First created in 2011, the Fastrider collection represents a partnership between Tudor and Ducati. In 2013, Tudor launched the Fastrider Black Shield which is a matte black ceramic chronograph that was designed in conjunction with a customized version of the Ducati Diavel.
For 2015, Tudor has created the Fasterider Chrono which has the same dimensions, design, and movement as the Black Shield, but instead of all black ceramic, the case is crafted of 316L steel with a ceramic bezel. The Fastrider Chrono was designed to coordinate with the look of various Scrambler motorcycles (originally produced in the 1960s) that were recently resurrected by Ducati. Accordingly, there are three dial variations that match the bikes: bright yellow, olive green, and red.
Fastrider Chronos comes in 42 mm diameter cases, just like the Black Shield. And while the design and dimensions are the same, the steel case and new dials, create an entirely new aesthetic. Despite the steel Fastrider Chrono being slightly heavier than the ceramic Black Shield, we think it’s well worth the trade-off when you consider that the entry price is lower, not to mention its beautiful juxtaposition of steel and ceramic.
Apart from the polished and skeletonized, ruthenium treated hour, minute and chronograph second hands – and the faceted, polished applied hour indices – everything on the chronograph has a matte or brushed finish.
A flat sapphire crystal protects the dial, with a steel screwed-in caseback. The crown screws down and features what Tudor refers to as a “double waterproofness system.” The water-resistance rating is 150 meters.
Angular pushers recall the body of the Ducati. At 9 ‘clock on the caseband is a flat, matte black PVD rapid date corrector (which requires the included Tudor tool), and is shaped and decorated with the Ducati shield motif. Available in matte-finished bright yellow (Ducati’s iconic color), olive green, or Ducati red, the dial is surrounded by a black flange with black minute graduations and black luminous hour dots. The hour markers are black and have been applied, including a black Tudor logo at 12 o’clock. “TUDOR GENEVE” is printed in black just below 12.
Chronograph counters are located at 3 o’clock (30-minute counter) and at 6 o’clock (12-hour counter). Small seconds are displayed at 9 o’clock. All the subdials feature a black ring with gray printed scale and ruthenium treated guilloche pattern. A circular aperture between 4 and 5 o’clock indicates the date.
Powering the Fastrider Chrono is the same movement used in the Black Shield Chrono, an ETA 7753, which is self-winding with a mono-directional rotor system. The 27 jewel movement beats at 4Hz and has a maximum power reserve of 46-hours. Each Tudor Fastrider Chrono comes with your choice of black leather or black rubber, with a folding clasp and safety catch. Retail is $4,100. (Ref. 42010N)
Verdict
When the Tudor Fastrider Black Shield came out in 2013, we were impressed by the value, especially when compared to similar ceramic pieces that can easily retail at more than twice the price. Tudor has again made a great value, as well as creating a completely new aesthetic that perfectly combines stainless steel and black ceramic. I personally like the bright yellow model the best, as it’s a color typically associated with Ducati, and to me looks just right. The leather strap, which Tudor says was inspired by leather motorcycle saddles with gadroons, is just awesome. The styling of the strap also harkens back to vintage Lamborghini Espadas black leather gadroon-style seats.
