The alliance between TUDOR and Ducati is anything but a classic partnership and extends far beyond a mere association of two brands. Rather, it represents common values, kindred spirits and a shared stylistic approach. So much so indeed, that the partnership which began in 2011 has just been renewed and will be intensified to encompass even more exceptional joint projects. The new Fastrider Black Shield chronograph by TUDOR and the Ducati Diavel Carbon customized in the spirit of the Swiss watch brand’s sportiest watches attest to a bright future.

Representing the ultimate expression of reliability and performance, the Fastrider line by TUDOR forcefully expresses the fiercely competitive virile world of motorcycle racing. These Fastrider chronographs, featuring a 42-mm steel waterproof case, are equipped with the TUDOR calibre 7753 self-winding movement boasting a 46-hour power reserve. The decidedly sporty spirit of these chronographs is accentuated by the pushers fitted into the middle case through black PVD-coated cylinders reminiscent of engine cylinders and by the tachymetric scale engraved on the bezel.

In 2011, the partnership between TUDOR and Ducati gave rise to a commemorative Fastrider model endowed with the same technical characteristics as the other models, but enhanced by Ducati red accents in the vertical stripes of the strap and on the dial – thus creating a superb contrast to the black of the fabric strap and totalizers.

Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding Philippe Peverelli, Managing Director of Montres Tudor SA

FASTRIDER BLACK SHIELD: BLACK MEETS FIRE

In 2013, TUDOR is shifting to an even higher gear by presenting the new Fastrider Black Shield chronograph, which makes its dramatic entrance in an all-black interpretation embodying a sleek, sophisticated aesthetic. This concentrated blend of technologies generates an even greater sense of throbbing power and high-speed thrills. The new TUDOR Fastrider Black Shield is, first and foremost, a monobloc case in high-tech matt black ceramic. It is also an extraordinary – totally black – timepiece. Finally, it is a chronograph with a fiery temperament.

Andrea Ferraresi, Ducati Design Director – Davide Cerrato, Head of Marketing & Product Development – Roberto Totti, Motorbike Designer

Monolithic and scratchproof, the matt black ceramic monobloc case of the TUDOR Fastrider Black Shield is an archetype in its genre. What makes it so special? Not only is it fashioned using nothing but high-tech injected ceramic – not ceramic applied to another material as a coating – but it is also manufactured as a single entity, meaning that the entire middle case is produced as one piece: a unique process for watches in this segment. In addition to the sophisticated aesthetic appeal of this chronograph, the highly complex procedure adopted for its manufacture – stemming from technological expertise mastered in-house – guarantees the exceptional reliability and resistance of both the middle case and bezel.

Water-resistant to a depth of 150 metres (500 feet) and equipped with direct-action pushers and a screw-down crown in PVD-treated steel, the 42 mm case houses a mechanical self-winding chronograph movement with a 46-hour power reserve. The matt finish selected for this monobloc case sets off the clean curves and taut lines of this chronograph to their best advantage. It also accentuates the watch’s generous dimensions and the tachymetric scale engraved on the bezel.

The aura of strength emanating from the case is highlighted by the red features – including the luminescent material – punctuating the dial. A red seal placed under the sapphire crystal attests to rigorous attention to detail, enhances the undeniable presence of the model and corresponds to the TUDOR colour codes. A unique statement of precision and performance, this chronograph is available with either a rubber strap or a leather strap with red stitching.

DUCATI DIAVEL CARBON: BLACK SHIELD CUSTOMIZATION

If the TUDOR Fastrider Black Shield were compared to a motorcycle throbbing with power and feeling, the Ducati Diavel Carbon would be the obvious choice. TUDOR has chosen to raise the bar by adopting an original approach: expressing the stylistic strength of the Fastrider Black Shield through another unique creation – a one-of-a-kind Ducati Diavel Carbon customized to match the specific design codes of the TUDOR chronograph. The Ducati Diavel Carbon, which normally features five different shades of black depending on the materials, was produced in a customized version in a monochrome graphite-based matt black – recalling the monochrome matt black ceramic exterior of the Black Shield chronograph.

The subtle work of customizing the motorcycle involved carefully echoing the balance between the matt black and the red highlighting on the hands and hour-markers of the watch. A thin red line on either side of the motorcycle – right the way through to the red LEDs built into the all-black headlamps – underscores its eminently masculine lines, while the red-outlined wheel rims mirror the red halo of the Black Shield chronograph bezel.

The result is a truly unique and extraordinary Ducati Diavel Carbon epitomizing the sheer power and the distinctive design of the TUDOR Fastrider Black Shield chronograph – a tangible confirmation of the stylistic kinship between TUDOR and Ducati as they celebrate the renewal of their partnership in a most dynamic way. New common ground in a story already brimming with parallels.

TUDOR AND DUCATI: PARALLEL PATHS

The fact that TUDOR and Ducati currently find a fertile field of common expression is anything but coincidental. The two companies are highly comparable, as their respective histories clearly demonstrate. While their shared date of birth (1926) is indeed merely a coincidence that augurs well, there is no trace of “chance” in the converging philosophies guiding TUDOR and Ducati. Over and above their founding date, the two brands share a striking number of common denominators – including a constant quest for performance and original design, combined with an instantly recognizable and refined sporty style.

Ducati’s motorcycles with fast, powerful engines, fitted with desmodromic valves and mounted in a robust frame, are indeed comparable to the resistance, reliability and precision of TUDOR watches. As of the early 1950s, advertisements depicted Tudor watches on the wrists of motorcyclists to highlight their innate sense of style and sporting performance. The parallels between the two brands – representing pivotal landmarks in their development rather than mere coincidences – were further highlighted in 1946. Ducati began producing its first motorcycle engine, the Cucciolo, which earned immediate worldwide fame, and the company Montres TUDOR SA was officially established in Geneva.

Over the following decades, both companies focused on creating ever more distinctive product lines. TUDOR’s Oysterdate Chronograph, now the Heritage Chrono, and Ducati’s Monster motorcycle are two shining examples of iconic products featuring an outstandingly sporty style and perfectly epitomizing the spirit of the two brands. Another extraordinary similarity in achieving major goals occurred in 2007: for TUDOR with a repositioning that has brought the brand to its present high visibility, while Ducati chalked up its first world title by winning the MotoGP Championship for both riders and manufacturers.

These numerous similar historical milestones of the two companies vividly express the sense of kinship between the two brands. The recently renewed partnership between TUDOR and Ducati therefore emerges as a natural outcome in light of all that the two companies have in common.