With MotoGP’s appeal increasing by the day, it’s no surprise that a Swiss watchmaker has launched a timepiece to appeal to its fans. We review the Tissot MotoGP Limited to see what it has in store for fans of the racing series.
In the cutthroat world of motorsport, there’s a reason why MotoGP is arguably the most spectacular racing series at the moment. The combination of cutting-edge technology, superb design and intense competition between riders makes it a spectacle to watch.
In the midst of this rising popularity, then, it’s no surprise that the alliance between Tissot and MotoGP has resulted in a watch – with which the Swiss watchmaker hopes to woo MotoGP fans. With a limited run of 3,333 watches, the Tissot T-Race MotoGP Automatic Limited Edition 2018 seems to have struck the right note with a number of design touches that refer to the racing series in particular and motorcycles in general.
Not a small watch by any stretch, the T-Race instantly grabs your attention with a 47mm case. And the black and rose gold colour scheme of the T-Race further make it a cynosure of all eyes. A number of design touches to reflect motorcycles and MotoGP have been carried out quite well. Holes on the bezel make it look like a cross-drilled brake disc, while the tread pattern on the silicon strap gives it an appearance of a motorcycle tyre. And, of course, the large cyclops eye over the date window reminds you of a windscreen so common on sports bikes. A similar motorcycle-inspired design theme graces the see-through back panel to make it mimic an alloy wheel of a bike, with wheel bolts to match.
The case material is steel, with a rose gold and PVD coating to give it a black and gold finish. The dial also has a few design touches that reflect the watch’s association with MotoGP – the sub-dial looks like a motorcycle’s rev counter, and the textured finish of the sub-dials reflects the asphalt surface of a race track. Powered by a Tissot automatic chronograph movement, the watch has a power reserve of 45 hours. It’s water resistant up to 100 metres. The front glass material, as one would expect, is sapphire crystal.
To be honest, this Limited Edition watch quite accurately reflects Tissot’s partnership with the series, and there are enough design touches for people to pick up on the association. But, how does it feel on the wrist? Well, let’s be honest, this is not a watch for a shrinking violet. With its 47mm case, Rose Gold finish and a stout 16mm thickness, the watch stands out on your wrist. So, if you like big watches – which are currently in vogue – the Tissot T-Race is definitely for you.
And if you happen to be a MotoGP fan – which, by association, also makes you a fan of motorcycles – then you’d certainly be delighted by the design detailing on this watch. Given its fairly reasonable price of `74,300 for a Swiss automatic chronograph, the Tissot does provide an attractive deal to its target customers. The cherry on the cake, however, is its well-designed box, which is shaped like a motorcycle helmet. Overall, this limited-edition watch does what it’s supposed to do – be a treat for MotoGP fans.
