How About a Flyback

Following Tudor’s repatriation to the United States means we are showing off new watches headed our way. Specifically we will have the opportunity to purchase their newest line of watches designed for the motorsport enthusiast.

Shortly after the introduction of Tudor Heritage Chrono, Tudor has done it again with their newest racing inspired collection: the Grantour, where one watch even comes with a flyback feature. This watch collection was produced in association of their sponsorship for the FIA World Endurance Championship, which includes the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The Grantour collection brings three new watches that share race-inspired features, but the one that has caught our eye is what Tudor calls the “two-register” automatic chronograph, representative of the two smaller dials at the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock positions. This chronograph provides the wearer a true flyback feature, not found on the other Grantour watches. What this means is when the 4 o’clock pusher is pressed the second hand will whip back to the 12 o’clock position to start another timing interval. The flyback feature acts like a true stopwatch, where the user does not need to stop and reset the second hand for each additional measure through a series of pushes; it can all be achieved in a single push.  This is especially useful for those wanting to measure individual sector times, during a single lap. It is this feature alone that truly makes a chronograph worth owning.

Other accents for this piece include the date function located at the 6 o’clock position. The fixed outer bezel has fairly large arabic numerals ensuring time does not get misread in the split second glances at this face. Other special features include the ability to lock the pushers to prevent the accidental starting of the chronograph when the user is driving or reaching into their pockets. Locking of the pushers is achieved with a simple quarter turn.

The 42mm chronograph flyback comes in three distinct colors: black face, white face or two-tone black face with 18k rose gold. The watch can be configured with a black leather band, steel bracelet or two-tone steel and 18k gold bracelet. The automatic movement is handled nicely with an ETA 2892 while a sapphire crystal protects the hands and face from the elements. Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but the steel bracelet is estimated to be priced around $4,725 to under $5,000 USD. If there is one watch worth considering we would say this is it.

Photo credit: Tudor

Does This Excite You

It is that time of year again! We are one day away from kicking off the North American Racing Series – IMSA Tudor United SportsCar Championship which begins Saturday, January 25 at 2:10 P.M. EST

The first race is the iconic Rolex 24 Hour Endurance race. This year 67 entries will be fighting for their chance to claim victory of this historic race in each of their respective classes. The entries even include the famous Nissan Deltawing – making its comeback race with totally revised outer shell. Additionally, making their highly anticipated debut is the Porsche all-new factory team partnered with CORE autosport running the 911 RSR “EVO”. Should you want to view the full list, click here: Entry List.

If you need some help understanding what teams you are seeing on screen please download this beauty – the spotters guide. Think of it as the definitive picture book of teams and cars for this event. Those wanting live timing throughout the race you will need to set your browser to: IMSA live timing. Finally if you need EVEN more information you can find IMSA’s handy twitter cheatsheet here: twitter handles.

The full tv broadcasting schedule is as follows; the downside is there will be NO radiolemans coverage during this race. Its such a sad day on that front.

1:30 PM-2 PM EST Pre-Race on FOX Sports 2
2 PM-4 PM EST on FOX (regular FOX network not their sports network)
4 PM -9 PM EST on FOX Sports 2 (may be in limited markets)
9 PM-7 AM EST on FOXSports.com/Motor
7 AM-3 PM EST on FOX Sports 1

And those race fans who want something a little more personal, Magnus Racing will be broadcasting live from their pit box during the entire 24h race all for your viewing pleasure. You can view their entire webcast live here: ustream.tv/liveatdaytona or from their website: Magnus Racing

The car that leads the rest of the field to the start will be the number 99 GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing Corvette; for the GT LeMans class (GTLM) will be the number 91 SRT Motorsports SRT Viper GTS-R. The full qualifying list is here – Results

We hope you’re looking forward to a great race; we have a feeling this will be good.

photo credit: IMSA

Title Sponsors Are Everything In Racing

You may have heard for 2014 there’s a new watch in town. Err… is it really new? Well the name back on the block is Tudor. Allow me to help you understand. Set your eyes on the Tudor Heritage Chrono. What’s that you ask?

Cliff notes for Tudor watches

Who – Created by the original creator of Rolex, Hans Wilsdorf (England).

What – Wilsdorf creates the Tudor line to offer reliability and dependability of a Rolex at a more affordable price. Some believed the Tudor line was created to be his “own” line of watches. The main difference is the movement used within the watch and, later now, the introduction of “color” to their watches.

When – In 1946 Wilsdorf introduces Tudor to honor the Tudor period of England. These watches were sold in the USA until 2004 and have returned mid to late 2013.

What is the significance? Tudor replaces Rolex as the title sponsor for the newly combined sports car racing series: Tudor United SportsCar Championship which is organized by International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). This is the direct result of the merger between the American Le Mans Series and Rolex Sports Car Series (i.e. Grand-Am Road Racing).

This new combination is going to the forefront of sports car GT racing in the United States. Other series will exist, but this will be most regarded. Without this we would not have our beloved 24 hour endurance racing at Daytona or Sebring, along with Petit Le Mans and six hours of the Glen.

As Tudors return to the United States and takes over as the headline for motorsports racing it would only make sense to introduce a watch for racing fans that marks the beginning of a new chapter. Again introducing the Heritage Chronograph. It mirrors the original design from the 1970s but blends in modern movement and redefined shapes. What makes this watch less offensive is the inclusion of the nylon NATO wrist strap; thus giving the owner an option for cold steel or stylish colors. The price for this re-stylized piece of history starts at roughly $4,500, its a small price to pay for a piece of motoring history. The small details help set this watch apart from the rest. The nylon strap is matched with a Tudor buckle. The watch has a rotating bi-directional bezel that is different from the standard diver’s watch. Okay so you’re not sure you can use this watch in daily situations? How wrong you are. The watch has screw down pushers and crown making it water resistant down to 150 meters. Meaning doing dishes, showering or jumping in a swimming pool won’t damage the watch. Or better yet changing a tire in the rain you can be completely sure it will keep on moving. If you don’t like the black/orange you can opt for the blue and orange but we feel its more of a boating feel. If this is the new face of timing, I think we can accept it with open arms. See you at the races!