Introducing: The Frederique Constant Yacht Timer Regatta Countdown

September 17, 2019

In 1997, Frederique Constant introduced a regatta timer for the first time (and until now, the only time) in its collections. The regatta timer may be one of the most specific, if not the most specific, of all complications. A regatta timer is used to count down the amount of time remaining before the competing yachts are allowed to cross the start line during a yacht race; the start line is defined by an imaginary line drawn between two buoys. Sailboats cannot, unlike race cars, simply wait at a starting line, as they are constantly in motion thanks to the wind. Instead, racing yachts maneuver behind the start line, seeking to correctly anticipate the moment that the starting signal is given (traditionally a gun or cannon shot) at which point they can legally cross the line without incurring a penalty for starting too early. This situation means that one of the most exciting parts of a regatta, are the moments during which the clock is counting down from the warning gun to the actual starting gun, when the yachts are maneuvering for the most advantageous possible position. The warning gun is often fired, by custom, five minutes before the starting gun so when skippers hear it go off, they know they have that amount of time before the line can be crossed. The regatta timer is set up to allow instant and intuitive read-off of the amount of time remaining before the start. Each circle represents one minute, and as the colors change in each circle in succession, skippers can easily see how much time remains, without resorting to the often difficult-to-read sub-registers of a traditional chronograph. It is a complication whose utility outside the context of a regatta I have always struggled to envision (counting down a five minute egg?) but its very specialized purpose combined with its idiosyncratic design, give regatta timers a unique appeal among complicated watches. There will be three versions of the Yacht Timer Regatta Countdown launched in the US market, which will be a gold PVD model with a blue dial, a steel model with grey dial, and a two-tone model on a two-tone bracelet, with a guilloch pattern.? Initial Thoughts The regatta timer is both an easy complication to dismiss, but it's also an easy complication to like, if you give it a chance. On the one hand, if you're not a yacht skipper or a regatta official, there is probably not a whole lot of use you're going to get out it. On the other hand, it is so charming and so visually punchy, and so very much a product of a time when watches were practical necessities, and made to fit every need and budget, that you can't help but fall in love with it a little bit. I have never had the pleasure of owning a regatta timer but I have had a chance to spend some time with several different models, including a vintage Heuer Regatta, and there is something irresistibly watchable about seeing those little circles change color as the minutes count down. Whether you ever get a chance to use these for their intended purpose, they're great looking watches with a real connection to both horological history, and to Frederique Constant's own history as well. They're also very attractively priced, considering that you're getting an interesting take on an unusual complication C the most expensive (and I think most handsome) version, in rose gold plate, is $3495 ($3195 for the steel model). The Basics Brand: Frederique ConstantModel: Yacht Timer Regatta CountdownDiameter: 42mmCase Material: steel or rose gold plated steel; box-type sapphire crystalDial Color: navy blue or grey, both with hobnail guilloch type patternIndexes: appliedLume: Super-LumiNova on handsWater Resistance: 10 atmospheres/100 metersStrap/Bracelet: alligator leather, or matching two tone bracelet for the two tone model; extra rubber strap also included The Movement Caliber: FC-380 (ETA 7750 or Sellita equivalent, modified to include countdown function)Functions: hours and minutes, countdown regatta timerPower Reserve: 48 hoursWinding: automatic or hand-windingFrequency: 28,800 vphJewels: 25 Pricing & Availability Price: blue dial and rose gold plated model, $3495; two tone case and bracelet, $3395; grey dial with steel case, $3195Availability: available nowSee the Yacht Timer Regatta Countdown models at FrederiqueConstant.com.