1960s Aquastar Regate Ref. 4000N For Heuer
Why This Watch Matters
An early Aquastar Regate with a useful five-minute counter and a Heuer signature.
The Full Story
Aquastar was founded in 1962 and initially focused on watches intended for use in and on the water. In 1964, the company came out with a watch specifically meant for timing the start of a yacht race, called the Regate. This model's defining characteristics are five circular apertures on the dial that serve as a five minute timer. To activate the timer, engage the pusher at four o'clock, and the five apertures will turn red. Upon releasing the pusher, the sweep second hand will set in motion and the countdown will begin. After each minute has elapsed, the red apertures will turn from red to silver sequentially, and when the five minute countdown is up, each window will appear silver.
This colorful, visual representation is a highly legible way to time a five minute interval compared to a traditional chronograph counter. Ultimately, the design helped the wearer know how much time was left at a quick glance. While the original purpose of the Regate was to help a yacht skipper anticipate the start of a race, it's now perfect for keeping track of any five minute interval, which is really quite convenient in modern life.
The dial on this watch is signed Aquastar and Heuer. The pair worked in tandem on the Regate – Aquastar produced the watch and Heuer distributed it. Eventually, Heuer would have its own branded regatta countdown watches that used the circular apertures, but Heuer's examples typically timed 10 minute periods. These dual-branded examples, with both names on the dial, are quite rare today, which makes them catnip for any collector interested in esoteric tool watches.
We paired this Aquastar and Heuer Regate with our Bedford Strap in Slate Grey, which acts as an attractive neutral to the silvered dial and bright red apertures and central seconds hand.
The Fine Print
Maker: Aquastar for Heuer
Model: Regate
Reference: 4000N
Year: Circa 1964
Case No: 402021
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 37mm diameter; 12mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: Yes, tritium
Caliber: Self winding Felsa 4000N
Bracelet/Strap: Bedford Strap In Slate Grey
Lug Width: 20mm
Box/Papers: N/A
What we Love and What You Should Know
This Regate is in overall good, original condition. The case is strong with scratches. The caseback engravings and text are all clearly visible. The dial is in good condition and has developed some patina around the hour markers and edge of the dial. The hour markers and hands have also developed patina. In addition, the central seconds hand has developed patina and a spot of paint is missing toward the tip. The lume on the hands and dial have also darkened and developed patina. The lume on the hour marker at six o'clock shows signs of degradation. The "T" in "Swiss T" at the bottom of the dial shows some wear. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist. The dial, crown, case, and movement are signed.
Why This Watch Matters
An early Aquastar Regate with a useful five-minute counter and a Heuer signature.
The Full Story
Aquastar was founded in 1962 and initially focused on watches intended for use in and on the water. In 1964, the company came out with a watch specifically meant for timing the start of a yacht race, called the Regate. This model's defining characteristics are five circular apertures on the dial that serve as a five minute timer. To activate the timer, engage the pusher at four o'clock, and the five apertures will turn red. Upon releasing the pusher, the sweep second hand will set in motion and the countdown will begin. After each minute has elapsed, the red apertures will turn from red to silver sequentially, and when the five minute countdown is up, each window will appear silver.
This colorful, visual representation is a highly legible way to time a five minute interval compared to a traditional chronograph counter. Ultimately, the design helped the wearer know how much time was left at a quick glance. While the original purpose of the Regate was to help a yacht skipper anticipate the start of a race, it's now perfect for keeping track of any five minute interval, which is really quite convenient in modern life.
The dial on this watch is signed Aquastar and Heuer. The pair worked in tandem on the Regate – Aquastar produced the watch and Heuer distributed it. Eventually, Heuer would have its own branded regatta countdown watches that used the circular apertures, but Heuer's examples typically timed 10 minute periods. These dual-branded examples, with both names on the dial, are quite rare today, which makes them catnip for any collector interested in esoteric tool watches.
We paired this Aquastar and Heuer Regate with our Bedford Strap in Slate Grey, which acts as an attractive neutral to the silvered dial and bright red apertures and central seconds hand.
The Fine Print
Maker: Aquastar for Heuer
Model: Regate
Reference: 4000N
Year: Circa 1964
Case No: 402021
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 37mm diameter; 12mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: Yes, tritium
Caliber: Self winding Felsa 4000N
Bracelet/Strap: Bedford Strap In Slate Grey
Lug Width: 20mm
Box/Papers: N/A
What we Love and What You Should Know
This Regate is in overall good, original condition. The case is strong with scratches. The caseback engravings and text are all clearly visible. The dial is in good condition and has developed some patina around the hour markers and edge of the dial. The hour markers and hands have also developed patina. In addition, the central seconds hand has developed patina and a spot of paint is missing toward the tip. The lume on the hands and dial have also darkened and developed patina. The lume on the hour marker at six o'clock shows signs of degradation. The "T" in "Swiss T" at the bottom of the dial shows some wear. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist. The dial, crown, case, and movement are signed.
Original: $3,300.00
-65%$3,300.00
$1,155.00Description
Why This Watch Matters
An early Aquastar Regate with a useful five-minute counter and a Heuer signature.
The Full Story
Aquastar was founded in 1962 and initially focused on watches intended for use in and on the water. In 1964, the company came out with a watch specifically meant for timing the start of a yacht race, called the Regate. This model's defining characteristics are five circular apertures on the dial that serve as a five minute timer. To activate the timer, engage the pusher at four o'clock, and the five apertures will turn red. Upon releasing the pusher, the sweep second hand will set in motion and the countdown will begin. After each minute has elapsed, the red apertures will turn from red to silver sequentially, and when the five minute countdown is up, each window will appear silver.
This colorful, visual representation is a highly legible way to time a five minute interval compared to a traditional chronograph counter. Ultimately, the design helped the wearer know how much time was left at a quick glance. While the original purpose of the Regate was to help a yacht skipper anticipate the start of a race, it's now perfect for keeping track of any five minute interval, which is really quite convenient in modern life.
The dial on this watch is signed Aquastar and Heuer. The pair worked in tandem on the Regate – Aquastar produced the watch and Heuer distributed it. Eventually, Heuer would have its own branded regatta countdown watches that used the circular apertures, but Heuer's examples typically timed 10 minute periods. These dual-branded examples, with both names on the dial, are quite rare today, which makes them catnip for any collector interested in esoteric tool watches.
We paired this Aquastar and Heuer Regate with our Bedford Strap in Slate Grey, which acts as an attractive neutral to the silvered dial and bright red apertures and central seconds hand.
The Fine Print
Maker: Aquastar for Heuer
Model: Regate
Reference: 4000N
Year: Circa 1964
Case No: 402021
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 37mm diameter; 12mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: Yes, tritium
Caliber: Self winding Felsa 4000N
Bracelet/Strap: Bedford Strap In Slate Grey
Lug Width: 20mm
Box/Papers: N/A
What we Love and What You Should Know
This Regate is in overall good, original condition. The case is strong with scratches. The caseback engravings and text are all clearly visible. The dial is in good condition and has developed some patina around the hour markers and edge of the dial. The hour markers and hands have also developed patina. In addition, the central seconds hand has developed patina and a spot of paint is missing toward the tip. The lume on the hands and dial have also darkened and developed patina. The lume on the hour marker at six o'clock shows signs of degradation. The "T" in "Swiss T" at the bottom of the dial shows some wear. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist. The dial, crown, case, and movement are signed.
