Wakmann Regate
The Wakmann Regate
A regatta timer 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.
The model was made in the 1970s and came in steel and gold-plated versions.
The first 15 minutes of the counter is denoted in colorful 5 minute blocks, while the rest of the timing bezel is in black or gold, offset by a vibrant and colorful dial with rotating inner calendar ring.
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 direct from Switzerland and put them together for retail sale - often with specially commissioned Wakmann branding, as is the case with the Regate.
The Regate is very colourful. Its vibrantly-colored inner chapter ring rotates using the crown at 10:30, 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, 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 was big for the 1970s and has a sturdy Lemania cal. 1341 movement with central chrono seconds and minutes, as well as a 12 hour counter at 6:00.
