Heuer
1971 Heuer Skipper (Ref. 73463) Mk.1 "Manual Wind"
The Heuer Skipper, a fantastic tool watch produced and built for Regatta races, starring a large, colorful 15-minute counter for tracking the countdown start of a yacht race. The red, white, and blue sub-dial is divided into five-minute sections, each indicating a period in the lead up to a regatta to allow yacht pilots to gain every second advantage possible.
The Heuer Skipper can be seen in a handful of variants over a spread of decades but resides as a very low production chronograph model within the Heuer timepiece lineup. Heuer acquired cases from other models for the Skipper since not many were produced. The original "Skippererra" used a Carrera case, and then the compressor-style straight lug Autavia cases were implemented. The last versions of the Heuer Skipper received the cushion-shaped Autavia case.
One of the most seldom seen and sought after Heuer Skipper's is the ref. 73463 as the Autavia counterpart it shares a case with also saw very limited production. The ref. 73463 is so desired as it retains the excellent case dimensions as a traditional Autavia however, its use of the Valjoux cal. 7734 movement made for a much thinner and more wearable case design.
| Stock # | HURSKP73463 | |
| Brand | Heuer | |
| Style | Skipper Chronograph | |
| Model | 73463 | |
| Serial | 263XXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless | |
| Dial | Blue | |
| Millimeters | 41.5 | |
| Strap | Heuer Gay Freres "Bead Of Rice" Flip-Lock Clasp Bracelet W/ HLF End Pieces |
CASE & BRACELET
The stunning cushion-style case has seen a very light polish in the past and retains strong dimensions with defined chamfers and light signs of previous use. The blue rotating bezel is in exceptional condition, remaining bright blue in coloration with very little wear from use, and retains its tritium pearl at the 12 o'clock location. The case retains its original pump pushers and Heuer signed crown. The Heuer signed Gay Freres "beads of rice" flip-lock clasp bracelet with HLF end pieces retains 18 links that show light stretch from use, which is common for this bracelet style.
DIAL & HANDS
The colorful matte blue dial is very well preserved, showing no aging or blemishes. The tritium lumed markers have aged to a charming creamy patina and exhibit no degradation when inspected under U.V. light. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly and display no degradation under U.V. light inspection.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch was recently serviced and is keeping time perfectly, backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.