From Dua Lipa and Elton John to Billie Eilish and Nike, collabs are all the rage these days, but the latest one, even if not the first between the two, might raise a sleepy eyebrow. TAG Heuer has joined forces with Japanese gaming giant Nintendo to launch a pair of special edition watches, the Formula 1 Chronograph and Formula 1 Chronograph Tourbillon that celebrate one of the best racing games of all time: Mario Kart.
Filled with references to the game, the watches will be limited to just 3,250 examples, with just 250 TAG Heuer Formula 1 x Mario Kart Limited Edition Chronograph Tourbillon examples being sold.
The more common Chronograph example retails for $4,300 and features the Mario Kart logo on the black polished ceramic tachymeter bezel. The 2 o’clock pusher and crown, meanwhile, are circled with red lacquer, and Mario’s M symbol is etched on the crown.
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The dedicated screwed-down case gets a Mario Kart logo engraved in its back along with the outline of Mario in a kart. The checkered pattern of the dial is black and anthracite, and Mario can once again be seen in his race car in a permanent seconds indicator at the 9 o’clock position. The date window in the 3 o’clock position, meanwhile, regularly intercalates with Mario Kart items, such as Bullet Bill, the banana, and the super star.
The Chronograph Tourbillon costs a staggering $25,600 thanks to its more complicated movement and its high-performance grade titanium case. The crown also gets Mario’s M logo.
The dial, meanwhile, gets a skeletonized black back and a tri-compax layout. The tourbillon cage at the 6 o’clock position was redesigned for use here and the blue shell, Bullet Bill, and Mario can all be seen chasing each other.
Both watches come with a black calf leather strap with red stitching and lining. The strap also gets a custom embossed pattern and the buckle features Mario’s M.
“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.” explains Frédéric Arnault, CEO of TAG Heuer. “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.”
The Chronograph will be available in select countries as of October 20 through TAG Heuer boutiques and retail partners, while the Chronograph Tourbillon will be sold exclusively through the watchmaker’s boutiques and its website.
