Essence of Racing: TAG Heuer, Team Ikuzawa, and Bamford Join Forces

In a thrilling convergence of Japanese racing heritage and avant-garde culture, TAG Heuer, Team Ikuzawa, and Bamford Watch Department have embarked on a groundbreaking collaboration. Together, they’ve crafted a timepiece that encapsulates the exhilarating fusion of tradition and innovation.

At the heart of this collaboration lies the remarkable legacy of Tetsu Ikuzawa, a racing luminary who etched his name in history with pivotal victories and later became a renowned team owner. Tetsu’s journey began as the son of an artist, launching his racing career at the age of 15 on two wheels. Despite finishing last in his first race, his unyielding perseverance earned him the “Fighting Spirit Award.” In 1963, he transitioned to four-wheel racing, marking his debut in the Japanese Grand Prix for sports cars at Suzuka with Prince Motor Company. In 1964, he continued with the team, propelling the Skyline GT into legendary status.

 

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By 1967, Tetsu found himself without a car to race but quickly made a name for himself by leasing a Porsche 906 from the Japanese importer and winning the race, instantly propelling Porsche to stardom in Japan. He ventured to Europe in the late 1960s, racing in the British Formula Three Championship in 1966 and joining Frank Williams’ team in 1968. He later became a works driver for Porsche, racing at Le Mans and in Formula 2, before founding i&i Racing Development, now known as Team Ikuzawa, with its iconic red and white livery, a nod to the family’s artistic roots.

Stepping into the spotlight is Mai Ikuzawa, seamlessly blending her heritage and automotive passion with artistic sensibilities honed during her studies at Central Saint Martin’s School of Art and Design and two decades as a Creative Director. Mai has become a prominent figure in Japanese design culture and the artistic scene, working closely with influential designers, including Hiroshi Fujiwara, who has previously collaborated with TAG Heuer. Mai embodies the perfect synthesis of her father’s racing legacy, her unique style, and her Japanese cultural background – the symphony that forms the foundation of her partnership with TAG Heuer in creating a new timepiece that pays homage to her father’s racing heritage while infusing it with her distinctive style and cultural influences.

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Completing the trifecta is George Bamford, a revered customizer and design connoisseur known for his impeccable ability to harmonize aesthetics and functionality. George’s deep admiration for TAG Heuer and his family’s passion for cars make him the ideal partner for this extraordinary collaboration, marking a long-awaited collaboration with Mai, a close friend of Bamford.

Together, these visionary forces have united, merging TAG Heuer’s unparalleled expertise, George Bamford’s boundless creativity, and Mai Ikuzawa’s artistic vision. The result is a horological masterpiece that radiates elegance and embodies the spirit of racing, a true symbol recognized by those who understand the essence of racing.

At the heart of this collaboration lies an exquisite watch in red and white, paying homage to Team Ikuzawa and its rich heritage. The dial boasts a white opaline finish with a striking red 60-second/minute scale, accompanied by two contrasting white and red chronograph counters at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock. The rhodium-plated, polished indexes and hands, adorned with white Super-LumiNova® and red lacquer, exude a sporty yet sophisticated essence. The “Team Ikuzawa Choice of Racing Enthusiasts” and “SWISS MADE” insignia proudly grace the dial, showcasing the exclusivity and Swiss craftsmanship of this limited-edition Japanese racing masterpiece.

Encased within a finely brushed and polished 42mm steel case, the watch exudes elegance and durability, driven by the in-house Heuer 02 movement. The 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.

 

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Completing the ensemble is a steel three-row bracelet with a folding clasp adorned with the iconic TAG Heuer shield. For added versatility, the watch comes with an additional white fabric strap featuring the distinctive “Team Ikuzawa” marking and a Velcro closure. Each timepiece proudly bears a special steel screw-down sapphire case back, showcasing the “XXX/100,” “Team Ikuzawa” logo, and “BAMFORD WATCH DEPT.” imprint.

Limited to just 100 pieces, this exclusive collaboration carries immense significance, with numbers one and 100 reserved for Tetsu and Mai Ikuzawa, respectively. Presented in specially designed, co-branded TAG Heuer x Team Ikuzawa packaging adorned with vivid white and red colors, the box includes a Porsche miniature, paying homage to Tetsu’s legendary achievements with the Porsche 906 at the 1967 Japanese Grand Prix.

This remarkable collaboration embodies the perfect blend of heritage, style, and craftsmanship, a testament to the unifying power of passion, innovation, and relationships. With this extraordinary timepiece, TAG Heuer celebrates the fusion of racing, culture, and Swiss watchmaking excellence, creating a truly distinctive and timeless masterpiece.