The Tudor Fastrider: A Relationship with Ducati

Tudor and Ducati

Similar to its parent brand Rolex, Tudor places emphasis on the sport watch category. This focus not only influences the design of their watches but also the partnerships they forge. One such collaboration is Tudor’s work with the famed Italian motorcycle manufacturer Ducati. The two brands first teamed up back in 2011. From that moment forward, Tudor would serve as the official timing partner of Ducati. They also began designing a new model in tandem with the brand. Their first collective creation was the Fastrider Chronograph.

The Original Fastrider Chronograph

The duo’s initial Fastrider model showcases Ducati’s signature colors, black and red. The bold 42mm model features an automatic chronograph boasting a 46-hour power reserve. In addition, it comes equipped with a quickset date function at the nine-o’clock position. The Ducati Fastrider was a special edition and produced in a limited quantity. However, Tudor also released a standard variation of the Fastrider. It was available with either a black or a silver dial in place of the red.

The Next Generation Fastrider Chronograph

Four years after its initial debut, Tudor presented another update to the Fastrider line. One of the most notable differences with the 2015 Fastrider was the addition of new dial colors. The brand made the model available in green, yellow, and red. The dial and bezel also feature a matte finish ceramic construction, similar to that of the Pelagos collection. In addition, Tudor incorporated iconic “panda” style subdials. Other elements of the Fastrider remain the same, like the 42mm case in brushed stainless steel and quickset date function.

The Fastrider Black Shield

Later in 2015, Tudor launched another addition to the Fastrider lineup. The Black Shield presented the most significant updates to the collection with a totally new look and feel. This time, Tudor took their use of ceramic to the next level with a ceramic case and bezel in matte black. The brand created this unique design using an injection molded Monobloc or single piece construction as opposed to ceramic coating. The result is a highly robust, nearly scratch resistant watch. White dial markers and hands provide contrast to the all-black aesthetic. The overall style draws inspiration from Ducati’s second-generation XDiavel cruiser motorcycle. 

The Current Fastrider Collection

Since the introduction of the Black Shield in 2015, it has become the staple of the Fastrider line. Today, Tudor offers the model in a number of variations in addition to the original all-black. For fans of the initial red and black colorway, there’s a Black Shield featuring red accents. These appear on the dial markers, hands, and stitching on the strap. There’s also a slightly softer and less sporty variation showcasing a brown strap and bronze accents on the dial. The only major update we’ve yet to see in the Fastrider collection is a fully Tudor manufactured caliber. Since the model’s inception, it has come equipped with the brand’s modified ETA 7753 self-winding mechanical chronograph movement. Tudor has slowly but surely added their own in-house movements in other collections over the years. This is something we hope to see in the Fastrider line in the future.