Nicky Hayden
The world of MotoGP and Swiss watchmaking collided when Tissot decided to honour the legacy of Nicky Hayden, the 2006 MotoGP World Champion. As a testament to Hayden’s prowess on the track and his affiliation with Tissot, a limited-edition T-Race chronograph was birthed, encapsulating both the spirit of the racer and the precision of Swiss craftsmanship.
2006 MotoGP Championship
- Nicky Hayden and Tissot: Nicky Hayden, the MotoGP World Champion of 2006, was a Tissot ambassador. Tissot, a renowned Swiss luxury watchmaker, showed its fondness for Hayden by releasing a dedicated watch for him nearly every year since he signed on in 2006. They continued this tradition until Hayden’s untimely death in 2017.
- Special Edition T-Race Chronograph: The watch being discussed is a Tissot T-Race chronograph, dedicated to Hayden in 2007. This special edition was released after Hayden’s MotoGP Championship victory in 2006. It is one of 11,111 units, a number chosen in homage to Hayden’s racing number at the time. This specific watch is numbered 4,683 out of the 11,111.
- Watch Details:
- Base Model: Tissot T-Race quartz chronograph
- Diameter: 41 millimetres steel case
- Strap: Orange rubber sized for a seven-inch wrist
- Water Resistance: 100 meters or 330 feet
- Movement: G10.211 calibre with chronograph functions
- Dial: Carbon fibre with a date complication, magnifier at three o’clock, and design elements in line with both Hayden’s theme and the T-Race motorsport theme.
- For Sale Details:
- The watch comes with its original box, papers, and Tissot’s Certificate of Authenticity.
- Seller Location: Purmerend, Netherlands
- Sale Method: Auction
- Current Bid: $669 USD
- Auction End Time: November 8, 2023, at 10:00 AM Pacific Standard Time (PST).
Tissot
The watch represents a unique piece of memorabilia for both watch enthusiasts and fans of Nicky Hayden. It combines the precision and elegance of Swiss watchmaking with the speed and thrill of MotoGP, making it a special piece for collectors.
Pros:
- Limited Edition: Only 11,111 units of this watch were produced, making it a unique collector’s item.
- Association with Nicky Hayden: As a tribute to the 2006 MotoGP World Champion, this watch holds sentimental value, especially for MotoGP and Nicky Hayden fans.
- Swiss Craftsmanship: Tissot is a renowned Swiss luxury watchmaker known for its quality and precision.
- Detailed Customization: The watch has design elements specifically tailored to Hayden, including the special race number and themes associated with motorsports.
- Comes with Authenticity: The watch is accompanied by its original box, papers, and Tissot’s Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring its genuine nature.
- Technical Specifications: Features such as 100-meter water resistance, G10.211 calibre with chronograph functions, and a carbon fiber dial highlight its advanced technical nature.
Cons:
- Potential for High Price: Given its limited-edition nature and association with Nicky Hayden, the watch might fetch a high price, making it less accessible to some potential buyers.
- Size Restrictions: The watch’s rubber strap is sized for a seven-inch wrist, which might not be suitable for everyone.
- No Direct Warranty Mentioned: While the watch comes with a certificate of authenticity, there’s no direct mention of a warranty or guarantee for the timepiece.
- Bill of Sale Only: The seller offers the watch with a bill of sale only, which might not provide as much assurance as other sale methods to potential buyers.
- Quartz Movement: While quartz movements are precise, some watch enthusiasts prefer mechanical movements for their craftsmanship and longevity.
Auction
Conclusion: In the intricate dance of gears and seconds, Tissot’s special edition T-Race chronograph stands out not just as a timepiece but as a homage to Nicky Hayden’s unparalleled legacy in MotoGP. This unique blend of motorsport passion and watchmaking expertise is a collector’s dream, symbolizing the eternal bond between time and racing. As the auction date approaches, it will undoubtedly capture the attention of enthusiasts from both worlds, eager to own a piece of history.
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