# TAG Heuer Carrera Skipper (CBS2213.FN6002) – A Colorful Nod to the Past, Built for Today When TAG Heuer resurrected the legendary 1968 Heuer Skipper, the watch world expected a faithful museum piece. Instead, the brand delivered a modern “Glassbox” chronograph that wears its heritage on a vivid, summery dial while hiding a fully‑engineered in‑house movement. Launched in 2023, the Carrera Skipper (reference CBS2213.FN6002) aims to please both vintage‑savvy collectors and newcomers looking for a statement piece that can survive a weekend on the water. Below we break down how the watch performs across design, mechanics, wearability, and price – and where it falls short of its lofty ambition. ## Design & Case | Spec | Detail | |------|--------| | **Case diameter** | 39 mm | | **Thickness** | 13.9 mm | | **Lug‑to‑lug** | 46 mm | | **Material** | Stainless steel (Glassbox architecture) | | **Dial** | Deep‑blue sun‑ray finish, tri‑color sub‑dials (Intrepid teal, lagoon green, regatta orange) | | **Strap** | Blue textile with a leather under‑layer (per reviewer) | | **Water resistance** | 100 m (10 ATM) | | **Reference** | CBS2213.FN6002 | The 39 mm case is a perfect middle ground for today’s market – large enough to command attention yet still modest on a wrist that isn’t oversized. TAG Heuer’s “Glassbox” construction keeps the profile slim at 13.9 mm, and the 46 mm lug‑to‑lug spread feels balanced on most wrists, avoiding the “pancake” look that can plague smaller chronographs. The dial is where the Skipper truly differentiates itself. A polished blue sun‑ray background provides a calm canvas for three brightly coloured sub‑dials: teal at 3 o’clock, green at 6 o’clock, and a punchy orange countdown at 9 o’clock. The colour scheme is a direct homage to the 1970‑era Intrepid yacht that won the America’s Cup, and it works better than many “retro‑in‑blue” attempts we’ve seen lately. However, the orange sub‑dial also carries the word “Skipper,” a design choice that some reviewers feel throws off the visual balance of the face. The strap is a blue textile band that nods to sailing ropes, but it includes a leather under‑layer. While the leather adds a touch of luxury, it raises eyebrows for a watch marketed with a 100 m water‑resistance rating – leather can swell or degrade after prolonged exposure to salt water, making the strap a questionable choice for serious aquatic adventures. Overall, the case and dial are a bold, well‑executed reinterpretation of a classic, but the strap material and the date‑window placement (some reviewers would have preferred it omitted) are minor blemishes on an otherwise striking package. ## Movement & Performance At the heart of the Carrera Skipper sits TAG Heuer’s in‑house TH20‑06 automatic chronograph. It is a fully decorated caliber featuring a column‑wheel and a vertical clutch, a combination that delivers crisp, jitter‑free chronograph actuation – a hallmark of modern Swiss chronographs. Key specs: * **Power reserve:** 80 hours (≈ 3⅓ days) * **Frequency:** 28,800 vph (4 Hz) * **Chronograph mechanism:** Column wheel + vertical clutch * **Caseback:** Exhibition (transparent) The movement’s 80‑hour reserve is generous for a 39 mm chronograph and means the watch can sit idle overnight without needing a reset. The column wheel and vertical clutch provide a tactile, precise start/stop feel that rivals higher‑priced Swiss competitors. The exhibition caseback offers a clear view of the movement’s industrial decoration, though some purists might have preferred a more refined finishing or a sapphire‑backed case for added protection. A notable functional shortfall is the “regatta countdown” sub‑dial. In the original 1968 Skipper, this sub‑dial truly counted down a set time for sailing races. The 2023 version merely displays a 15‑minute counter – it does not allow the user to set a specific countdown duration. For a watch that leans heavily on its sailing heritage, this omission feels like a missed opportunity. Accuracy figures were not disclosed in the source material, but TAG Heuer’s in‑house calibers typically stay within ± 5 seconds per day when freshly regulated, which is respectable for a chronograph of this price tier. ## On the Wrist The Carrera Skipper’s 46 mm lug‑to‑lug measurement translates to a comfortable fit on wrists ranging from 6.5 inches to 7.5 inches. The Glassbox case design, with its slightly rounded shoulders, mitigates the visual bulk of the 13.9 mm thickness, making the watch sit nicely against the skin without feeling “clunky.” The blue textile strap conforms well, offering a soft, breathable feel that is pleasant for daily wear. However, the leather backing, while adding a subtle premium touch, can become a liability if the wearer frequently swims or sails in salty conditions. Those who plan to push the 100 m water resistance rating should consider swapping to a rubber or NATO strap for peace of mind. On the wrist, the dial’s vivid colours are most striking in bright daylight or against a summer wardrobe. Under low light, the sun‑ray finish and the orange sub‑dial retain good legibility, but the teal and green sub‑dials can appear slightly muted – a trade‑off inherent to the chosen palette. Overall, the watch feels solid yet not overly heavy (approximately 120 g, typical for a stainless‑steel chronograph of this size). The combination of a slim profile, balanced proportions, and a comfortable strap makes it a versatile piece for both casual outings and semi‑formal events. ## Value & Verdict Pricing for the Carrera Skipper hovers around **$6,750** according to early hands‑on reviews. This places the watch in the upper‑mid range of the luxury chronograph market, directly competing with Swiss brands that offer in‑house movements at similar price points. **Pros:** * Distinctive, heritage‑driven colour scheme that stands out in a sea of monochrome chronographs. * Robust TH20‑06 movement with column wheel, vertical clutch, and 80‑hour power reserve. * Slim 13.9 mm thickness and well‑balanced 46 mm lug‑to‑lug dimensions. * Exhibition caseback for movement enthusiasts. **Cons:** * The “regatta countdown” sub‑dial is merely a 15‑minute counter, not a true countdown. * Leather under‑layer on the strap may compromise water‑resistance practicality. * The “Skipper” word on the 9 o’clock sub‑dial disrupts dial symmetry for some eyes. * No date window (or a date window that some reviewers found unnecessary). **Verdict:** TAG Heuer’s Carrera Skipper succeeds as a modern tribute that marries vintage inspiration with contemporary engineering. Its bold dial and solid in‑house movement deliver a watch that feels both nostalgic and fresh. While the strap’s leather component and the limited functionality of the regatta sub‑dial prevent it from being a perfect sailing tool, these are relatively minor compromises for a piece that aims more at style than sport. At roughly $6,750, the Skipper offers a compelling proposition for collectors who appreciate a story‑rich chronograph without paying the premium of a full‑blown heritage piece from the brand’s higher‑end lines. If you’re looking for a watch that can transition from a weekend yacht club gathering to a city brunch, and you don’t mind a splash of colour and a few functional quirks, the TAG Heuer Carrera Skipper is a worthy addition to the modern collector’s roster.