TAG Heuer is a brand that’s been steadily making its way onto this site and our podcast more often lately. With recent releases like the titanium Solargraph and new Aquaracer divers in 40mm, it’s just hard to look away and not feel tempted. Now, while I’m not a Heuer scholar by any means, I had to stop and get my thoughts down on what may be the brand’s most important release this year, so far. In an effort to revive one of the rarest Heuer vintage chronographs in existence, TAG Heuer is now announcing a modern-day version of the highly sought-after Carrera Skipper ref. 7754. It’s the new TAG Heuer Carrera Skipper and it marks TAG Heuer’s latest entry into the world of yacht racing.
Originally created to celebrate the 1967 victory at the America’s Cup by the racing yacht Intrepid, the original Carrera Skipper ref. 7754 is one of the rarest Heuers ever made. In fact, there’s still some debate over how many were produced—with only 20 or so thought to be in existence. Based on the earlier Carrera case at 35mm, these watches were unique in their use of green, blue, teal, and orange—all colors that were present throughout the deck and rigging of the Intrepid. A specialized 15-minute sub-dial counted down from the first regatta horn, with three five-minute subdivisions. Since then, only very limited re-interpretation Skipper models have been released in partnership with select watch websites like Hodinkee.
The new TAG Heuer Carrera Skipper utilizes the newer “Glassbox” style case introduced this year and modernizes the Skipper’s original look. I initially didn’t pay much attention to those new chronographs but it looks like the tall, boxy sapphire crystal does a lot to amplify the classic Skipper colors on the new model. For this watch, TAG Heuer went with the TH20-06 automatic chronograph, with an 80-hour power reserve and 33 jewels. This supports the regatta-specific 15-minute counter at 3 o’clock with the added functionality of running seconds at 6 o’clock and a 12-hour totalizer at 9 o’clock. Again, it’s not totally a vintage-recreation, but seemingly a modern piece deeply inspired by the original.
TAG Heuer Carrera Skipper Specs
- Case Diameter: 39mm
- Case Thickness: 13mm
- Lug-to-Lug: 46mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel with sapphire case back
- Water Resistance: 100m
- Movement: TH20-06 automatic chronograph
- Power Reserve: 80 hours
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Strap: Blue fabric strap with push-button folding clasp
- Price: CHF 6,600
Something I think both hardcore Heuer purists and watch fans will find themselves talking about is the “Skipper” branding at the 9 o’clock sub-dial. I’m not opposed to the idea of branding it somewhere. But why not integrate this below the Carrera text at 12 o’clock? This would keep most of the dial text isolated to one spot while opening up that beautiful seafoam green sub-dial. It’s really my only design issue. And as crazy as I can get when it comes to vintage-correct reissues, I actually like the way this Skipper has evolved into its three-register layout with a modern-looking case. Other features include bright orange accents throughout the hands and dial, Super-LumiNova, and a matching blue fabric strap with push-button folding clasp.
For vintage lovers or anyone that’s into the Tag Heuer styling, I think the new TAG Heuer Carrera Skipper will be a hit. Unlike some of the TAG Heuer models we usually talk about, it’s a bit on the pricey side. But I’m sure this won’t stop the hardcore Heuer fans from scooping up a watch marking the Skipper’s latest historical chapter. You can learn more about the TAG Heuer Carrera Skipper on the brand’s official site.
Michael Peñate is an American writer, photographer, and podcaster based in Seattle, Washington. His work typically focuses on the passage of time and the tools we use to connect with that very journey. From aviation to music and travel, his interests span a multitude of disciplines that often intersect with the world of watches – and the obsessive culture behind collecting them.
It’s not the watch for me, but I actually like the SKIPPER on the subdial. I think it might get lost there, which isn’t great, but up close like that in photos I think it works. I think it might be too busy at the 12.