In the summer of 2017, the synergy between TAG Heuer and the online watch publication HODINKEE resulted in a refreshing contemporary take on the prized Heuer Carrera Skipper Reference 7754, also known as the very first ‘Skipperera’.

The inception of the Skipperera dates back to 1967, when the esteemed American yachtsman Emil Mosbacher wore the timepiece on his wrist as he skippered the winning team on board the “Intrepid” at the 20th edition America’s Cup. The following year, Jack Heuer commissioned the Carrera Skipper Reference 7754 to commemorate the historic victory. Only a small batch of 20 known examples were made at the time and its exclusivity was heightened as the model was excluded from the Heuer catalogue. For decades the watch remained incognito, and only came into the limelight around 2008 upon its discovery by Heuer enthusiasts.

In honor of the 50th anniversary of Emil Mosbacher’s triumph, TAG Heuer and HODINKEE revamped the design of the original Carrera Skipper with a modern twist, which invigorated many Heuer collectors who had longed for the unattainable Skipper Reference 7754. While preserving the key elements of the early design, such as the sunburst ocean blue dial, iconic faceted lugs and Carrera case, the size of the case was enlarged to 39mm instead of 35mm, and the easily scratched plexiglass was replaced with a domed sapphire crystal. Whereas the reference 7754 featured two registers, the new design was reimagined with a single sub-dial and the addition of a date display at 3’ o clock. The highlight of the design is unequivocally the vibrant color scheme of orange, mint and dark green on the sub dial that symbolizes the bold and radical style of the 60’s. Working from an original example of the Skipperera, the colors of the subdial were matched with painstaking care. Offered in excellent, like-new condition, the 2017 HODINKEE Limited Edition Carrera Skipper is an unforgettably attractive sports watch that embodies the synthesis of past and present.