Partner to share their reverence for motorsport
Tokyo, September 22, 2023 – TAG Heuer, the renowned Swiss luxury watch brand, joins forces with Team Ikuzawa for the very first time. Known as “The Choice of Racing Enthusiasts,” this name is synonymous with motorsport and now stands as a cultural phenomenon. This partnership is exemplified through a timepiece that melds TAG Heuer’s unparalleled craftsmanship, the extraordinary customization skills of George Bamford, and the daring artistic vision of Mai Ikuzawa, who proudly continues the Ikuzawa legacy.
At the heart of this collaboration lies the legacy of Tetsu Ikuzawa, a distinguished racing driver whose career was marked by significant victories and later by his renowned role as a team owner. Born as the son of an artist, Tetsu ventured into his first motorcycle race at the age of 15. Despite finishing last, he earned the “Fighting Spirit Award” for his unwavering determination, a fitting start to his remarkable journey.
In 1963, he made a transition from two wheels to four, participating in the inaugural Japanese Grand Prix for sports cars at Suzuka. He signed a contract with the Prince Motor Company to drive the Skyline Sport Coupe. In 1964, he continued racing with the team, a momentous period that marked the beginning of the legendary Skyline GT racing dynasty we know today.
By 1967, Tetsu found himself without a car to race, leading him to end his contract with Nissan. He decided to lease a Porsche 906 from a Japanese importer. Tetsu defied expectations and triumphed over domestic competitors, winning the race. This victory instantly catapulted Porsche to stardom in Japan and marked the beginning of a lifelong association between Ikuzawa and the Porsche brand.
In the late 1960s, Tetsu ventured into European motor racing, attracted by its prominence in the field. Despite having limited knowledge of English, he competed in the British Formula Three Championship in 1966. In 1967, racing legend Stirling Moss introduced Tetsu to Motor Racing Stables based at Brands Hatch, and by 1968, he was racing for Frank Williams. Subsequently, he joined Porsche as a factory driver, becoming a pioneering Japanese racer at events like Le Mans and in Formula 2. Later on, Tetsu founded i&i Racing Development, which is now known as Team Ikuzawa. The team’s iconic red and white livery, featuring a red-crowned crane, pays homage to the family’s artistic heritage.
Now, stepping gracefully into the limelight, Mai artfully intertwines her heritage and her passion for the automotive industry with the sensibilities she acquired during her studies at the prestigious Central Saint Martin’s School of Art and Design. With two decades of experience as a Creative Director across various disciplines, she has become a prominent figure in Japan’s dynamic design culture and artistic scene. Mai has collaborated closely with influential designers and tastemakers, including the legendary Hiroshi Fujiwara, who has also partnered with TAG Heuer in the past. Simultaneously, Mai is one of the world’s most influential automotive ambassadors, aiming to inject creative innovation and a fresh perspective into special projects within the automotive realm. She embodies the perfect fusion of her father’s racing legacy, her unique sense of style, and her Japanese cultural background. This harmony makes Mai the ideal partner for TAG Heuer in creating a new timepiece, one that pays tribute to her father’s racing heritage while infusing it with her distinct style and cultural influences.
Completing this collaboration with finesse is George Bamford, a revered customizer and design connoisseur known for his exceptional ability to blend aesthetics and functionality seamlessly. George’s deep admiration for TAG Heuer, combined with his deep-rooted love for cars, positions him perfectly as the ideal partner for this extraordinary collaboration. It also offers him the opportunity to collaborate with Mai, a longtime friend of Bamford.
Together, these visionary forces unite, merging TAG Heuer’s unmatched expertise, George Bamford’s boundless creativity, and Mai Ikuzawa’s artistic vision. The result is an unparalleled fusion of horology, elegance, and racing heritage that will be cherished by those who appreciate it.
The centerpiece of this collaboration is an exquisitely crafted watch in red and white, paying homage to Team Ikuzawa and its culture. The dial features a white opaline finish with a striking red 60-second/minute scale, complemented by two white and red contrasting chronograph counters at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock. Rhodium-plated, polished indexes and hands, adorned with white Super-LumiNova® and red lacquer, exude a sporty yet sophisticated essence.
The dial proudly displays the “Team Ikuzawa Choice of Racing Enthusiasts” and “SWISS MADE” insignias, 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, powered 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.
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 bears a special steel screw-down sapphire case back, proudly displaying the “XXX/100,” “Team Ikuzawa” logo, and “BAMFORD WATCH DEPT.” imprint.
Limited to just 100 pieces, this exclusive collaboration holds immense significance. The numbers one and 100 have been reserved for Tetsu and Mai Ikuzawa, respectively. This unique timepiece is presented in specially designed, co-branded TAG Heuer x Team Ikuzawa packaging adorned with vivid white and red colors. In a nod to Tetsu’s racing achievements in Japan, the box also includes a Porsche miniature, encapsulating the spirit of his remarkable achievements with the Porsche 906 at the 1967 Japanese Grand Prix.
This exceptional collaboration embodies the perfect blend of heritage, style, and craftsmanship. It stands as a testament to the unifying power of passion, innovation, and relationships. With the release of this remarkable timepiece, TAG Heuer celebrates the fusion of racing, culture, and Swiss watchmaking excellence, creating a truly distinctive and timeless masterpiece.
About TAG Heuer
In an iconic blend of Japanese racing heritage and avant-garde culture, TAG Heuer, Team Ikuzawa, and Bamford Watch Department collaborate to create a timepiece that captures the essence of this exhilarating fusion.