The Reference 3912 stopwatch takes a different approach, counting down 10 minutes on a small recorder at the top of the dial and counting down 60 seconds on the outer track. The Reference 33.712 stopwatch counts down 5 minutes on a central minute register, with a 60 second countdown on the outer track. Our review of Heuer’s regatta timers begins in 1959, with a catalog that shows only two stopwatches. Still, a review of the catalogs provides a good overview of the history of these timepieces. We point out that Heuer made certain yacht timers that never appeared in its catalogs. Rather than examining the timepieces themselves, we will review the timepieces that Heuer presented in its catalogs and brochures. In this posting, we will survey the yacht timers that Heuer offered over the years from 1959 through 1984. Of course, let’s not forget that the ideal yacht timer must be waterproof and shock resistant. In the minutes before the start of the race, the deck will be a busy place, so simplicity in the design and functions of the watch will also be critical. Bigger will usually be better, especially for the captain reading the countdown to the start of the race. The competitors have a set time before the start of the race (usually 10 minutes), to plot their course / develop their approach to the start line, and the boat that gets to the start line in the best position will be at a significant advantage in the race itself.īouncing on the waves, with the sun and spray obstructing the view, legibility will be critical. First, while timing the race itself is important, the countdown to the start of the race may be even more important. Heuer developed special timepieces for many types of competitions, but yacht races (regattas) presented some unique challenges. Heuer made split second stopwatches to time the differential between two runners, two horses or two cars, flyback timers to check lap times, and even a chess clock will keep track of the times of the players’ moves. The waterski-slalom timer (Reference 403.632) indicates the motorboat’s speed over a measured distance, while the rowing timer (Ref 403.414) shows strokes per minute. Indeed, the parachutist had no need for even the simplest feature, the time-in and time-out button to stop and restart the watch. By contrast, the parachutist had far simpler requirements, being well-served by a simple 60 second stopwatch, that is highly legible and reliable in low temperatures. For example, for track and field, Heuer recommended a stopwatch with 1/100 second indication, with split action (show, below left). Many of Heuer’s stopwatches and chronographs were designed for specific sports. Glancing at Heuer’s 1970 /71 catalog of timers and chronographs, we see timepieces for over 40 sports, ranging from bobsledding to boxing, and from and rodeo to rugby. Although today’s enthusiasts associate Heuer most closely with motorsports, over the years Heuer developed and marketed a vast array of stopwatches and chronographs for timing all sorts of sports events.
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