Many vintage watch collectors have a dilemma: Re-edition is not a good idea, but when the original version is so hard to get, what makes a re-edition acceptable? Is staying true to the original the ideal way of making a re-edition?
Insiders are aware that it is impossible to be 100% true to the original. Even if the watchmaker knows every detail of the original watch, they cannot just imitate it. Therefore there are usually some different or innovative elements in re-editions and most of them are limited editions.
The renowned watch blog Hodinkee, of course, is well aware of these rules. When they started planning a special edition watch with TAG Heuer, they immediately selected the 1968 Skipper Ref. 7754 which was thought to have less than 20 units released. This chronograph was designed to commemorate the legendary sailboat Intrepid’s victory in the 1967 America’s Cup. The watch featured the Carrera case and Valjoux 7730 manual-winding chronograph movement but matched with a three-colour chronograph minutes register based on the winning yacht. The Hodinkee limited edition is slightly different from the original version from 50 years ago, but the vintage style and charm remains, which should keep the collectors smiling. First of all, the case is increased from the original 35 mm to 39 mm. The profile of the plexiglass used in vintage models is recreated with a domed sapphire crystal thanks to the latest technology. The movement has been updated with a modern, self-winding Calibre 18, while the chronograph minutes register counts 30 minutes and is located at 9 o’clock. TAG Heuer has specially modified the movement in order to include the date window at 3 o’clock, paying tribute to another vintage style, Carrera Dato 45 Ref. 3147.
Needless to say, the new Skipper has kept the vintage “Heuer” Logo on the dial. The style is limited to 125 pieces and comes with a blue leather strap and grey and orange NATO straps. It is only available on the Hodinkee website.
