Wakmann Regate

Chronographs are perhaps the most versatile complication. They're useful in timing for aviation, motorsports, space travel, and even war. But rather than offer a run-of-the-mill chronograph, we have something that's pretty special: a regatta timer.

A regatta timer, as you might surmise from the name, is used to time yachting races. Because sailboats are rarely completely still - even when at anchor - regatta timers feature a 15-minute countdown to allow for the interval when the competing sailors scramble for top positioning behind the starting buoy before a race. In this instance, the first 15 minutes of the counter is denoted in colourful 5 minute blocks, while the rest of the timing bezel is in black, offset by a vibrant dial with rotating inner calendar ring.

This particular model, made by Wakmann, is simply the Regate. Aficionados of vintage Breitling will recognize the name Wakmann as the importer of Breitling in the United States prior to the 1980s. As Breitling's official import partner, Wakmann would receive unassembled watches directly from Switzerland and put them together for retail sale - often with specially commissioned Wakmann branding, as is the case here. They also commissioned timepieces from many of the great houses, and utilized top quality movements, ranging from Valjoux to Lemania, as seen within this particular piece. We consider Wakmanns to offer a great bang for your buck, and this Regate is a beautifully unique, impressive piece.

Aesthetically, the colour palette on this Regate is quite insane. Its eye-catching inner chapter ring rotates using the crown at 10 o'clock, and features days of the week in blue, yellow, sea-foam green, red, and grey. The innermost ring is in white and features the days of the month. To operate this feature, you simply rotate the chapter ring until the correct day of the week is lined with 1 at the top of the dial. The idea is that you'll be able to tell at a glance what date will fall on what day for the rest of the month.

At 44mm, the watch is perfectly sized for modern tastes, and has a sturdy Lemania Caliber 1341 movement with central chronograph seconds and minutes, as well as a 12 hour counter at 6 o'clock. The brush finish on the case is untouched and, like the colours and print of the dial, the edges are sharp. While a handful of configurations have made their way onto our site, we seldom see a stainless steel variant that has a stronger case and a beautiful patina such as this one.

One final note: none other than Clint Eastwood wore one of these beauties in Bridges of Madison County. You know, the movie in which Dirty Harry himself showed his range as a thespian by playing a sensitive photographer who woos Meryl Streep's Midwestern Italian housewife? If that isn't a ringing endorsement for the versatile appeal of this watch, then we don't know what is.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.