TAG Heuer Formula 1 x Mario Kart: Two Limited-Edition Timepieces Leading To Victory
5 min read
Are you ready to race with Super Mario? This year, TAG Heuer and Nintendo are releasing two limited-edition mechanical watches, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 X Mario Kart Limited Editions, following the success of 2021's TAG Heuer Connected x Super Mario Limited Edition (Chronograph and Chronograph Tourbillon).
Fans of the intrepid Super Mario will recognize their favorite character as the face of one of TAG Heuer's iconic collections, appropriately devoted to speed. The TAG Heuer and Nintendo teams worked together to modify every aspect of these two unique designs, resulting in something neither company has ever done before. The watches pay homage to the shared values of the TAG Heuer Formula 1 collection and the Mario Kart series, which include a thirst for speed and the thrill of competition as far as the finish line may be.
“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. 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”, explains Frédéric Arnault, CEO of TAG Heuer.
TAG Heuer Formula 1 X Mario Kart Limited Edition (Chronograph)
The TAG Heuer Formula 1 X Mario Kart Limited Edition (Chronograph) is powered by an automatic Calibre 16 movement and is limited to only 3000 pieces. It was envisioned in a 44-mm steel case infused with references to the renowned racing games series: the Mario Kart logo is engraved on the black polished ceramic tachymeter bezel with Super-LumiNova®; an iconic red lacquer surrounds the 2 o'clock pusher and crown; Mario's M symbol is etched on the crown, and the Mario Kart logo is engraved on the dedicated screwed-down case back along with the outline of him in it.
The dial is as bold and confident as the rest of the watch, with a checkered pattern in black and anthracite that was clearly inspired by the racetrack, bespoke asphalt-textured sub-counters, and a red circle around the 9 o'clock permanent seconds indicator to represent Mario. Besides the center lacquered hand, the hour chronograph counter hand, and the 60-second or minute scale on the flange are all this distinctive hue.
The date window at 3 o'clock will frequently substitute fan-favorite Mario Kart items like Bullet Bill, the Banana, and more, in place of the date number, delighting the owner with "easter eggs" or added surprises.
TAG Heuer Formula 1 X Mario Kart Limited Edition (Chronograph Tourbillon)
The TAG Heuer Formula 1 X Mario Kart Limited Edition (Chronograph Tourbillon) is the Haute Horlogerie component of this drop. The 45 mm casing is constructed from high-performance grade 5 titanium, giving off an image that is both sporty and sophisticated thanks to the combination of fine-brushed and polished finishings. TAG Heuer's high accuracy COSC-certified Calibre Heuer 02T movement is on full display through the sapphire crystal case back, which is grade 5 titanium and features a special engraving of the Mario Kart emblem. XXX/250 appears inscribed on the case back.
The Mario Kart logo, rendered in white Super-LumiNova®, sits atop the black polished ceramic bezel, which has a tachymeter scale accurate to 400 km/h. Red lacquer encircles the crown and pusher at 2 o'clock, and the Mario M logo is emphasized on the crown's top.
The dial is a sleek skeletonized black with recognizable red contrasting lines along the cutouts, giving the watch face depth and vigor. It also features central hands that match the dial's color scheme and either a 60-second or minute scale around its outer rim.
The tourbillon is located at 6 o'clock in the heart of the tri-compax design, which also features two-grained chronograph sub-counters at 3 and 9 o'clock. A gearwheel, symbolizing the hubs of racecar tires, is located at 12 o'clock. To show off Mario driving his kart, the Spiny Shell, and Bullet Bill as they dance to the beat of the tourbillon, the cage around the mechanism was completely remodeled with contrasting finishes and encircled with Super-LumiNova®.
Two of 2022's most sought-after limited editions, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 X Mario Kart Limited Edition chronographs provide unconstrained creativity, new aesthetics, and top-tier watchmaking performance to Mario lovers all over the world.
Starting on October 20, 2022, you can purchase the TAG Heuer Formula 1 X Mario Kart Limited Edition (Chronograph) at TAG Heuer boutiques, on the brands' e-commerce websites in specific regions, and at select retail partners. The TAG Heuer Formula 1 X Mario Kart Limited Edition (Chronograph Tourbillon) will be sold exclusively in TAG Heuer boutiques and on the brands’ e-commerce websites in select countries.
