TAG Heuer drops two new Mario Kart collaboration watches, an automatic chronographs and a chronograph tourbillon.
Press Release details with commentary in italics.
New: TAG Heuer Formula 1 x Mario Kart
Retail pricing is as follows:
- TAG Heuer Formula 1 x Mario Kart Limited Edition Chronograph: SGD 6,050 incl of GST / CHF 4,200 / USD 4,300
- TAG Heuer Formula 1 x Mario Kart Limited Edition Chronograph Tourbillon : SGD 36,100 incl of GST / CHF 25,000 / USD 25,600
Commentary
This is the second collaboration release between TAG Heuer and Mario Kart. The first was released in 2021. We did not cover it in detail as the watch was a Connected Watch which we covered here, and here. The 2021 release features the Mario Kart icons as electronic graphical elements as well as some Super Mario markers on the bezel. It had a release price of USD 2,150. The new release today is based on two of the established mechanical calibers of the TAG Heuer stable.
The first is the Caliber 16 Automatic movement on the Chronograph model, which is limited to 3000 pieces. This features a closed case back with the Mario Kart logo engraved along with the outline of SuperMario in his car. Super Mario is seen on one of the continuous second hand sub-dial at 9-o’clock. The dial also carries an aperture for the date, which will regularly show Mario Kart items in lieu of the date, and should prove to be an interesting Easter Egg for fans.
And the second is based on the Heuer 02T COSC tourbillon chronograph movement. This model is limited to 250 pieces, and will feature an open case back to show the movement, as well as markings of the Mario Kart logo.. And on each of the three arms of the tourbillon carriage is a little badge, showing Mario in his kart, the Spiny Shell and Bullet Bill.
The design elements of both are cut from the same cloth of a black dial with red accents. On the more sober chronograph only model, the dial features a checkered pattern, while the chronograph tourbillon has a black opalin dial with red lining. Both feature black ceramic inserts for the bezel showing tachymeter readings. And both feature a crown with Mario Kart logo engraved in red with additional red accents.
The Nintendo series is making collaborations with other watch brands as well. We are aware of at least one more, but as that is embargoed till November 1, can only discuss it after. In the past, they have collaborated with RJ Roaine Jerome in 2016.
Release details
The second and much-anticipated installment of the TAG Heuer x Nintendo partnership is revealed in the form of two collector limited-edition TAG Heuer Formula 1 chronographs celebrating Mario Kart.
After kicking off their partnership in 2021 with the TAG Heuer Connected x Super Mario Limited Edition which quickly became a must-have among fans, the Swiss luxury watchmaker and Nintendo are back with two limited-edition mechanical watches this year, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 X Mario Kart Limited Editions (Chronograph and Chronograph Tourbillon).
TAG Heuer Connected x Super Mario Limited Edition which quickly became a must-have among fans, the Swiss luxury watchmaker and Nintendo are back with two limited-edition mechanical watches this year, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 X Mario Kart Limited Editions (Chronograph and Chronograph Tourbillon).
Fans of the energetic, intrepid Super Mario will recognize their favorite character taking over one of TAG Heuer’s emblematic collections, fittingly dedicated to racing. The two never-seen-before designs were achieved through close collaboration between the TAG Heuer and Nintendo teams to customize every detail of these pieces. The watches highlight the common themes shared by the TAG Heuer Formula 1 collection and the Mario Kart series: adrenaline, speed, competitiveness, all the way to victory.
“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.”
Frédéric Arnault, CEO of TAG Heuer.
TAG Heuer Formula 1 X Mario Kart Limited Edition (Chronograph)
Powered by the automatic Calibre 16 movement, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 X Mario Kart Limited Edition (Chronograph) is limited to 3000 pieces. It was imagined in a 44-mm steel case infused with references to the world-famous racing games series: the Mario Kart logo is inscribed on the black polished ceramic tachymeter bezel with Super-LumiNova®, the 2 o’clock pusher and crown are circled with an iconic red lacquer, Mario’s M symbol is etched on the crown and Mario Kart logo is engraved on the dedicated screwed-down case back along with the outline of him in a racecar.
The bold, assertive, and elegant dial features a black and anthracite checkered pattern inspired by the racetrack, custom asphalt textured sub-counters with Mario appearing in the 9 o’clock permanent seconds indicator which is circled in an iconic red. The unmistakable color is also present on the lacquered central hand, hour chronograph counter hand and 60-second or minute scale on the flange.
Delighting its owner with “easter eggs” or extra surprises, the date window at 3 o’clock will regularly intercalate fan favorite Mario Kart items including Bullet Bill, the Banana and more, in lieu of the date number.
TAG Heuer Formula 1 X Mario Kart Limited Edition (Chronograph Tourbillon)
The Haute Horlogerie piece of this drop is the TAG Heuer Formula 1 X Mario Kart Limited Edition (Chronograph Tourbillon), limited to only 250 pieces.
