JToddH
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A TAG Heuer Honeymoon, Indy Style
My fascination with racing and passion for TAG Heuer led to an interesting chain of events a few weeks ago. When all was said and done, I ended up at the Indy 500, newly married and with a new addition to my budding TAG Heuer collection. If “that” doesn’t sound like the makings of a serious hangover!
Having acquired the 100th Indy 500 Heuer 01 LE last year, I had put my name in the hat early for the 101st Heuer 01 LE. Still, with wedding plans for May and moving into a new house, purchasing another watch kinda fell off the radar.
After a relaxing honeymoon with my new bride, we were on our way home when a call came in about the new Indy 500 watch. By the end of that call, my wife and I somehow ended up with an invitation to Indianapolis and about 24 hours to return home, unpack, repack and head to north for the 101st running of the Indy 500!
Jokingly referred to as “The Honeymoon, Part 2”, the trip started at Indy with a gathering of TAG Heuer ambassadors from across North America. It was a wonderful GTG with like-minded supporters of the brand.
TAG Heuer was sure to include a comprehensive collection of timepieces for attendees to peruse.
On display was the current Indy 500 Limited Edition that I posted previously, as well as other releases from Basel. Even the new Autavias were there to handle.
The highlight of the evening was a visit with brand ambassador Alexander Rossi, a rookie driver who took the checkered flag at last year’s 100th running at Indy. After a brief discussion on stage, he spent time signing memorabilia and smiling for photo-ops.
What was he wearing? Well of course it was the 100th Indy 500 Heuer 01 presented by the brand last year after winning his first Indy 500.
What impressed me most about Rossi, besides being an incredibly nice guy, was that he really showed a passion for the brand, taking interest in and even asking questions about the TAG Heuer timepiece(s) I was wearing.
Following cocktails, conversation and general camaraderie, guests converged on Indy’s trendy Hotel Tango restaurant and bar.
Killian Müller, President of TAG Heuer North America, and VP of Sales Roland Enderli were on hand to engage guests and share in the celebration.
Needless to say, guests were quick to share their own TAG Heuer timpieces.
A local cigar roller was also on-hand with exclusive sticks for the event. The custom cigars also provided a unique backdrop for a generational gathering of TAG Heuer/Heuer timepieces. Wonderful drinks, cigars, watches and friends ensured this would be an evening to remember.
Eventually, we made it back to the Alexander Hotel where a
private party continued on the deck until, as I recall, about 2a.m. The next
morning was not kind to me 
On race day morning survivors assembled and headed to the Brickyard.
Before the kick-off, some of guests were granted access to the track as the cars were prepared for launch.
As for the race?
By all accounts it was terrific, though wrought with wrecks and mechanical mischief that resulted in 14 leaders and 35 lead changes. The yellow flag came out ten times forcing a quarter of the race’s 200 laps to be run under caution. With the threat of rain through much of the race, this year’s Indy 500 was a nail biter to the end.
With every lap, every caution and every lead change, TAG Heuer was there with its iconic logo watching over the famous Brickyard’s finish line.
Although Rossi led the race several times and arguably had the strongest, most consistent run for most of the race, fuel issues eventually forced him back to a seventh place finish with Japan’s Takuma Sato taking first.
All-in-all, it was an incredible Indy 500 experience, but I left with more than just great memories. The box to my 100th Indy 500 Heuer 01 now carries the signature of 100th Indy winner, Alex Rossi as well as second place #26 driver Carlos Munoz (my watch happens to be #26 of 100).
Finally, to keep the Indy theme going, I decided to add the 101st Indy 500 Heuer 01 to my collection. I couldn’t resist it! In my next post, I’ll share some more pics and impressions of my newest addition.
<A wedding, a honeymoon, the Indianapolis 500 and a new Heuer 01. It takes the patience of a saint to be the wife of a WIS. En lieu of sainthood however, “she” simply wants another TAG. What have I gotten myself into?
A TAG Heuer Honeymoon, Indy Style
No rest for the wicked
