TAG Heuer Bamford x Ikuzawa

Mspeedster

A little background story on my TAG Heuer x Team Ikuzawa by Bamford. After kicking myself for not buying last year's Carrera x Blue Porsche RS 2.7, I was immediately taken with this Ikuzawa release. It pushed many of my same buttons and the JPY price was fairly reasonable in USD. On top of that, the watch was announced on my birthday. A clear sign that I needed this watch. Only problem, this was a Japan only release.

But with divine intervention from a good friend in Japan, who acted as my advocate, a Japan TH boutique agreed to sell me the watch and ship it overseas. This all happened within the first week of release, before they sold out. Then came one issue after another and delay after delay. At one point, I thought the watch had been lost or possibly stolen. However each hurdle was eventually cleared and in the end this watch was meant for me. The perfect BD gift to myself for 2023. 😀

A few shots of my box set.

Mspeedster

Thanks guys!

Funny you should ask that question Jim. I'm wearing it today, but I'm looking for other strap alternatives. If TAG makes a replacement for it, I'll use it. BTW, it's not leather. I'm not sure what it is, I read it's supposed to be like the Nomex material used on professional racing gloves. But seems a little different to me.

Here's some pics.

I like the look on a rally strap too. Here's some shots with my Monaco strap. I've ordered a red leather rally strap, which I think will be fun.

I also bought this Omega NATO strap specifically for it. Not sure if I'll keep it though. It makes the watch sit very tall and the red stripe might be a much.

But I do really like it on the bracelet as well.

What do you guys think? Which look do you prefer?

Hubert

Congrats; nice addition!

kappa_md

Great catch sir @Mspeedster ! True JDM x Porsche Motorsport pedigree!

kappa_md

Such good motorsport history indeed! 👍

I never knew about this and quite proves he’s truly a top racer during his prime 👍

Yes Toyota & Honda are still my favorites 😉😉

Mspeedster

Thanks JP!
Indeed. Ikuzawa was the first Japanese driver to compete at the Le Mans 24hrs. In my favorite JDM brand, a rotary powered Mazda Sigma MC73. Which was also sponsored by your favorite brand Toyota, look at the rear wing.

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kappa_md

From the shirt logo, you can clearly see the Greek letter “Sigma” which is known today as SARD (Sigma Advance Racing Development) Famous for tuning TOYOTA Race Cars (same as TRD/TOMS)

SARD Racing is still very active in the current Super GT (GT500) using the A90 Supra.

Ikuzawa was clearly a top Japanese driver for the big manufacturers since he raced and drove with Mazda, Honda and Prince (Datsun/Nissan) race cars 👍

bpsmith

It’s very clear, from your posts in this thread, just how important both hobbies are to you. It’s been a very interesting read, on both the motorsport background and the photos of the piece itself, thank you.

bpsmith

Team strap definitely looks the best, but that Omega one looks pretty good too.

kappa_md

I like the NATO strap sir 👍 Looks really cool and reminds me of the JDM wakaba rising sun flag in Japan 😎

Mspeedster

Another cool modern tribute. This one pays homage to Ikuzawa's 1980 Gozzy Kremer Porsche 935 Le Mans race car.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CrhNk2Dv4nQ/?img_index=1

Pitfitter446

Wonder about a red leather rally strap to balance the white, wouldn’t get so marked maybe, photoshop heroes?