When it comes to TAG Heuer and racing, everyone will surely think of the Formula 1 series and the F1 team Oracle Red Bull Racing sponsored by the brand, as well as the two drivers – defending champion Max Verstappen and Mexican driver Sergio Perez. However, the brand has recently launched a new limited edition watch for the F1 series, and what’s even more special is that this piece is specifically designed for the golden race of another formula racing event, the Indy 500, and created in collaboration with racing driver Alexander Rossi – the Indy 500 2022 Limited Edition.
The new Indy 500 2022 Limited Edition watch has a case diameter of 43mm, designed with inspiration from the most famous IndyCar track and host Speedway, symbolizing the brand’s passion for racing and pursuit of competitive spirit. The ceramic bezel of the watch is engraved with the gold Indy 500 logo, while the inner ring is adorned with brick red accents that echo the racetrack. The black dial features three sub-dials: a seconds indicator at 3 o’clock, a minute counter at 9 o’clock, and an hour and 1/10 second counter designed with the Indy 500 control tower pattern at 6 o’clock. At 4 o’clock, there is a clear date window that neatly divides all timing areas.
In addition, its black dial further echoes the texture of the track’s surface treatment, while the back of the watch is decorated with a specially designed Indy 500 engraving pattern, along with the event logo and the memorable race date. As for the strap, the three-row stainless steel bracelet is paired with a folding clasp, a double security system, and an extension device that allows the length of the strap to be easily adjusted, ensuring a comfortable fit even when wearing a driver’s uniform. The water resistance remains excellent at a depth of 200 meters, while also featuring shock resistance.
It is worth mentioning that the new watch was designed by TAG Heuer in collaboration with former F1 driver Alexander Rossi, who won the 2016 Indy 500 as a rookie. The brand also revealed that he will be using a helmet design for the 2022 Indy 500 race to complement the design of this limited edition watch, along with wearing the Indy 500 2022 Limited Edition, embodying the two legends of the racing world.
This year’s Indy 500 is set to take place on Monday, May 30th in the United States, and the qualifying race has already been very exciting. Several top drivers continued to deliver thrilling performances on the Oval track, with Pato O’Ward setting the fastest lap speed of up to 233.037mph in his first run; NASCAR star and this year’s “rookie” Jimmie Johnson became the fastest rookie in the field, ranking tenth; drivers like Felix Rosenqvist and Romain Grosjean also posted average speeds of 232.182 mph and 231.999 mph, respectively, securing spots in the top ten. As for Alexander Rossi, he clocked in at 231 mph in the first round of speed testing, but the second round was canceled due to rain, resulting in him starting in the middle of the pack at 20th place with a speed of 230.812 mph.
However, the most amazing thing is that Scott Dixon, who has not been outstanding in qualifying races, finally appeared on the last day of qualifying with an overwhelming speed of up to 234.437 mph, and maintained the highest average speed at 234.046 mph. He successfully won his personal fifth race qualifying championship and pole position for the final race, continuing his strong performance from last year’s qualifying race championship. This achievement also became the first astonishing feat to break the 234 mph average speed barrier in the past 26 years of the Indy 500.
The 2022 Indy 500 event will take place next week, and TAG Heuer brand ambassador Alexander Rossi will be wearing the Indy 500 2022 Limited Edition for the race. This special edition F1 watch will be available for purchase in selected brand stores with special packaging, limited to 500 pieces.
資料及圖片來源：TAG Heuer
