TAG Heuer x Team Ikuzawa x Bamford
The TAG Heuer x Team Ikuzawa x Bamford aka TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Team Ikuzawa by Bamford is a highly unusual chronograph thanks to its bold use of red hues. Limited to just 100 pieces, the model is a glorious fusion of Swiss, Japanese and British influences. Sadly, the watch is only available in TAG Heuer boutiques in Japan or via the firm’s Japanese e-commerce website. Angus Davies looks at the watch and also speaks up for Heuerphiles around the globe.
TAG Heuer important dates
Heuerphiles are highly proficient at remembering dates. For example, Edouard Heuer established his eponymous company in 1860, thereafter, the first patent was registered in 1869 and another patent was registered in 1887 relating to the oscillating pinion, etc… However, there are two dates which will undoubtedly be etched in the minds of all brand devotees – 1963 (the release of the Carrera) and 1969 (the unveiling of the Monaco). Indeed, ardent fans of all things TAG may forget the occasional anniversary or birthday, but ’63 and ’69 are two dates they are unlikely to overlook.
TAG Heuer France Edition models
Nevertheless, there are some things which may have escaped the attention of said Heuerphiles, like perhaps the special limited edition models created exclusively for particular markets. For example, did you know that the Swiss avant-garde brand released a version of its iconic square model, the Monaco Calibre ‘France Edition’ in 2017, endowed with a black dial and contrasting white counters? No, well what about the recently released Carrera Limited Édition France with a dial inspired by the French flag?
TAG Heuer Japan only models
Well, before you elect to relocate to France, just pause for a moment. Were you aware of the gorgeous green Monaco produced for the Japanese market back in 2017, created in collaboration with Men’s Club Magazine? Or possibly one of the most stunning examples of the Carrera I’ve ever seen, the recently launched ‘Japan Limited Edition’ with a light blue mother-of-pearl dial.
If you are now torn between swapping your diet for escargots de Bourgogne or sashimi, then I’ve news of a new watch which may sway your decision.
Before you relocate
The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Team Ikuzawa by Bamford is a Japan Only model. Limited to just 100 pieces, it’s a glorious fusion of Swiss, Japanese and British influences and proves a mouthwatering dish for any disciple of the iconic shield.
Team Ikuzawa
Tetsu Ikuzawa was born in Tokyo in 1942. After graduating from art school he embarked on a career in motorsport, initially competing on two wheels before getting behind the wheel of various race cars. Eminently talented, he was a Porsche factory driver and was even a Formula One team owner at one point. Throughout his career, his cars always sported a depiction of a red-crowned crane, sometimes represented as a bold, red circular dot. These days his eponymous company, Team Ikuzawa is based in Tokyo. It owns a warehouse packed with racing memorabilia and markets an array of motorsport-themed goods, including some very natty sports apparel.
It is often said, ‘the apple does not fall far from the tree’, a term that could easily be applied to Mai Ikuzawa, Tetsu’s daughter. A graduate of Central Saint Martin’s School of Art and Design, she has inherited her father’s artistic prowess and is now the ‘current principal of Team Ikuzawa’. Mai, a keen driver herself, is proud of her father’s many achievements and is dedicated to perpetuating his heritage for future generations.
A conspicuous presence on all Team Ikuzawa merchandise and the cars formerly driven by Tetsu is said vivid red circle, a detail which has been referenced in this new limited-edition model.
Bamford Watch Department
George Bamford of Bamford Watch Department needs very little introduction. In recent years he has gained a reputation for reimagining the designs of others and creating something wholly new. While he has occasionally added a specific hue to an oscillating weight or dressed a case in black DLC, his chosen medium for artistic expression is the dial of a watch.
It’s an interesting concept. Some of the firms that George has collaborated with already employ talented designers. However, George clearly looks at dials differently from others. It’s as if he has a magical prism that he holds to his right eye in order to obtain a fresh perspective. When presented with a canvas, often already outlined by his client in HB pencil, he masterfully employs colour, texture and text to realise an alternative look.
