NEW Watches & Wonders 2024 Release – The TAG Heuer Carrera Skipper Chronograph in Gold

TAG Heuer builds on its maritime history with another version of the Carrera Skipper, this time dressed in luxurious 18ct rose gold.

Some Background on the TAG Heuer Skipper

Back in 1968, Jack Heuer designed a Skipper chronograph in celebration of the previous year’s New York Yacht Club’s ‘Intrepid’ victory over New Zealand’s ‘Dame Pattie’ during the America’s Cup. Heuer had already supplied stopwatches and timing devices to support the racing event, yet the watch that followed soon became one of the manufacturer’s most popular designs. When that first Skipper watch initially launched, its main feature was the unusual countdown timer chronograph function. It featured a central chronograph seconds hand and a new fifteen-minute countdown timer that replaced the usual 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock. It also featured a running seconds function at 9 o’clock.

It’s All in the Timing

The TAG Heuer Skipper had a very special complication used for yacht racing known as the regatta timer. Its sole purpose was to assist with the start of the race, which, unlike motorsports or any other kind of race, begins differently. Instead of waiting at a start line, the boats need to move back and forth behind the start line until the gun fires. That build-up to the start time can be anywhere between five and fifteen minutes, depending on the rules, so to assist with the process, TAG Heuer’s Skipper chronograph became an innovative tool for those taking part in the race. The key is to cross the start line as close as possible to the firing of the gun. A competitor does not want to disqualify themselves by passing over the line too soon, yet should be careful not to cost themselves the race by crossing over too late. The TAG Heuer Skipper watch could help a yachter to position his boat perfectly before the race commenced.

Last Year’s TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Skipper

Last year, TAG Heuer released a newer version of the Carrera Chronograph Skipper. That watch reads like a two-register dial, but features three sub-counters. The watch keeps the same central seconds hands and the unique 15-minute counter at 3 o’clock. This time, however, it features an hour counter at 9 o’clock (where the small second function originally sat) and swaps the subsidiary seconds to 6 o’clock. The reason the watch reads like a two-register chronograph is because the small seconds function at 6 is so discreet, that the hand and markers almost melt into the rich blue dial. The steel model measures a diameter of 39mm and features a date window at 6 o’clock and three striking colours that segment the 5-minute increments around the 15-minute regatta timing counter at 3H.

The key thing to note about the 2023 version of the TAG Heuer Carrera Skipper watch, is that it features a glassbox design, with a domed sapphire and a “bezel-free construction”. What this means is that if you look at the watch from the side, you get a great view of the dial. If you look at the watch head-on, you get a great view of the dial. Basically, you get a great view of the dial, free from any obstructions caused by a heavy bezel.

What’s New?

Thanks to the release of TAG Heuer’s Carrera Skipper chronograph of last year and the brand’s return to the yachting world, the Swiss watchmaker extends the story of the Skipper with a whole new chapter, painted in rose gold tones. The new model replaces the steel case with a solid 18ct rose gold material, but keeps the same entrancing deep blue dial tones, creating a mesmerising play of light, colour and lustre. Its design is based on the best-selling “Glassbox” design of last year and marks the 60th anniversary of the iconic Carrera chronograph design. The new model keeps the same 39mm diameter. That’s’ an important feature of the design, since it indicates that luxury timepieces are, in fact, downsizing and this shift is here to stay. Fine brushed and polished accents on the case give rise to a sense of depth and dimension, while the rose gold tones undoubtedly elevate the timepiece to a dressier level. Nevertheless, this watch is a fully functioning regatta timer and can be used during racing events or just enjoyed by anyone with a soft spot for this specialist design.

The deep blue tones of the dial reflect the colours of the water, while the curved flange dial underneath the sapphire crystal glass ensures optimum visibility in all conditions. Enhancing the readability, especially in scenarios where the watch is being used in those crucial 15 minutes before a regatta race, TAG Heuer specialists have provided faceted rose golden hands with red triangular tips and a coating of Super-LumiNova for nighttime use. The colour scheme of the 15-minute counter at 3 o’clock is reflective of the colours used in the historic TAG Heuer Skipper reference 7754. The 12-hour totaliser at 9 o’clock is dressed in an “Intrepid Teal” hue, while the Lagoon Green, Regatta orange and Intrepid Teal colours of the 15-minute counter represent those chosen for the Skipper of 1968, and are inspired by the rigging and deck of the boat.

Similar to the TAG Heuer Carrera Skipper of last year, the new model features five-minute intervals around the flange marked by luminous triangles, along with luminous gold-plated hour markers, and a transparent sapphire caseback that reveals the workings of the Heuer 02 (an in-house movement, modified for the regatta timer function). It comprises a column wheel chronograph, a vertical clutch, and 80 hours of power reserve. The bidirectional rotor is also shared into the TAG Heuer shield. A blue textile strap with an 18ct rose gold pin buckle completes the look of this new TAG Heuer Skipper watch for 2024. Those who love the TAG Heuer Connected series will also be pleased to hear that the design will be available as a customisable watch face option.

Get the New TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Skipper at Jura Watches

If you’d like to secure yourself one of the new TAG Heuer Carrera Skipper chronograph watch in 18ct rose gold, you can call and speak to a member of our Jura Watches sales team today on 01335 453453 or email us at help@jurawatches.co.uk