1946 was an important year for Rolex.
It was the year that founder Hans Wilsdorf decided to create a watch of legendary Rolex quality which was more affordable. That’s where Tudor comes in. Dubbed the “little brother” of Rolex, Tudor has become a worldwide sensation, with a number of different watches that all satisfy Wilsdorf’s original vision.
The Tudor Black Shield, specifically the Tudor Fastrider Black Shield, is the newest addition to the Tudor line-up. In 2012, Tudor combined forces with Italian motorcycle producer Ducati. Their collaboration produced the Fastrider Black Shield, inspired by the Ducati Diavel and hailed as the most creative timepiece to be released by Tudor in recent years. The Fastrider has essentially become the official watch of the popular motorcycle company, and its design is largely inspired by a combination of the essence and aesthetic of both the Ducati and Tudor brands.
At first glance, you’ll find little evidence of collaboration on the timepiece itself, as the Fastrider Black Shield doesn’t display a Ducati logo. But if you’re looking for evidence of Ducati’s involvement, the only immediately obvious hint at this is the triangle shield located on the left-hand side of the case, a nod to the Ducati logo itself.
The Tudor Fastrider Black Shield 42000
The Tudor Fastrider Black Shield ref. 42000, part of the larger Tudor Black Shield family, is black through and through. The chronograph has a bead-blasted surface and matte, scratch-proof finish, all inside a matching 42mmceramic case with a sapphire crystal. The pushers and crown are sturdy, built from PVD-coated steel to match the rest of the watch design.
As for the dial, the date can be found at the 4:30 mark; a 30-minute totalizer rests at 3, and the 12-hour totalizer rests at 6. The watch is water resistant up to 150m.
The Fastrider Black Shield comes on either a rubber or leather strap with a safety catch and a folding clasp. Keeping in line with its modern black look, the catch is set in black PVD-treated steel. Six different versions of the Tudor Fastrider Black Shield are available, with the only differences in the color of the markers and dials and wrist strap options.
The Tudor Fastrider is more than just good looks, however. Its engraved tachymeter scale helps calculate speed, and it runs on a high-quality Swiss ETA Valjoux 7753 automatic chronograph movement. Built for sport, the Fastrider Black Shield has a power reserve of 46 hours so that dedicated sportsman can keep going and going.
The Tudor Black Shield line of watches is unapologetically modern and stylish. Both useful and durable, the Black Shield is popular among racers, athletes, and other sportsmen. The Fastrider Black Shield’s capabilities reach below the sea, which makes it a hit with divers who like wearing higher fashion. Affordable and elegant, you’ll purchase this watch for its amazing versatility and wear it day after day for its undisputed class. Take it on the go or for a night on the town—the Tudor Fastrider Black Shield is perfect for any situation.
Images ©: Header, 2; Tudor. 1; Professional Watches.
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