The slightly larger 45-mm case is made of high-performance grade 5 titanium, projecting a sporty yet refined look, which mixes fine-brushed and polished finishings. The crown and pushers are fine-brushed steel, and the screwed-down case back is grade 5 titanium with a custom sapphire glass featuring the Mario Kart logo, through which TAG Heuer’s high precision COSC-certified Calibre Heuer 02T movement can be fully appreciated. The case back is engraved with XXX/250.
The black polished ceramic bezel with a tachymeter scale up to 400 km/h includes the Mario Kart logo in white Super-LumiNova® at the top right. The 2 o’clock pusher and crown are circled with red lacquer with the M symbol of Mario also highlighted on the top of the crown.
The dial is a sophisticated skeletonized black with an iconic red contrasting lines along the cutouts, adding depth and energy to the watch’s face, and a matching central hands and 60-second or minute scale on the flange.
The tri-compax layout showcases two grained chronograph sub-counters at 3 and 9 o’clock, with the tourbillon centered at 6 o’clock. At 12 o’clock, a gearwheel echoes the rims on racecar tires. The tourbillon cage with alternate finishings and circled with Super-LumiNova® was fully redesigned to showcase Mario in his kart, the Spiny Shell and Bullet Bill moving in rhythm with the complication.
Both timepieces share a black calf leather strap with contrasting red stitching and lining and a custom embossed pattern. The folding buckle – made of steel on the chronograph and titanium on the tourbillon – is also personalized with the M symbol of Mario. They will be presented in specially developed black watch boxes with matching travel pouches.
Two unmissable highlights of TAG Heuer’s limited editions in 2022, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 X Mario Kart Limited Edition chronographs bring unbridled creativity, fresh style and high watchmaking performance to Mario fans worldwide.
Available from 20 October 2022, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 X Mario Kart Limited Edition (Chronograph) will be sold exclusively in TAG Heuer boutiques, on the brands’ e-commerce websites in select countries, as well as 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.
TAG Heuer Formula 1 x Mario Kart Limited Edition Chronograph specifications
CAZ201E.FC6517 Movement
Calibre 16 Automatic
Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds, date, chronograph
Dial
Black dial, checkered pattern
Black flange with 60 second/minute scale 3 counters:
– 12 o’clock: black grained minute chronograph counter; rhodium-platedpolished hand
– 6 o’clock: black grained hour chronograph counter; red lacquered hand
– 9 o’clock: black grained permanent second indicator; rhodium-platedpolished hand
Rhodium-plated polished applied indexes with white Super-LumiNova® Rhodium-plated facetted, polished hour and minute hands with white Su- per-LumiNova®
Red lacquered central hand with white Super-LumiNova®
Angled date display at 3 o’clock
White TAG HEUER applied logo
FORMULA 1 CALIBRE 16 printed
Case
44 mm diameterPolished and fine-brushed stainless-steel case Black ceramic polished tachymeter fixed bezel Flat sapphire crystal
Polished stainless-steel crown at 3 o’clock
Fine-brushed stainless-steel push-buttons at 2 and 4 o’clock Stainless-steel screwed case back with special engraving Water resistance: 200 meters
Strap
Textured black calf skin strap with custom embossed pattern, red lining Fine-brushed steel folding clasp with double safety push-buttons; special engraving
Availability
From October 2022
3’000 pieces
TAG Heuer Formula 1 x Mario Kart Limited Edition Chronograph Tourbillon specifications
CAZ5080.FC6517 Movement
Calibre Heuer 02T COSC
Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds, date, chronograph, tourbillon
Dial
Black opalin dial, with red lining
Black flange with 60 second/minute scale
3 counters:
– 3 o’clock: anthracite grained minute chronograph counter; black hand – 6 o’clock: black tourbillon with alternate finishing
– 9 o’clock: anthracite grained hour chronograph counter; black hand Black applied indexes with white Super-LumiNova®
Black facetted hour and minute hands with white Super-LumiNova® Red lacquered central hand with white Super-LumiNova®
White TAG HEUER applied logo
HEUER 02T CHRONOMETER printed
Case
45 mm diameter
Polished and fine-brushed titanium grade 5 case Black ceramic polished tachymeter fixed bezel Flat sapphire crystal
Polished stainless-steel crown at 3 o’clock
Fine-brushed stainless-steel push-buttons at 2 and 4 o’clock
Titanium grade 5 screwed sapphire case back with special engraving and numbered XXX/250
Water resistance: 100 meters
Strap
Textured black calf skin strap with custom embossed pattern, red lining Fine-brushed titanium grade 5 folding clasp with double safety push -buttons; special engraving
Availability
From October 2022
250 pieces
