TAG Heuer Formula 1 x Mario Kart Chronograph Tourbillon
The TAG Heuer Formula 1 x Mario Kart Chronograph Tourbillon, along with the Formula 1 x Mario Kart Limited Edition (Chronograph), are two new models made in collaboration with the gaming specialist, Nintendo. Angus Davies has chosen to look closely at the costlier option, equipped with the very desirable high complication coveted by legions of horophiles.
Chronographs x legitimacy
When it comes to making chronographs and timing sporting events, few brands can match TAG Heuer’s heritage and watchmaking legitimacy. The Swiss marque was founded in 1860 and, just 17 years later, it patented the oscillating pinion, a form of lateral coupling. The mechanism allowed the owner to instantly start and stop a chronograph, merely with the press of a button.
Over the years, Heuer (the former name of TAG Heuer) has been entrusted to time F1 cars and other sporting events and has sated the needs of thousands of horophiles around the globe. In 1969, the firm was actively involved in the development of Project 99, the codename assigned to the first self-winding chronograph movement.
Image – Formula 1 x Mario Kart Limited Edition (Chronograph)
TAG Heuer’s in-house movement, the Calibre Heuer 02, released in 2017, is a paragon of chronograph excellence. It pairs a vertical coupling with a column wheel, widely considered the optimum arrangement by watch aficionados, and proffers a prodigious power reserve of 80 hours. Based on past experience, I’m sure there is a small room at the brand’s HQ working on the next groundbreaking chronograph calibre. Throughout its history, TAG Heuer has repeatedly shown it understands how to accurately measure elapsed periods of time.
TAG Heuer x Mario Kart
Having toured TAG Heuer’s facilities at La Chaux-de-Fonds and Chevenez, I can attest the brand’s expertise is hugely impressive. Therefore, it came as somewhat of a surprise when I heard of the avant-garde company’s decision to collaborate with Nintendo, the Japanese video gaming specialist and the creative masterminds behind the incredibly popular Mario Kart franchise. However, one glimpse at the TAG Heuer Formula 1 x Mario Kart Limited Edition Chronograph Tourbillon and it is obvious the two firms have created a seriously impressive watch imbued with a smile-inducing quotient of fun.
This is not the first time TAG Heuer and Nintendo have worked together. In 2021, the companies conceived the TAG Heuer Connected Super Mario Limited Edition. Evidently, the partnership must have worked as the Swiss-Japanese couple have since joined hands again. This time they have given birth to a couple of healthy mechanical watches, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 x Mario Kart Limited Edition (Chronograph) and the TAG Heuer Formula 1 x Mario Kart Limited Edition Chronograph Tourbillon. Personally, I am drawn to the latter model which features one of the most highly coveted complications, the tourbillon.
Tourbillon
In 1801, Abraham-Louis Breguet patented the tourbillon. Recognising that gravity could adversely influence the behaviour of the escapement and regulating organ, he conceived a means of eliminating rate errors. His solution was to place the escapement and regulating organ in a revolving cage connected to the fourth wheel. The cage would rotate 360° every 1, 4 or 6 minutes and in so doing counter any accrued gains or losses in the process. Originally intended for use in a pocket watch, the tourbillon was eventually adapted for use within a wristwatch.
While the tourbillon was originally conceived to deliver superior chronometry, it has since delivered a strong following for its aesthetic appearance. Parts, often revealed via a dial-side aperture, can be seen in motion, delivering a fascinating spectacle. Indeed, look closely at the Limited Edition Chronograph Tourbillon and you will see the pallets repeatedly kiss the escape wheel, the hairspring pulse with life and the cage rotate to a metronomic cadence.
Highly complex to make, assemble and regulate, the making of a tourbillon cannot be entrusted to a newly qualified watchmaker. On the contrary, many firms have only a limited number of watchmakers with the necessary skills to work at this elevated level of horology. Indeed, it is for this reason that the tourbillon is often the preserve of Haute Horlogerie and is usually priced commensurately. Therefore, it comes as a surprise to discover the TAG Heuer Formula 1 x Mario Kart Limited Edition Chronograph Tourbillon is priced at £21,250 (RRP as of 4.11.2022). While this is not an inconsequential sum, considering the watch features a tourbillon and a chronograph as well as other delightful touches, it represents extraordinary value for money.
