Now this is something different.
Most watch and car tie-ins are connected to top of the line cars, but this definitely makes the pulse beat a little faster. Ducati, maker of some of the world’s fastest and most technically accomplished motorcycles, and Tudor, a part of the Rolex watch family, and maker of prestige Swiss sports watches, have teamed up. And Tudor is now “Timing Partner” for Ducati and the Tudor Fastrider Chronograph is the new official watch.
Tudor will launch the agreement with a commemorative timepiece dedicated to Ducati and perfectly aligned with the exciting world of speed, motorcycles and racing. It will enhance the new range of sports chronographs presented recently at the Baselworld 2011 watch and jewellery show.
The Fastrider collection
Known as the “Fastrider” collection, the series of stainless steel chronographs incorporate the Tudor 7753 self-winding movement with a power reserve of 46 hours in a 42mm diameter waterproof casing with satin-polished finish.
Various versions are available with leather strap, stainless steel bracelet or black fabric strap featuring three stripes in contrasting colours, a look that has become one of Tudor’s signature style details which, for this collection, will also be echoed on the dial.
Tudor has featured a distinctive Ducati red on the vertical stripes of the strap and dial, which creates a striking colour contrast with the black fabric and counters.
Piston-style buttons
The sporting spirit of these chronographs is further highlighted with black PVD-coated watch buttons set in the casing to resemble the pistons of an engine and by the tachymetric scale engraved on the watch bezel.
The partnership, created between the icon of Italian motorcycle engineering and Tudor watches , one of the best known names in Swiss time-keeping, is built upon a number of common factors.
Genuine synergy
Both Ducati Motorcycles and Tudor Watches were founded in 1926, and share remarkably similar visions albeit for two very different products. The two companies continuously achieve high performance and original design, which becomes instantly recognisable when complemented with a sophisticated sports style.
The speed and performance of the powerful Desmodromic engine in a Ducati motorcycle, enhanced by a strong and high-tech chassis can be compared to the outstanding resistance, reliability and precision of a Tudor watch.
Interestingly, Tudor’s 1952 printed advertisements portrayed a motorcyclist wearing one of their watches to underline its combination of style and sporting spirit.
It is these common perspective and objectives that has led Ducati and Tudor to sign a formal partnership agreement and the Fastrider Collection is the first range of watches to come from the new tie-in. A great debut.
