Despite COVID-19 trying to undermine everything in the world, some sailing events may still be taking place in the next year or so. Among those on the roster are the Vendee Globe (for which Ulysse Nardin is the Official Timekeeper) race later this year, and even next year’s America’s Cup (for which Omega is the Official Timekeeper), among others.
Because recreational and regatta racing is such a beloved sport among enthusiasts and professionals, the watch world keeps pace – sailing onto the scene with regatta watches that offer a host of functions. Generally, a regatta watch times the last 5, 10 or 15 minutes before a race starts. This gives the skipper a critical countdown to the race so that they can get the boat into position and be ready to sail. Some watches also boast other features. Here we take a look at five great wristwatches that can weather the wind, the water and the competition.
Frederique Constant Yacht Timer Regatta Countdown
A master at creating complex watches at quality/value prices, Frederique Constant takes to the seas with its Yacht Timer Regatta Countdown watch. First introduced to the world in 1997, it returned to the seas with a new version released just this year.
Classically styled, the 42mm stainless steel watch features and anthracite gray guilloche dial for a harmonious appeal. Powered by the automatic FC-380 caliber, it is water resistant to 100 meters and offers the countdown function to the race using luminescent dots. A double index hour marker resides at 12:00. Beneath that, there are two five-minute countdowns to mark the full 10 minutes before the race. The first five minutes uses five dot apertures that form the countdown, each representing a single minute. As the time passes, the dots change from gray to white. As soon as the first 5 minutes are done, the countdown of the second five minutes begins again, but this time the dots turn orange as time passes — making checking the minutes as simple as glancing at the wrist. When the final dot turns orange and the seconds hand is at 12:00, the race officially begins.
Louis Vuitton Tambour Regatta Navy 44
Louis Vuitton has long been involved in the world of yacht racing and mastered the art of the regatta watch years ago when it was a key player in the America’s Cup races. Today, the brand offers its Tambour Regatta Navy quartz watch in stainless steel with a blue dial and black V signature.
The watch offers a 12-hour alarm in addition to an adjustable countdown from 1 to 10 minutes with sound indicator. Because it is a quartz-powered timepiece, the 44mm watch is more affordable, offering a great quality/value proposition. The hands are luminescent for easy readability in the dark and the watch is water resistant to 100 meters.
Panerai Luna Rossa Challenger Regatta
Officine Panerai is the Official partner of the Luna Rossa Challenger team in its race for the 36th America’s Cup – taking place in 2021. In honor of this role, and of its rich history with the sea and submersible watches, Panerai unveils the Luna Rossa Challenger Regatta.
The 47mm watch is crafted in high-tech Carbotech with a titanium case back. That case back features a custom engraving of the Luna Rossa. The watch offers a chronograph flyback function and a seconds reset, as well as a nautical knots indicator. On this watch, the regatta countdown function is displayed on the flange of the watch and on an outer chapter ring on the dial. It offers the 15-minute countdown, with the first five windows starting at 9:00 on the flange in gray, the second five in white. The final five squares as the watch counts down to the 12:00 position and the start of the race are in bright red.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II
Easily one of the most recognizable regatta watches on the market, the Rolex Yacht-Master II embrace the spirit of sailing thanks to the sophisticated dial and complex countdown.
Rolex has a long and storied past with sailing and yachting that dates back to the 1950’s. Today, it is a partner of some of the most elite yacht clubs and regattas in the world, including the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, the Rolex Fastnet and others. The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II indicates the 10-minute countdown via a red-tipped arrow hand that points to the 10-minute numerals on an arch that spans from 10:00 to 2:00 on the dial. When the hand reaches the zero, the race begins. This indication is mirrored by the countdown bezel – with the minutes left being indicated at 12:00. A beloved watch, the Yacht-Master II is a Superlative Chronometer – meaning it is certified by the COSC and Rolex.
Ulysse Nardin Regatta 44
Late last year, Ulysse Nardin – a brand with a rich history in marine chronometer watches – announced its role as the Official Timekeeper for the Vendee Globe races, considered the Everest of the Seas.
The brand is a master at creating watches meant to withstand the sea, the salt air and more. Its Regatta 44 watch offers both a chronograph and the regatta countdown function, as well as hours, minutes and date at 6:00. The countdown on this watch is in bright yellow and is in an inner chapter ring that runs beneath the hour markers. The countdown numerals start at 10:00 and end at 12:00 with a “0” to mark the start of the race. A bright yellow arrow-tipped luminescent hand marks the countdown. The complex Ulysse Nardin self-winding UN-155 manufacture movement, with a massive 508 parts, powers the 44mm stainless steel watch. It is water resistant to 100 meters. With its blue dial and blue rubber strap, it recalls the water with elegance.
