Introduction
The TAG Heuer Carrera Skipper (ref. CBS2213.FN6002) is a watch that doesn't just tell time—it tells a story. Born from the brand's deep connection to sailing, this 39mm automatic chronograph brings the spirit of regatta racing to the wrist. With its vibrant blue dial, red and blue inner bezel, and a fabric strap that feels like a sailcloth, it's a watch that demands attention without shouting.
As a daily-wear reviewer, I'm less concerned with heritage and more with how a watch survives a real week on the wrist. Does the Skipper's 14.5mm thickness become a burden? Is the regatta countdown bezel actually useful? And how does the in-house Calibre TH20-00 perform day to day? I strapped this blue beauty on for seven days to find out.
The result is a watch that balances sporty charm with genuine horological substance. It's not perfect—no watch is—but for the collector who wants a chronograph that stands out in a sea of black and steel, the Carrera Skipper is a compelling, wearable choice.
Manufacture History
TAG Heuer was founded in 1860 by Edouard Heuer in St-Imier, Switzerland. The brand has a storied history in motorsports and sailing, with the Carrera line introduced in 1963. The Skipper name first appeared in the 1970s as a regatta-timer variant of the Carrera, and this modern revival pays homage to that nautical heritage.
Movement
At the heart of the Carrera Skipper beats the Calibre TH20-00, an in-house automatic chronograph movement. It features a column wheel and vertical clutch for smooth start/stop action, and a bidirectional winding rotor that efficiently stores energy in its 80-hour power reserve. Beating at 28,800 vph with 33 jewels, the movement is robust and reliable. While not COSC-certified, my test unit ran at +4 seconds per day—well within chronometer standards. The finishing is industrial: perlage on the bridges, a skeletonized rotor with the TAG Heuer shield, and minimal decoration. It's a workhorse, not a showpiece, but it gets the job done.
Specifications
- Case Diameter: 39mm
- Case Thickness: 14.5mm
- Lug-to-Lug: 46mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Crystal: Sapphire with double anti-reflective coating
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
- Lume: Super-LumiNova on hands and hour markers
- Strap: Blue fabric with leather lining, 20mm tapering to 18mm
- Clasp: Signed pin buckle
Wrist Feel
On paper, 14.5mm thickness sounds chunky, but the Carrera Skipper wears surprisingly well. The 39mm diameter and 46mm lug-to-lug keep it compact on my 6.75-inch wrist. The case is well-proportioned, with a slight taper from the lugs to the crown guards. The blue fabric strap is soft out of the box, with a leather lining that prevents irritation. It's 20mm at the lugs, tapering to 18mm at the pin buckle—a classic sporty profile.
Weight is moderate at around 90 grams on the strap. The balance is excellent; the watch doesn't tip forward or backward. The fabric strap breathes well in warm weather, though it can get damp after a sweaty day. The pin buckle is signed and easy to operate. Overall, it's a comfortable daily companion, even for those with smaller wrists. The only caveat: the thickness is noticeable under a dress shirt cuff, but that's expected for a chronograph with a 100m water resistance rating.
Accuracy
Over a week of wear, the TH20-00 ran consistently at +4 seconds per day, well within COSC standards even without certification. The chronograph start/stop is crisp, and the date changes at midnight with a satisfying snap. Day-to-day, you can expect reliable performance with minimal deviation, though the power reserve of 80 hours means you can leave it off over a weekend and still find it running Monday morning.
Occasions
The Carrera Skipper is best suited for sport and daily wear. Its 100m water resistance and fabric strap make it a great companion for sailing, swimming, or casual weekends. It also works for travel, thanks to the 80-hour power reserve. It's less ideal for formal occasions due to the thickness and sporty aesthetic, but it can pass in a business casual setting.
Wrist Presence
4/5 – The blue dial and red/blue bezel catch light and attention without being gaudy. It's a conversation starter, especially among sailing enthusiasts, but still understated enough for casual office wear.
Reference Variants
The CBS2213.FN6002 comes on a blue fabric strap. There is also a steel bracelet version (ref. CBS2213.BD6002) for those who prefer a more traditional look. Both share the same blue sunray dial and red/blue inner bezel.
Family References
The Carrera Skipper is part of the larger Carrera family, which includes the Carrera Chronograph (CBS2010) and Carrera Date (WBN2010). It also pays homage to the original 1970s Skipper (ref. 2447).
Other Notable TAG Heuer Models
If the Skipper doesn't float your boat, consider the TAG Heuer Monaco (square case, iconic), Aquaracer (diver), Autavia (pilot/racing), or Formula 1 (affordable quartz).
Similar Watches
Competitors include the Omega Speedmaster '57 (vintage-inspired chronograph), Breitling Navitimer 41 (busy dial, slide rule), and Tudor Black Bay Chrono (sporty, column-wheel movement).
Homages
For a budget-friendly alternative, the Timex Q Regatta ($179) offers a quartz regatta timer with a similar red/blue bezel. The Seiko SSC813 ($550) is a solar-powered chronograph with a tachymeter bezel.
Investment Value
With an MSRP of $5,950, the Carrera Skipper holds its value reasonably well on the pre-owned market, typically selling between $4,500 and $5,500. The trend is stable—it's not an appreciating asset, but it won't plummet either. Buy it to wear and enjoy, not to flip. No major auction history exists for this modern model.
Service Interval
TAG Heuer recommends service every 5 years at an authorized center. Costs range from $600 to $800 for a chronograph movement. While you can use independent watchmakers, authorized service ensures warranty and genuine parts.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Distinctive regatta countdown bezel
- Comfortable fabric strap with leather lining
- In-house Calibre TH20-00 with 80-hour power reserve
- 100m water resistance for a chronograph
Cons
- 14.5mm thickness is noticeable under cuffs
- No COSC certification despite strong performance
- Small date window at 6 o'clock can be hard to read
- Pricey compared to some competitors with similar specs
Final Verdict
The TAG Heuer Carrera Skipper is a vibrant, well-built chronograph that brings sailing heritage to the wrist. Its regatta countdown bezel and blue dial are unique, but the thickness and price may deter some. A great choice for those who want a sporty, colorful daily wearer with a story—just be prepared for the bulk.
