yachts and yachting.

This new-generation Skipper lends a cool modernity to the watch’s heritage by incorporating a change that was introduced by the brand at Watches & Wonders earlier this year: the ‘glassbox’ Carrera, the design of which perfectly aligns with the sensibilities of a sailing watch that looks great while also guaranteeing ease of use. The lack of a bezel, the way the glassbox extends to the edge of the case, and the curved flange dial make sure the watch is legible in all conditions. The Skipper is sized the same as the Carrera and housed in a sturdy yet elegant 39 mm case in stainless steel (as opposed to the original’s 36 mm), with very comfortable 46 mm lug-to-lug measurements, the automatic-winding TH20-06 movement (visible through the exhibition caseback), an 80-hour power reserve, and a high-end, resistant blue textile strap. The water resistance offered is 100 metres.

New additions to the Skipper include changes on the dial (that sports the Carrera signature blue): a date window, a seconds subdial at 6 o’clock, and a 12-hour counter in Intrepid teal at 9 o’clock instead of the running seconds subdial at 9 o’clock of the original. The 15-minute regatta counter at 3 o’clock retains the iconic colour trio. While it is in every way a modern-day nautical timepiece, the Skipper chooses to hold on to some features from the historical original, such as the 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.

A bold tribute to TAG Heuer’s sailing heritage, this new Skipper serves as a solid reminder that the brand continues to remain committed to creating new timepieces that value contemporary advancement while never compromising on its rich, storied heritage. The timepiece will be available post its July launch, retailing for INR 6,13,800 (*prices in India are subject to taxes and exchange rate fluctuations, and may vary accordingly).