TW Steel Emerson Fittipaldi Edition Watch
TW Steel present a new piece in tribute to the legendary F1 and IndyCar racer - the TW Steel Emerson Fittipaldi Signature Edtion. The watch forms part of the Grandeur Tech collection, boldly styled, technical and modern. The brand have a strong involvement in Formula One as timing partner of the Renault F1 team and if you watch BBC's coverage of the sport, look closely - the brand have "scooped" almost the whole BBC F1 team, David Coulthard, Eddie Jordan and Lee McKenzie are all TW Steel ambassadors. The celebratory Fittipaldi watch is available in two sizes, big and bigger. The watchcases of TW Steel's portfolio are constructed from high grade steel, for this piece a liberal coating of black PVD results in a boldly dark design. Two versions are available, 45mm and 48mm. Emerson Fittipaldi collaborated on the project and his wish for his beloved Brazilian heritage to be represented is displayed through touches of yellow, on the hands and on the "pillars" which join the bezel to the caseback. The piece is powered by a Miyota high precision Chrono movement. For a tribute edition the "Emerson" in the Emerson piece is fairly subtle. His name appears in yellow on the tachymeter ring, a little chequered flag appears at the dial centre and the caseback features his signature and career achievements.
Presented on the 40th anniversary of the Brazilian's first F1 win, TW Steel have gained an iconic brand ambassador in Emerson Fittipaldi. Known in the pit lane for his calmness and good natured humour, he was hired by the visionary Colin Chapman in 1970 as an understudy to the Team Lotus drivers. When Jochen Rindt was killed in practice for the Monza Grand Prix the same year, the team's other driver John Miles felt unable to continue and quit F1 forever. The youthful Fittipaldi was left to take the seat as the team's main driver. He became World Champion with Lotus in 1972 and again with McLaren in 1974. His transition to IndyCar racing produced another championship, in 1989 - one of the few drivers to achieve championship status in both disciplines.
Emerson Fittipaldi remains involved in F1 to this day and appears in the pit lane as a much loved and respected individual, recognisable by his "rock star" side burns, still handsome and still charismatic.
The TW Steel Emerson Fittipaldi Edition comes presented on a chunky silicon rubber strap.
