Fresh off the track, TUDOR x Formula 1’s Visa Cash App Red Bull team debuts a special edition Black Bay Ceramic ‘Blue’ – the very same watch sported by Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda since they announced their partnership earlier this year in February.
“TUDOR has always been fueled by a daring spirit, a consistent will to do things differently. And this spirit – we call ‘Born To Dare’ – is exactly what Visa Cash App RB is demonstrating heading into the 2024 F1 season. We’re thrilled to return to motorsport with a partner ready to take on the challenge”, commented TUDOR CEO Eric Pirson on the maison’s return to Formula 1 and shared drive for excellence with the team.
Interestingly, in March, TUDOR unveiled this model as exclusive VCARB paddock gear for all crew. After being repeatedly snapshotted during and between races, watch enthusiasts wondered if it would ever be publicly offered as part of the brand’s lineup. Well, it’s finally here. So, on Sunday, you’ll watch Ricciardo strut this blue-dialed BB while rippin’ around the Silverstone Circuit, and on Monday, you can pick up one for yourself from the shop!
TUDOR has been experimenting with ceramic for over three years, so the new blue dial is a refreshing splash of hue to an already-well-working recipe. Furthermore, simply boasting VCARB’s signatory blue hue instead of heavy logo branding or text also allows this timepiece to appeal not only to Gran Prix fans but also to the watch collector community at large. Also, we’re marking its debut as we’re halfway through the 2024 Formula 1 season, with youngster Tsunoda ranking 10th and star boy Riccairdo 13th overall.
Cast in matte black ceramic, the case exudes a stunning rustic gunmetal contrast against the bright blue dial. Measuring 41 millimetres in diameter, it stretches 50 millimetres, lug to lug, with a 14.5-millimetre case thickness – offering water resistance of 200 meters. The unidirectional bezel, comprising PVD Steel, is coupled with a 60-minute graduated, black ceramic disk, which boasts a sunray satin finish.
Let’s talk about the new dial: The all-white indexes are applied and dipped in X1 Super-LumiNova for added luminescence, with complimentary minute and hour hands. Fair to say, this one’s a much subtler approach as compared to the “Chameleon” BBs we saw around the Miami GP.
Inside, it houses the anti-magnetic COSC + METAS Master Chronometer MT5602-U1, which is an existing resident in the standard black ceramic model. Indicating hours, minutes, and seconds, the movement runs automatic at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) and offers a 70-hour power reserve. TUDOR claims accuracy of -2/+4 seconds per day for all its Master Chronometer watches.
All of this is strapped on in hybrid leather and rubber that features blue stitchwork, buckled in a black PVD 316L steel folding clasp. Bonus: TUDOR also gifts you a complimentary black fabric strap with a blue band.
Peter Bayer, CEO of Visa Cash App RB Formula 1 team, commented on this collaboration, “We are delighted to welcome Tudor to our team. They have a long history in motorsport, dating back to the ‘60s when they first got involved in sports car racing, as well as historic racing and rallying. Now, the Swiss watch company has seized the opportunity to move up to the very pinnacle of motorsport, joining us as we tackle the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship with our new Visa Cash App RB identity. Our team will be challenging the status quo in Formula 1 with a strong identity, unique style and uncompromising quality – just like Tudor watches.
The TUDOR Black Bay Ceramic ‘Blue’ is priced at INR 4,48,100 and will be in stores in a few weeks.
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