The New Tissot T-Race MotoGP Automatic Chronograph 2022 Limited Edition

Here’s one for motorcycle enthusiasts and racing fans in general. Tissot has created a new race-inspired chronograph that looks fast while sitting on your wrist. It’s large, a bit unconventional and certainly doesn’t fly under the radar. This is a statement piece for those that crave speed and track days, and its focus is on MotoGP or Grand Prix motorcycle racing. Tissot currently has several quartz MotoGP models, but this automatic version is the one for watch enthusiasts and at a fair price. The brand has been an official MotoGP timekeeper since 2001 and this latest piece really highlights that partnership. Let’s hit the start button of this new Tissot T-Race MotoGP Automatic Chronograph 2022 LE.

MotoGP Case

The watch definitely has a MotoGP theme, starting with the bezel that looks like a motorcycle brake disc with the calliper at 3 o’clock. The stainless steel case with black PVD accents is sizeable with a width of 45.5mm, length of 48.8mm and height of 16.6mm. Don’t be shy with this one as it’s sure to grab attention. A sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating protects the dial and features an oversized, wedge-shaped cyclops lens over the date at 3 o’clock. Turn the watch over and the exhibition case back integrates a miniature Grand Prix motorcycle wheel (which is fixed and not the automatic’s rotor). It looks cool and continues the MotoGP theme without obstructing the view of the movement.

The centre portion of the case is black PVD and sandwiched between brushed and polished steel, creating an illusion that it’s recessed. Flat pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock are engraved with START and RESET and reinforce that race timing vibe. From the front, the signed crown is hidden (and guarded) by the faux brake calliper, but it’s substantial and easy to manipulate. Water-resistance is rated at 100 metres. The integrated strap is black with red stitching with perforated leather over rubber. 

Racing Dial

The dial of the Tissot T-Race MotoGP Automatic Chronograph continues the theme with a brushed finish that looks like asphalt flying under a motorcycle rider. A weaved carbon fibre finish connects the sub-dials at 12, 6 and 9 o’clock. There’s a 30-minute counter at 12 o’clock, 6-hour counter at 6 o’clock and small seconds at 9 o’clock, and all sub-dial hands are MotoGP red. The red continues with the chronograph seconds hand, top Arabic numeral on the sub-dials and Tissot’s logo at 3 o’clock.

Oversized grey Arabic numerals are framed in black and mimic the numbers on MotoGP fairings. The grey hour and minute hands have two Super-LumiNova inserts each. A black tachymeter with bold white print fills the outermost perimeter and a date window sits at 3 o’clock (under magnification). It’s not the most legible dial with a lot of dark accents, but it really completes the racing aesthetic. 

Robust engine

The engine is an ETA C01.211 automatic chronograph. It has 15 jewels, beats at 21,600vph (3Hz) with a 45-hour power reserve. The movement was developed for Tissot by request in 2008 (both Tissot and ETA are subsidiaries of the Swatch Group) on the grounds of the Lemania 5100, as an even more accessible automatic alternative to the 7750. Functions include central hours, minutes, chronograph seconds, 30-minute counter, 6-hour counter, small seconds and date. Seen from the exhibition caseback (through the motorcycle wheel), there’s a custom black rotor with a silver pattern and print. 

Availability & Price

The Tissot T-Race MotoGP Automatic Chronograph 2022 Limited Edition is limited to 3,333 pieces and comes in a very cool box that’s shaped like a MotoGP helmet (complete with a clear visor). This is a fun chronograph for MotoGP or any race fans that want something edgy and a bit different. The watch retails for EUR 1,025, which isn’t bad for a limited automatic chronograph from a major Swiss brand.

For more details and orders, please visit www.tissotwatches.com.