Tag Heuer Launch Two Formula 1 x Mario Kart Limited Editions in Partnership with Nintendo

Mushroom Kingdom, here we come! Questionable casting and even more questionable accents aside, Super Mario is set to hit the big screen in early 2023. However, before that he’s popping up on your wrist in the form of the new Tag Heuer Formula 1 x Mario Kart Chronograph and Chronograph Tourbillon limited editions, a follow-up to last year’s Mario themed Super Mario Connected Watch.

Mario Kart is a way of life. Whether it’s on SNES, N64, Wii or Switch, the Italian plumber and his coterie of colourful friends have occupied our attention as they smack each other with bananas since 1992. The choice to pay homage to this iconic racing game with one of Tag Heuer’s raciest chronographs is inspired.

Tag Heuer Formula 1 X Mario Kart Chronograph Limited Edition

The Formula 1 X Mario Kart Chronograph has a 44mm diameter case made of stainless steel with a shiny black ceramic, tachymeter bezel. There are also red lacquer lines around the pusher at 2 o’clock and the crown in reference to Mario’s signature colour. However, the most obvious reference is the M logo emblazoned on the crown itself.

Of course, the Mario theme continues in force across the watch’s dial. It features a finish line checkerboard pattern and Mario himself sits in his kart at the top of the small seconds subdial. Additionally, several date numerals have been replaced with items and symbols that will be instantly recognisable to players. Although I’m not entirely sure what you’re supposed to do when you need to know the date and your watch is telling you that it’s the Bullet Bill^th of July.

On the back of the watch, you’ll find a commemorative caseback bearing an engraving of Mario in his kart along with the game’s logo. Underneath said caseback is the Tag Heuer Calibre 16 automatic chronograph movement. It’s based on the ETA 7750 and has a power reserve of 42-hours. The Tag Heuer Formula 1 x Mario Kart Chronograph is limited to 3,000 pieces and priced at £3,550.

Tag Heuer Formula 1 x Mario Kart Chronograph Tourbillon Limited Edition

The second limited edition adds an haute horological flavour to the Nintendo collaboration. The tourbillon edition has a slightly larger case than the regular chrono version at 45mm, making it a substantial chunk of metal. Fortunately, it’s made of super lightweight titanium so it shouldn’t be too uncomfortable on the wrist. The case is completed by a black ceramic bezel with a tachymeter that can be used to calculate speeds of up to 400km/h (approx. 250mph), which means it can actually keep up with F1 cars.

As for the dial, the tourbillon is more complex than its counterpart as it’s partially skeletonised with a gear wheel design at 12 o’clock and the titular tourbillon on display at 6 o’clock. Naturally, the tourbillon doesn’t escape the Mario-ification with its three spokes featuring Mario with a bullet bill and the infamous spiny blue shell in perpetual chase. If the plumber’s in first place, he won’t be for long.

Powering the tourbillon is the Calibre Heuer 02T COSC, an automatic movement with a 65-hour power reserve. It’s visible through the exhibition sapphire caseback, unlike the solid caseback on the regular edition there’s no Mario engraving here but the game’s logo is still present.

In terms of pricing and availability the Chronograph Tourbillon is a lot more exclusive with only 250 pieces available at £21,250. Considering the number of Super Mario super fans out there, these are sure to be coveted collector’s pieces. On a personal level though, I’ve always been a Sonic the Hedgehog man. We all have our crosses to bear.

More details at Tag Heuer.