It was the year 1997 when Frederique Constant presented its first regatta watch, then part of the Yacht Master collection. Today, 22 years later, the Regatta is celebrating its grand return. This watch is now an integral part of the renamed Yacht Timer collection. The name fits perfectly: the Regatta is a watch equipped with a countdown timer that marks the crucial 10 minutes before the sailors embark on the race. This countdown allows competitors to position themselves in the best possible way to take the lead in the race, depending on the wind and other boats, without having to cross a virtual starting line. It is a tactical and critical exercise that requires a precision instrument, immediately readable when simultaneously having to hoist or lower sails to get as close as possible to the starting line. Frederique Constant thus presents not a nautically inspired timepiece, but a genuine regatta watch, operational under racing conditions. A model characterised by great readability, the original 1997 display has been retained. The latter includes five round indicators at the top of the dial, each representing one minute. An initial count (initiated by the button at 2) progressively tints the indicators white or blue (the colour contrasts with that of the dial). After the first 5 minutes have elapsed, the 5 indicators are then coloured. The second countdown then begins, marking the last 5 minutes before departure. This time, the 5 indicators turn progressively orange. When the fifth and last indicator turns orange and the second hand reaches noon, the regatta begins. In the Frederique Constant Yacht Timer Regatta, everything has been thought out to maximise readability. The undisputed highlight of this timepiece, the countdown is the only complication on the timepiece, whose guilloché dial captures every reflection of light. The hourmarkers are facetted to provide a brilliant polished surface that is always visible in all light conditions. In the absence of light, the hands and indices are fitted with luminescent material. The collection comprises four models, all with 42 mm cases and powered by a self-winding mechanical movement (calibre FC-380, with 48-hour power reserve): two boast a rose gold finish, with a navy blue or silvered dial and an alligator strap. The third version combines the tones of steel and pink gold, also with a two-tone bracelet. Finally, the fourth model favours a sober grey look, with a steel case and silver-plated dial, all combined with a black alligator strap. For each model, Frederique Constant also offers a complimentary second black rubber strap, perfect for withstanding prolonged contact with water.