The watch is worn on a black calf leather strap with contrasting red stitching and lining and a custom-embossed pattern reminiscent of a turtle shell.Ī limited edition of 3,000 pieces, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 X Mario Kart Limited Edition Chronograph (reference CAZ201E.FC6517) is now available and priced at EUR 4,150 or USD 4,300. This automatic chronograph runs at 4Hz and stores 48 hours of power reserve. Inside the case is the calibre 16, also known as a Sellita SW500, a clone of the classic Valjoux 7750. And because the watch is dedicated to the world of video games, there is an “easter egg” to discover… The date window at 3 o’clock will regularly intercalate fan-favourite Mario Kart items, including Bullet Bill, the Banana and others, in lieu of the date number. Red accents are present all around the dial, including the chronograph hands and also on the frame of the sub-seconds, which is the house for a Mario character. More specificities can be found on the dial, which has a new black and anthracite chequered pattern inspired by the texture of carbon fibre and custom-grained sub-counters reminiscent of asphalt. The 2 o’clock pusher and crown are circled with red lacquer, Mario’s M symbol is etched on the crown, and the Mario Kart logo is engraved on the screwed-down caseback. The latter, made of black polished ceramic, has Super-LumiNova-filled engravings and a Mario Kart logo. With its 44mm diameter, the case is made of steel with the characteristic design of the collection – an oval shape for the case and a raised, fixed bezel with a tachymeter scale. The first of the two models to be released as part of the mechanical TAG Heuer Formula 1 x Mario Kart collection is a classic automatic chronograph modelled after the signature F1 watch. The TAG Heuer X Mario Kart Automatic Chronograph The result is very much TAG Heuer, focused on racing and motorsport, but with a new and fresh playful personality. Surely, this will be a segmenting pair of watches, which won’t necessarily appeal to a wide audience, but having seen them in the metal and on the wrist, the distinctive elements are present but not overly done. And, of course, there are tons of dedicated Mario Kart elements and customised parts on the dials and cases. What we’re looking at here is a pair of TAG Heuer Formula 1 models, but not just any kind, since both come with new design elements or new mechanics, which have never been used in past collections. Yes, it might seem rather unexpected, but indeed, Mario Kart is all about adrenaline, speed, competitiveness, or, in a nutshell: racing! Just with a different approach than classic F1 or Formula E. Now, the chips and screens are gone and replaced by classic mechanical movements, but the whole light-toned spirit is still alive. This pair of Formula 1 limited editions marks the second instalment in the TAG Heuer x Mario Kart story, following last year’s TAG Heuer Connected model, which became a hit in stores and a must-have for true Mario Kart aficionados (and there are a lot of them). But what about keeping the racing spirit alive and sending it to a different universe, something about fun and playful inspirations? Something that will speak to a nostalgic (or not) audience? Something about one of the most emblematic characters and video games of the last 30 years? Yes, TAG Heuer is back with Mario Kart and brings two watches that are at the same time serious, unprecedented and very fun indeed. And yes, they often are relatively serious, or at least very focused on real-world automobiles. TAG Heuer watches, and specifically the Formula 1 collection (obviously, with such a name), are all about racing and motorsports – the sport most associated with the brand.
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