Why This Watch Matters

This Heuer Skipper was recently discovered in a drawer by the family of the original owner. It even features its original Corfam strap and buckle! 

The Full Story

Heuer had a reputation for making tool watches with specialized purposes in mind, and here, we have the famous Skipper, whose intended functionality was yacht racing. Heuer introduced the Skipper ref. 1564 in 1972, and according to TAG Heuer today, this example dates to that very first year. This reference was the inaugural automatic Heuer Skipper available on the market, and it shared an identical screw-back case with the Heuer Autavia ref. 1163. In fact, Heuer used these ref. 1163 cases for many Heuer Skippers, and you can even see "1163" stamped between the lugs, even though this is a Skipper ref. 1564.

The dial of this watch features a red, white, and blue sub-dial at three o'clock that counts down from 15 minutes. The sub-dial is separated in three different colors, so that one can easily track the time in five-minute intervals. This watch features a beautiful blue dial with orange hands and orange hash-marks around its edge that really pop. 

This example is in all-original condition and is absolutely stunning. The colors on the dial are still very vibrant, and the case is strong and sharp with the original finish present. The watch even comes with its original blue Corfam strap and Heuer buckle. The strap itself has aged and is turning brown in some areas. We decided to pair this Skipper with our Blue Sedona Strap to match the blue dial and bezel. The original Heuer buckle is a perfect fit on our Sedona strap, too. 

The Fine Print

Maker: Heuer 
Model: Skipper 
Reference: 1564 (1163 between the lugs) 
Year: 1972
Case No: 277158
Material: Stainless steel 
Dimensions: 42mm diameter; 16mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass 
Lume: Yes, tritium 
Caliber: Automatic caliber 15 
Bracelet/Strap: . This Skipper also comes with its original blue Corfam strap with the original Heuer "Sun" buckle.
Lug Width: 20mm
Box/Papers: No

What we Love and What You Should Know

This Skipper is in overall great, honest condition. The watch recently had a complete movement service. The case is strong with some scratches and is most likely unpolished. The finish on the top of the case is clearly visible. The dial and hands are in great condition with light patina. The lume on the hands and dial are very close to matching in color. The bezel is in great shape with some light scratches and little wear. The original blue Corfam strap shows wear and has aged; it is also turning brown in some spots but is completely intact.