The quartz-powered Tissot T-Race Danica Patrick Limited Edition 2012 (ref. T048.217.27.016.00) chronograph is, as you have probably already guessed, named after Ms. Danica Sue Patrick, a well-known American auto racing driver that also happens to be a model, Tissot’s “brand ambassador,” and the only woman to win in the famous IndyCar Series. Being a limited edition model, the timekeeper will be offered in a total lot of 4999 pieces.
Although designed with ladies in mind, the new watch is presented in a rather large stainless steel case almost 37 millimeters in diameter, which is crowned with a fixed bezel machined from white ceramic.
The main point of attraction of this beautiful piece is the oversized magnifying lens, which is placed at 3 o’clock right over the date window and is accompanied by a somewhat strange-looking element that works as an unusual crown guard.
Judging by the look of it, the element must be removed in order to operate the steel setting crown but doesn’t stand in your way when you need to press the chronograph push-pieces that are traditionally placed at 2 and 4 o’clock.
The rest is more or less common.
Powered by an unspecified Swiss-made quartz movement, the watch features three sub-dials on its matte white face. The totalizers at 2 and 10 o’clock count hours and minutes respectively, while the sub-dial at 6 hours is reserved for a small seconds display.
As usual, the central chronograph seconds hand is equipped with a T-shaped counterweight, which is painted in the same bright orange color as the other chronograph pointers. The world “Tachymetre” inscribed on the bezel flange follows the same color scheme.
Oh, and, since this is a lady’s watch, its hour markers are replaced with 12 small diamonds.
There is still no info regarding the timekeeper’s international availability and price, but, if I understand the press release correctly, it will be priced below €1000* and will be officially presented next month during the Baselworld 2012.
See also: TAG Heuer Formula 1 Lady Steel & Ceramic Pavee
* UPDATE ON PRICE: The Tissot T-Race Danica Patrick will indeed be relatively affordable with its MSRP of just below $1200 (that will depend however on the part of the world you live in and your local taxes and customs duties,) which makes it an interesting offer if you are into this sort of styling, a fan of car racing and never miss a chance of putting the proverbial pedal to the metal.
Photos: Tissot
Tissot T-Race Danica Patrick Limited Edition 2012 (ref. T048.217.27.016.00) specification
Price: $1195 (MSRP)
Movement: Quartz, Swiss Made
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph, date, tachymeter
Case: Stainless steel
Bezel: White ceramic
Shape: Round
Size: 36.65 mm
Case height: 11.20 mm
Dial: White
Hour markers: 12 diamonds
Hands: Luminous
Water resistance: 100 meters
Strap: A white silicone band with a steel folding clasp and pushers
Crystal: Sapphire, date magnifier
Back: Solid, inscribed