The best America’s Cup watches of the past

Buffy Acacia

In addition to being the world’s longest continuously running international sporting event, including the modern Olympic Games, the premiere sailing competition that is the America’s Cup creates some of the most intense rivalries and storytelling. Where else will you find a sports team that once dominated for 132 years? This year’s event based in Barcelona is no different, with New Zealand holding up their crown and being closely pursued by Britain and Italy at the time of writing. Before the event’s conclusion on October 27th, we thought we should look back at some of the best America’s Cup special edition watches.

Omega Seamaster NZL-32

There have been a heap of America’s Cup special editions from Omega, as it has been the Official Timekeeper for decades. Team New Zealand claimed its first America’s Cup from Italy’s Luna Rossa in 1995, and defended the title in 2000. In 2007, when they challenged the Société Nautique de Genève, Omega released the Seamaster NZL-32. The COSC-certified calibre 3602 was especially designed for regatta timing, with a five-dot indicator that would gradually fill with red and blue as five-minute intervals elapsed. On the right-hand sub-dial, the chronograph minutes counter highlighted the first five and ten-minute sections for the race countdown.

Panerai Luminor Luna Rossa Regatta PAM01038

One of the more modern releases is a hulking effort from Panerai in support of the Italian team Luna Rossa. Three references were released in 2019, and the Luminor Luna Rossa Regatta is the one most focused on sailing. Within the massive 47mm case that will certainly remain legible at a distance or strapped over a waterproof jacket, there’s a regatta countdown function and a rehaut scale for calculating wind speed in knots. Even if you never use such highly-technical features in this flyback chronograph, the marbled carbon case, and the black sailcloth dial make for a compelling statement on the wrist.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi Commemorative Edition

This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore was a tremendous one-off run of 1,000 pieces. Alinghi was the Swiss entrant for the 2003 America’s Cup (since partnering with Tudor), and won against the previously-undefeated Team New Zealand, thrashing them five to nothing. Although the case and bracelet were made of lightweight titanium, the bezel and bezel screws reintroduced luxury by using platinum and white gold respectively. Rather than a chronograph, this Commemorative Edition displays the power reserve, a pointer date, and a second time zone, all of which make far more practical complications for day-to-day wear.

Citizen America’s Cup Yacht Timer

First released in 1992 and then re-released in 1995, this rare limited edition is hotly desired by vintage Citizen collectors who also happen to be yachting fanatics. Its regatta timer complication brings wonderful motion to the dial with its arrow-like swirl, and the quartz movement also boasts a flyback chronograph and alarm functionalities. When selecting which function to use, an anchor at 6 o’clock points to the selected function for some added nautical goodness. There have been other Citizen references produced for the America’s Cup, including an ana-digi version, but this 1992 Yacht Timer is the most fun.

Heuer Skipper 7734 Skipperera

The Skipperera isn’t just one of the holy grails of vintage Heuer collectors, but it’s also the archetype for almost every yachting watch since. The 15-minute countdown timer is demarcated by mint green, pastel blue and vibrant orange five-minute sectors, contrasting deliciously with the navy blue sunburst dial and its silky sheen. Those colours, which a modern-day microbrand would drool at replicating, were directly inspired from the winner of the 1967 America’s Cup, The Intrepid, as a personal project of Jack Heuer’s. It’s estimated that only 20 models were produced with that combination of dial colours and the Carrera-style faceted case, and prices have been known to reach six figures.