TAG Heuer's Skipper Returns in the Carrera "Glassbox"
The nautical timekeeper ends its 40-year hiatus by magnifying its handsome maritime looks and colourful livery.
TAG Heuer’s romance with racing involves not only motorsports but also regattas, with the Skipper being the chronograph that sails the high seas. Historically tied to the Intrepid’s legendary title defence during the 1967 America’s Cup, the nautical timekeeper is derived from the celebrated Carrera original and is distinguished by its colourful livery. Now, after a 40-year hiatus, the cult classic returns as a “glassbox” model to better showcase its handsome maritime looks.
The coveted “glassbox” feature is a hit with collectors, and its domed and bezel-free design has been improved for the Carrera’s 60th anniversary, now curving seamlessly into the case and incorporating the indexes and flange into its curvature. The sloping seconds scale can also be read from a wider range of angles, which, together with the perfectly placed chronograph counters, ensures that watch legibility stands on solid sea legs.
As with all “glassbox” models, the Skipper’s dial naturally becomes the visual centrepiece. Its compelling colour palette continues to be the biggest draw, from the circular brushed main dial in signature Carrera blue, to the pop of Intrepid Teal, Lagoon Green and Regatta Orange on the 15-minute countdown register. Unlike its vintage namesake, the “Skipper” text is now reframed within the hour counter, while “Carrera” takes its position above the TAG Heuer logo. Also new is the date window tucked neatly under the seconds subdial, which is rendered nearly invisible to give the dial much-needed room to breathe amid the wealth of details.
In addition to receiving the ergonomically elegant 39mm case of modern Carreras, the new Skipper is equipped with the TH20-06 automatic movement, which is derived from the flagship TH20-00 chronograph calibre but swaps out the 30-minute counter for a regatta-appropriate 15-minute one. The watch is finished with a sturdy deployment strap in navy blue sailcloth, wearing just as comfortably on open waters or in the yachting clubhouse.
