When three iconic forces in the world of luxury, customization, and racing combine their talents, the result is nothing short of extraordinary. TAG Heuer, Team Ikuzawa, and Bamford Watch Department have joined hands to create a remarkable timepiece that transcends the boundaries of traditional watchmaking.
Tetsu Ikuzawa is a name deeply woven into the fabric of motorsport history. His journey into the world of racing began at the astonishing age of 15 when he fearlessly entered his first motorcycle race. While he may have finished at the back of the pack, his indomitable spirit shone through, earning him the prestigious “Fighting Spirit Award” – a foreshadowing of the remarkable career that lay ahead.
In 1963, Tetsu made a pivotal transition from two wheels to four, racing for the Prince Motor Company in the Japanese Grand Prix. This move ignited the legendary Skyline GT racing dynasty, marking a significant chapter in his racing legacy.
However, one of Tetsu’s defining moments occurred in 1967 when, facing a shortage of race-ready cars, he took the bold step of leasing a Porsche 906 from a Japanese importer. Against all odds, he emerged victorious, instantly catapulting Porsche to stardom in Japan and cementing his lifelong bond with the marque. Tetsu’s racing odyssey even took him to Europe, where he competed in prestigious championships such as the British Formula Three Championship and Le Mans. His remarkable achievements ultimately led to the formation of Team Ikuzawa, celebrated for its iconic red and white livery – a nod to the family’s artistic inclinations.
Taking center stage in this collaboration is Mai Ikuzawa, Tetsu’s daughter, who is a prominent figure in the Japanese design culture and the automotive scene, working closely with legends like Hiroshi Fujiwara. Mai’s distinctive blend of her father’s racing legacy, her unique style, and her deep-rooted Japanese cultural background make her the ideal collaborator for TAG Heuer in creating a new timepiece. Her mission is to inject creativity and a fresh perspective into projects within the automotive space, and this collaboration with TAG Heuer stands as a testament to her visionary approach.
George Bamford is a revered customizer and design connoisseur known for his ability to harmonize aesthetics and functionality. George’s profound admiration for TAG Heuer, coupled with his familial love of cars, positions him perfectly as the collaborator for this unique project. His impeccable skills elevate the timepiece to new heights, adding layers of creativity and sophistication.
This collaboration resulted in an impeccably crafted watch in striking red and white, paying homage to Team Ikuzawa and its rich culture. The dial of the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Team Ikuzawa by Bamford features a white opaline finish with a striking red 60-second/minute scale, complemented by two white and red contrasting chronograph counters. Rhodium-plated, polished indexes and hands, adorned with white Super-LumiNova® and red lacquer, exude a sporty yet sophisticated essence.
Encased within a finely brushed and polished 42mm steel case, the watch radiates elegance and durability, powered by the in-house Heuer 02 movement. A beveled, domed sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective treatment ensures optimal legibility and protection. With a water resistance of up to 100 meters, this timepiece is ready to accompany racing enthusiasts on any adventure.
A steel three-row bracelet features the iconic TAG Heuer shield and an additional white fabric strap, both bearing the “Team Ikuzawa” marking. Each timepiece bears a special steel screw-down sapphire case back, proudly displaying the “XXX/100,” “Team Ikuzawa” logo, and “BAMFORD WATCH DEPT.” imprint.
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Team Ikuzawa by Bamford is limited to 100 pieces. The numbers one and 100 have been reserved for Tetsu and Mai Ikuzawa, respectively. The packaging is specially designed, co-branded TAG Heuer x Team Ikuzawa, adorned with vivid white and red colors. An homage to Tetsu’s racing prowess in Japan, the box includes a Porsche miniature, encapsulating the spirit of his remarkable achievements with the Porsche 906 at the 1967 Japanese Grand Prix.
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