1983 Heuer Autavia Skipper 15640

The Skipper has become one of the most iconic and desirable vintage Heuer models with its instantly recognizable colorful dial thoughtfully designed specifically for yacht racing.

Heuer has always had a knack of producing timepieces with a specific purpose in mind. The Skipper is an unusual tool watch designed and built for yacht racing. The niche nature of these watches led to a more limited production and makes them rare finds today.

This rare 3rd execution Skipper ref 15640 was introduced in 1983 and uses the case and movement from the Autavia ref 11063 (which is incidentally the last of the chronomatic Autavias) but with a dial re-designed for yacht racing. If the Rolex Sub is the king of underwater, this is king on it.    

The dial has a lovely deep gloss black dial and with a dramatic splash of colour from the yacht timer sub dial.

The Cal 15 movement was modified so that the sub dial hand ticks over every 30 seconds, such that the normal 30 minute register becomes a 15 minute recorder, with color-coded zones to enable a yachtsman to keep track of the countdown to the start of a race. The colours correspond to the flags used to mark the countdown sequence.

Condition:

The example offered here is in overall excellent condition. The matte black dial surface is free of any marks. The original tritium is intact with no visible degradation.  The case has some minor surface scratches but retains it lovely combination of brushed and polished surfaces. 

Dial and hands are in excellent condition and all the tritium intact.  The bezel is in excellent condition with no noticeable scratches.

The movement has been checked by our in-house watchmaker. All time-keeping and chronograph functions are in working order and the watch keeps time well for its age.

Specifications:

Diameter: 42mm (Thickness: 13.5mm)

Crystal: Mineral glass

Movement: Heuer Caliber 15 automatic

Bracelet: Original signed, jubilee bracelet.

Box/Papers: No