Heuer Regatta (Ref. 134.500), 1980s

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

When Heuer first introduced the Regatta timer in 1965, it was actually a watch made by Aquastar named the Regate that was cobranded by both brands. Through this watch, Heuer went on to sponsor the 'Intrepid', a 12-meter class racing yacht that won the America's Cup in both 1967 and 1968. However, this wasn't the only venture into sport yachting watches for Heuer as the brand introduced variants of both halo chronographs, the Autavia and the Carrera, with sub-dials featuring regatta-specific countdown timers. Both models were named the 'Skipper' respectively. Heuer went on to create its own true Regatta timer known as the reference 134.500 in 1983, utilizing a Lemania cal. 1345 movement, with an extremely purpose-built design, and a very satisfying execution. The Heuer Regatta functions very similarly to a mono-pusher chronograph, though the center orange hand rotates consistently and the pusher located at 2 o'clock simply just resets the timing function of the movement. The 5 circles, or windows, at the top of the dial change from blue to orange, then silver where it remains until reset, and serve as the 5-minute, or in some rare cases, 10-minute countdown to a yacht race. Stock # HURREG Brand Heuer Style Regatta Model 134.500 Serial N/A Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Silver Millimeters 40 Bracelet Heuer Flat-Link Bracelet CASE & BRACELET The robust, thick, but extremely wearable stainless steel case features a very geometric overall design with numerous angles and chamfers, all of which remain intact with this example despite showing signs of gentle polishing in the past. The fixed stainless steel bezel is faceted on the edges, adding to the robust overall feeling of the watch, and is finished with screws at each hour mark. The case retains its original Heuer-signed screw-down crown and faceted pump reset pusher. The case back retains all of the factory markings in very crisp and deep condition. The original Heuer flat-link bracelet is in excellent condition, exhibiting no stretch, and features a flip-lock clasp. The bracelet will fit up to a 7-inch wrist. DIAL & HANDS The silver dial is flawless, showing no age or damage whatsoever. The rotating regatta timer disc is also flawless, alternating from blue to orange, then silver. The tritium lume plots located at the tip of the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock markers feature a light cream patina and exhibit no degradation under UV light inspection. The original black hour and minute hands are in perfect condition and match the dial lume perfectly with no degradation present under UV light inspection. The orange and silver running second's hand is also flawless. ACCESSORIES