TAG Heuer Formula 1 x Mario Kart Limited Edition Chronograph Tourbillon – the dial
The hour and minute hands are black, facetted and generously lined with white Super-LumiNova. The hands natter to similarly styled indexes. Both the hands and indexes stand out from the black dialscape. TAG Heuer has endued the dial with red accents that resemble beams or spokes. The use of colour does not inhibit understanding and it certainly augments the sense of fun and cheer.
The red central chronograph seconds hand features a prominent white tip which collaborates with crisp white markings to show elapsed periods. However, the pièce de résistance is unequivocally, the tourbillon. It’s positioned in the lower portion of the dial and, beyond its gravity-defying qualities, it also serves as a small seconds display. The cage is enlivened with Mario Kart characters.
TAG Heuer Formula 1 x Mario Kart Limited Edition Chronograph Tourbillon – the case
Measuring 45mm in diameter, the Limited Edition Chronograph Tourbillon is no wallflower. The model’s design and dimensions make a statement. Returning to the issue of price, TAG Heuer hasn’t skimped on the case, selecting Grade 5 titanium to house the model’s complex mechanics. This lightweight alloy is increasingly being treated by watch brands as a noble metal. This is primarily because the raw material is expensive and the making of a case in this alloy is both protracted and costly. Indeed, the machining costs incurred with making a Grade 5 titanium case surpass those of steel or gold.
Some brands use Grade 2 titanium in preference to Grade 5 titanium. However, while Grade 2 titanium is cheaper and easier to machine, it is not as strong and cannot be polished to a brilliant gleam. Appraising the case of this TAG Heuer model, there is an exquisite interplay of polished and fine-brushed treatment.
Grade 5 titanium delivers additional benefits. It is corrosion-resistant, non-magnetic and hypoallergenic. The use of high quality components extends to the bezel which features a ceramic inlay endowed with a tachymeter scale and Mario Kart branding. Ceramic is scratch-resistant and won’t fade with the onset of years. The crown features a prominent red ‘M’ on its vertical flank.
Calibre Heuer 02T COSC
The self-winding movement, the Calibre Heuer 02T COSC, is visible to the rear of the watch, courtesy of an exhibition caseback. The pane of sapphire crystal also features Mario Kart branding.
The black bridges accentuate the red column wheel, silver-toned wheels and gleaming screws. The resultant appearance endows the movement with an ultra-modern look. The oscillating weight is adorned with Mario Kart figures.
In addition to featuring a tourbillon, the automatic movement is also a COSC certified chronometer. This certification provides independent reassurance that the watch is highly precise and has been subjected to an array of tests.
Closing thoughts
In terms of functionality, the dial of the TAG Heuer Formula 1 x Mario Kart Limited Edition Chronograph Tourbillon is highly legible and enlivened with several original elements. Personally, I quite like the playful character of this watch, but I accept that the Mario-Kart-themed details may polarise opinion and not all horophiles will appreciate the styling of this model. However, with only 250 pieces being produced, I suspect all examples of this limited edition model will be quickly snapped up.
As for the technical virtuosity of this model, it encompasses an impressive specification including a column-wheel chronograph, a tourbillon and a COSC certified chronometer. The watch is housed in a Grade 5 titanium case, tastefully appointed with a blend of polished and fine-brushed surfaces, and features a bezel with a ceramic inlay marked with a tachymeter scale. This dual-branded watch delivers a high quality-price ratio and is an example of serious watchmaking know-how and comes with a playful twinkle in its eye.
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: TAG Heuer Formula 1 x Mario Kart Limited Edition Chronograph Tourbillon
- Reference: CAZ5080.FC6517
- Case: Grade 5 titanium, diameter 45mm, water resistance 10ATM (100 metres), sapphire crystal to front, exhibition caseback.
- Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph, tourbillon
- Movement: Calibre Heuer 02T COSC, automatic movement, frequency 28,800 vph (4Hz), power reserve = 65 hours
- Strap: textured black calfskin strap with custom embossed pattern, red lining Fine-brushed titanium Grade 5 folding clasp with double safety push-buttons; special engraving
- Price: £21,250 (RRP as of 4.11.2022)
- Limited Edition: 250