Watches And Wonders 2024: TAG Heuer’s Skipper Chronograph Goes For Gold

It is often said that all that glitters is not gold. However, when it comes to TAG Heuer’s spellbinding timepieces, this adage doesn’t apply. Delving deep into the inspirational archives of the brand, TAG Heuer releases a gilded version of its historic Carrera Skipper chronograph at Watches And Wonders 2024. Following a welcome return to the world of yachting with last year’s release of the same watch in steel, the gold Skipper is based on the best-selling ‘glassbox’ design launched in early 2023 to mark the 60th anniversary of the celebrated Carrera chronograph. 

Without compromising its utility as a fully-functional sailing watch, the Skipper elevates its finish with a 39mm 18k 5N pure rose gold case. The surface has been polished with a fine brushed texture that is sure to appeal to even the most highly trained eye. Like other variations of the glassbox Carrera – such as the Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche, the Carrera Tourbillon, and the Carrera Chronograph - the gold Skipper features an ingenious ‘curved flange’ dial beneath its crystal to ensure exceptional legibility in all conditions, especially when the watch is being used in a regatta situation for timing the vital 15-minute period before the starting gun is fired.

Distinct Dials
Perhaps one of the most interesting parts of the timepiece is its two sharply contrasting sub-dials present on the main dial which is a regal shade of navy blue. Borrowing elements from the historic Skipper Reference 7754 created in the year 1968, the vibrant shade on the main dial is a nod to the nautical elegance of the deep sea. The sub-dials- a 12 hour counter in ‘Intrepid Teal’ and a 15 minute regatta counter divided into three, five–minute segments of different colours completes the face of this watch. These colours replicate those used on the original Skipper chronograph of 1968, which was launched under the leadership of Jack Heuer to celebrate the victory of the New York Yacht Club’s ‘Intrepid’ over New Zealand’s ‘Dame Pattie’ in the previous year’s America’s Cup.

Like the steel model, the gold Skipper also features triangular markers at five-minute intervals around the outer curved flange, a lacquered ‘regatta orange’ central seconds hand and a discreet ‘Skipper’ nameplate at the bottom of the 12-hour subdial. In keeping with its rose gold case, the latest Skipper carries applied, rose gold-plated hour markers that follow the line of the dial’s curved flange, while a similarly angled date window appears at six o’clock. 

On The Flipside 
Turning the watch over reveals a transparent caseback through which can be seen the in-house Heuer 02 Skipper calibre – a column wheel chronograph movement with vertical clutch and 80 hours of power reserve that is topped-up by a new, bi-directional rotor in the shape of TAG Heuer’s distinctive shield symbol. This rose gold Skipper is delivered with a blue textile strap and secured by a pin buckle, also made from 18K 5N rose gold to match the case. Following in the footsteps of the rose gold Carrera Chronograph Chronosprint, this Carrera Chronograph Skipper brings a new level of luxury and collectability to TAG Heuer’s signature chronograph.