While the G-SHOCK x Super Mario has just been released, those with a much larger budget can afford one or both of the limited edition TAG Heuer Formula 1 x Mario Kart chronographs that the Swiss luxury watchmaker unveiled last month.
After the limited edition TAG Heuer Connected x Super Mario released last year, the La Chaux-de-Fonds-based Manufacture is once again delighting watch lovers and arcade game fans with its new collaboration with Nintendo.
“We are excited to reveal the two latest pieces born from our collaboration with Nintendo. The TAG Heuer Formula 1 X Mario Kart Limited Editions (Chronograph and Chronograph Tourbillon) expertly mix fun gaming references that will delight fans of Mario Kart around the world, with refined and high performing timekeeping.” explained Frédéric Arnault, CEO of TAG Heuer. “The spirit of the TAG Heuer Formula 1 collection was the perfect match for mechanical Mario Kart limited editions, thanks to its modern and playful personality, driven by speed and friendly competition. The two timepieces are designed for lovers of fine watchmaking who have kept their fresh, fun outlook on life.”
TAG Heuer Formula 1 x Mario Kart Chronograph Tourbillon
The piece of this collaboration is this TAG Heuer Formula 1 × Mario Kart Chronograph Tourbillon, limited to only 250 pieces worldwide that is priced at about six times more expensive, at $25,600 USD, than the other more affordable watch in the collab, the Tag Heuer Formula 1 x Mario Kart Chronograph, which costs $4,300 USD.
The TAG Heuer Formula 1 x Mario Kart Chronograph Tourbillon has a 45mm case made of high-performance Grade 5 titanium. Its crown and pushers are made of brushed steel, while the screw-down case back is grade of Grade 5 titanium with a custom sapphire glass featuring the Mario Kart logo. This allows you to fully appreciate the TAG Heuer’s high precision COSC-certified Calibre Heuer 02T movement. The case back is engraved with the number XXX/250.
The black polished ceramic bezel with a tachymeter scale up to 400 km/h includes the Mario Kart logo in white Super-LumiNova® at the top right. The 2 o’clock pusher and crown are circled with red lacquer with the “M” symbol of Mario also highlighted on the top of the crown.
The dial is a sophisticated skeletonized black with an iconic red contrasting line along the cutouts, adding depth and energy to the watch’s face, and a matching central hand and 60-second or minute scale on the flange.
The tri-compax layout showcases two grained chronograph sub-counters at 3 and 9 o’clock, with the tourbillon centered at 6 o’clock. At 12 o’clock, a gearwheel echoes the rims on race car tires. The tourbillon cage with alternate finishings and circled with Super-LumiNova® was fully redesigned to showcase Mario in his kart, the Spiny Shell and Bullet Bill moving in rhythm with the complication.
You maybe interest to read:
G-SHOCK & Super Mario bring us back to the best times of arcade games
Chinese superstar Jackson Yee appointed Jaeger-LeCoultre ambassador
G-SHOCK partners with artist Eric Haze to celebrate its 40th anniversary
TAG Heuer Formula 1 x Mario Kart Chronograph
More affordable, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 x Mario Kart Chronograph is limited to 3,000 pieces worldwide.
Powered by the Calibre 16 automatic movement, the model features a 44mm steel case, infused with references to the world-famous racing games series: the Mario Kart logo is inscribed on the black polished ceramic tachymeter bezel with Super-LumiNova®, the 2 o’clock pusher and crown are circled with an iconic red lacquer, Mario’s “M” symbol is etched on the crown and Mario Kart logo is engraved on the dedicated screwed-down case back along with the outline of him in a racecar.
The bold, assertive, and elegant dial features a black and anthracite checkered pattern inspired by the racetrack, custom asphalt textured sub-counters with Mario appearing in the 9 o’clock permanent seconds indicator which is circled in an iconic red. The unmistakable color is also present on the lacquered central hand, hour chronograph counter hand and 60-second or minute scale on the flange.
Delighting its owner with “easter eggs” or extra surprises, the date window at 3 o’clock will regularly intercalate fan favorite Mario Kart items including Bullet Bill, the Banana and more, in lieu of the date number.
Both chronographs will come with a black calf leather strap with contrasting red stitching and lining and a custom embossed pattern. The folding buckle – made of steel on the chronograph and titanium on the tourbillon – is also personalized with the M symbol of Mario. Both models will be housed in specially designed black watches boxes with matching travel pouches.
Currently available, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 × Mario Kart Chronograph Limited Edition is only available at TAG Heuer boutiques, on TAGHeuer.com in select countries and from select retailers. The limited edition TAG Heuer Formula 1 × Mario Kart Chronograph Tourbillon is available exclusively in TAG Heuer boutiques and on TAGHeuer.com in selected countries.
Click on this link to read this article in French version.