His portfolio of clients is extensive. Indeed, he has worked for some of the most prestigious marques in the watch industry, including Bulgari, Chopard, Girard-Perregaux, Zenith and, of course, TAG Heuer.
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Team Ikuzawa by Bamford – case and movement
Without further ado, let’s look at the TAG Heuer x Team Ikuzawa x Bamford and appraise its composition in detail.
Firstly, let’s talk about those characteristics already familiar to die-hard horophiles. The 42 mm, stainless steel case blends fine brushed and polished surfaces. Moreover, this limited-edition model is fitted with the sublime Calibre Heuer 02, automatic movement.
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Team Ikuzawa by Bamford – dial
Where the creative process comes to the fore is with the chaste-white dial. Equipped with two counters, the bicompax design confers an agreeable dose of symmetry. A 30-minute chronograph register sits at 3 o’clock. It’s encircled with a track that’s presented in relief and appointed with succinct red markers. The interior of the counter features red Arabic numerals and a white hand endowed with a red tip.
A small seconds display is positioned opposite at 9 o’clock and this is where the TAG Heuer x Team Ikuzawa x Bamford dramatically veers off-piste. Its boldly-hued counter, executed in the Japanese firm’s beloved shade of scarlet is the alter-ego of the aforementioned 30-minute chronograph register.
Oh, did I say symmetrical? Yes, the bi-compax dial is symmetrical, but with the red counter at 9 o’clock coming to the fore, the dial could also be termed asymmetrical. It is this contradiction that introduces tension and heightens the visual intrigue of the watch.
Collaborating with the applied silver-toned indexes, baton-style hands, resembling those fitted to the Heuer Monaco of 1969, juxtapose red lacquer fill with white Super-LumiNova. If Jack Heuer is reading this feature, I can assure you it meets your expectations in terms of peerless readability.
A minute track is presented on the dial flange (remember the tension ring) and is enlivened with vivid red markings. The date at 6 o’clock features red numerals atop a white disc and matches the colour of the main dial epidermis, as horological etiquette dictates.
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Team Ikuzawa by Bamford – strap
So, just as you are about to put on your coat and go home, there’s more creativity you should be aware of. The TAG Heuer x Team Ikuzawa x Bamford comes supplied on the brand’s beautifully engineered three-rows bracelet. However, it also comes with an additional white fabric strap adorned with the name Team Ikuzawa, executed in the firm’s favourite hue.
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Team Ikuzawa by Bamford – closing thoughts
The advent of this model is interesting for two reasons.
Firstly, when a new group of people, who were never part of the original design team, come together, their collaborative efforts can yield amazing results. The design of the Team Ikuzawa by Bamford is courageous, albeit it is perhaps a tad too bold to be a mass-market proposition. However, for those individuals who value creativity, myself included, it is highly original, and personally speaking, I believe it stirs the soul.
Secondly, this model raises another issue. If you are a die-hard Heuer fan, you are probably wondering, is there another way of procuring your perfect TH model other than notching up air miles and visiting one of the brand’s Japanese boutiques? Not at the moment, but I suspect some horophiles won’t be able to resist making the trip. All I would ask is that if you do decide to visit Tokjo any time soon, please pick up the blue mother-of-pearl option for me!
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Team Ikuzawa by Bamford
- Reference: CBN201F.EB0356
- Case: steel fine brushed and polished case with polished bezel, diameter 42 mm, height 14.3 mm, water resistance 10 ATM (100 metres), sapphire crystal to front, exhibition caseback.
- Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, date, chronograph
- Movement: Calibre Heuer 02 automatic, power reserve 80 hours
- Strap: steel 3-rows bracelet with steel folding clasp and double safety pushbuttons. It also comes supplied with an additional white fabric strap with red marking “Team Ikuzawa” printed and secured with velcro
- Estimated price CHF 6,250 (RRP as of 22.9.2023)