Ducati, the iconic Italian motorcycle manufacturer famous for style and state-of-the-art technology, have entered into an all-encompassing partnership with Tudor, the maker of prestige Swiss sports watches who take on the title of “Timing Partner” as Ducati’s official watch.
Tudor will launch the agreement with a commemorative timepiece dedicated to Ducati and perfectly aligned with the exciting world of speed, motorcycles and racing. It will enhance the new range of sports chronographs presented recently at “Baselworld 2011”.
Known as the “Fastrider” collection, the series of stainless steel chronographs incorporate the Tudor 7753 self-winding movement with a power reserve of 46 hours in a 42mm diameter waterproof casing with satin-polished finish. Various versions are available with leather strap, stainless steel bracelet or black fabric strap featuring three stripes in contrasting colours, a look that has become one of Tudor’s signature style details which, for this collection, will also be echoed on the dial.
Tudor wanted to feature a specific reference to Ducati and this is evident in the “Fastrider” model, a true commemorative series which maintains the same technical characteristics from the collection, but with Ducati red on the vertical stripes of the strap and dial, which create a striking colour contrast with the black fabric and counters. The sporting spirit of these chronographs is further highlighted with black PVD-coated buttons set in the casing to resemble the pistons of an engine and by the tachymetric scale engraved on the bezel.
The partnership, created between the icon of Italian motorcycle engineering and one of the best known names in Swiss time-keeping, is built upon a number of common factors. While it is mere coincidence that both companies were founded in 1926, chance cannot explain the shared vision created by two very different activities. It is this common perspective that has led Ducati and Tudor to sign a formal partnership agreement.
The two companies continuously achieve high performance and original design, which becomes instantly recognisable when complemented with a sophisticated sports style. The speed and performance of the powerful Desmodromic engine in a Ducati motorcycle, enhanced by a strong and high-tech chassis can be compared to the outstanding resistance, reliability and precision of a Tudor watch. Interestingly, Tudor’s 1952 printed advertisements portrayed a motorcyclist wearing one of their watches to underline its combination of style and sporting spirit.
Further similarities include the start of Ducati’s first motorcycle production with the Cucciolo in 1946, while during the same year in Geneva the Montres Tudor SA company was officially established just prior to the launch of the successful Tudor Oyster model.
In the years to come, both companies focussed on creating increasingly prestigious product ranges. The Ducati Monster and Tudor’s Oysterdate Chronograph – now the Heritage Chrono - are striking examples of successful, iconic models that perfectly embodied the spirit of their respective brands by featuring innovative design and sporting style. In 2007 the two companies also shared landmark achievements as Ducati secured its first ever Riders’ and Constructors’ World Championship titles in MotoGP, while Tudor initiated a process which secured its current high-visibility profile.
With an official announcement made in the Ducati Museum in Bologna on Thursday, 30 June, Ducati and Tudor come together with a shared passion for performance to support each other along a route to success which started almost a century ago. This prestigious and inspiring partnership stands proudly alongside a number of highly significant alliances which Ducati has forged over the past few years. All of which further underline the Italian motorcycle manufacturer’s incredible strength and worldwide appeal.
