Letter from the Publisher

ReGaTTa
CHRoNoGRapHS
So-called “regatta” chronographs are
distinguished by their countdown system
serving to follow the last few minutes
counting down to the start of a race.
These models have once again got the wind in
their sails since the 32nd america’s Cup in 2007.
on this occasion, omega introduced the Seamaster
NZL-32, featuring a 2x5-minute countdown
appearing on five hollow spheres as well as through
a counter at 3 o’clock. on the Tambour LV Cup
Régate by Louis Vuitton, round windows are
replaced by trapezoidal cut-outs forming the outline
of a spinnaker. audemars piguet presented the
Royal oak offshore alinghi Team, with a window for
the minutes countdown, a central sweep seconds
hand, and a flyback function serving to instantly
restart the various timing operations, all
housed within a high-tech forged carbon case.
Girard-perregaux created the Laureato Regatta, a
single-pusher tourbillon chronograph with an
additional central minutes hand for the countdown.
Rolex has reasserted its place in the sailing universe
by launching the oyster perpetual yacht-Master II
boasting an extremely clever bezel/crown/pusher
system serving to follow the countdown by means
of a large hand with a highly visible triangular tip.
The HD3 also surfed this trend by launching the
Raptor Chrono, featuring a futuristic design and a
15-minute disc-type countdown display.
• 260 Grand Complications, Vol. VII