Manufacturer: Heuer Year: Circa 1972 Reference No: 73463 Case No: 262’965 Model Name: Skipper Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 7734, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Heuer bracelet stamped by Gay Frères, max length 195 mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Heuer deployant clasp Dimensions: 47 mm diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
Diver’s chronograph watches have been in Heuer’s product line for more than half a century. The present watch, reference 73463 Skipper, exemplifies the technological skills and fine artisanship which define the watchmaking company. Most impressively, the timepiece features a regatta chronograph, providing accurate timekeeping for yachtsmen to calculate the time that they can cross the starting line in sailing competitions.
The present watch is a very attractive example with a dark blue dial and bezel which pose a significant color contrast with the sharp orange hands. Giving the watch a very unusual and unique appearance, another significant feature of the Skipper is the red, white and blue 15-minute subsidiary dial. The Skipper model series remained successful and in production until the 1980s.
This iconic chronograph manufacturer has a long tradition of precision timekeeping. As early as 1882, founder Edouard Heuer held a patent for a chronograph watch; in 1887, he received a patent for an oscillating pinion, which is still in use today. These specialized timepieces have been at the heart of the firm's success, enabling the brand to be chosen as early timekeepers for the Olympics. In 1969, the company introduced their first automatic chronograph watch, the Monaco Heuer, which celebrated the Monaco Grand Prix. Other key chronograph models include the Autavia and the Carrera, all of which having become iconic models of the firm.