The original Heuer Skipper was produced from 1968-1983 but the Carrera version was only produced for the first year before switching to the Autavia case in 1969. For decades it was largely a racing watch The esoteric boat was forgotten, but as we know, in recent years this colorful Carrera chronograph or “Skipperera” has achieved cult status among collectors. Now, TAG Heuer is reissuing the Carrera Skipper as part of its core collection with the promise of more beach-ready watches to come.
2023 is the Carrera’s 60th anniversary, marked by the release of the much-lauded new 39mm Carrera with its classically inspired domed ‘Glassbox’ crystal. This model serves as the model for the new Skipper so while we’re not talking about a 1:1 replica of the original Ref. 7754, the reissue is impressively designed in a contemporary style and has its own merits.
The photo above is a great comparison between the original 36mm release and the reissue. You’ll notice the addition of a date window and seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock, new hands and indices, and a more vibrant Carrera signature blue dial. While the original model had a seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock, the new model has a 12-hour counter in a beautiful “Intrepid Teal” color. The 15-minute regatta timer sub-dial at 3 o’clock also features new highlights such as minute markers while retaining the eye-catching three-color segment of Lagoon Blue, Brave Teal and Regatta Orange .
The Carrera’s bezel-less case makes the 39mm wide case ideal for everyday wear with a lug-to-lug measurement of 46mm. Although the Glassbox domed sapphire crystal adds a bit to case thickness at 13.9mm, it looks great and makes the trade-off easy. Water resistance to 100m is especially suitable for a sailing watch even if it shares the same specifications as the standard Carrera.
From the case back we can see the TH20-06 movement is based on the new TH20-00 (which is an updated version of the Heuer 02) and features a bi-directional winding rotor with an 80-hour power reserve.
While I’m sure there will be many collectors still hoping for an exact reissue of the original ‘Skipperera’ (and they may get it one day), I like that TAG Heuer is maximizing the potential of their truly excellent new 39mm Carrera. I can’t imagine anyone in the market for an interesting mid-four chronograph would pass up the new Carrera Skipper because it really has everything going for it. Fitted with a matching blue textile strap with folding clasp, the TAG Heuer Carrera Skipper is a standard production piece priced at CHF 6,600, or about $7,600 USD.
