The Edifice ECB2200HTR-1A is a $400 watch that looks all kinds of cool. Created as a limited-edition Honda collaboration, the ECB2200HTR-1A is designed to hearken back to the original Honda TYPE-R, a sports car familiar to folks in the Japanese car collectors circuit. This punchy hatchback first surfaced in the 1990s as an affordable and upgradable muscle car and the watch features the Type-R styling and a bold, red Honda logo at 12 o’clock.
From the release:
Reflecting a synergy between high-octane performance and intricate design, the ECB2200HTR-1A is a tribute to the Honda TYPE-R, boasting a 47.6 x 48.2 x 11.9 mm case safeguarded by scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The HONDA “H” logo is embossed on the dial and TYPE-R logo engraved on the case back; both symbolizing a shared legacy of racing excellence. The meticulous design extends to the genuine leather watch strap, its Alcantara® underside with red stitching is inspired by the interior of the TYPE-R, inviting wearers to carry a piece of the racing legend on their wrist. The championship white paint along with Honda red accents adorn the dial, band loop, and detailed stitching on the Alcantara leather band stands out against the carbon case.
Not only is the ECB2200HTR-1A water-resistant up to 100 meters, but also features Casio’s Smartphone Link technology. By connecting to the CASIO Watches app through Bluetooth® on a compatible smartphone, the ECB2200HTR-1A effortlessly updates its time zone based on the user’s geographical location, ensuring accurate timekeeping wherever the race of life takes them. Additional features include a solar battery, double-LED light, five daily alarms, and more.
Honda TYPE-R
The Honda R-Type is an interesting vehicle for the Casio partnership. The Honda Type-R series, revered for its performance and engineering, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1990s. The “R” in Type-R stands for “Racing,” and this badge has become a symbol of Honda’s racing heritage and its dedication to high performance.
The Story of the Honda Type-R
The genesis of the Type-R series lies in Honda’s racing DNA and its commitment to bringing track-level performance to the public road. The first car to wear this badge was the Honda NSX Type-R, introduced in 1992. This model was a lighter, more focused version of the already impressive NSX, and it set the stage for what the Type-R badge would come to represent: reduced weight, enhanced rigidity, and a no-compromise approach to driving dynamics.
Following the NSX Type-R, perhaps the most iconic model in the series, the Honda Integra Type-R, was released in 1995. It gained a cult following due to its exceptional handling and high-revving VTEC engine.
Why the Type-R is a good car
The traits that make the Type-R series so desirable are multifaceted. At their core, these cars are engineered with a focus on performance. This includes:
- High-Revving Engines: The Type-R models are known for their VTEC engines that offer high power output and a thrilling redline.
- Lightweight Construction: Weight reduction is a key trait, with Honda removing unnecessary items and using lighter materials to enhance agility and speed.
- Enhanced Handling and Rigidity: Stiffer suspensions, improved chassis rigidity, and exclusive aerodynamic designs contribute to superior handling and stability at high speeds.
- Racing-Inspired Aesthetics: The Type-R cars often feature sporty and aggressive styling, both in their exteriors and interiors, with exclusive badges, sport seats, and performance-focused design elements.
Current Popularity
In the current automotive landscape, the Honda Type-R series continues to enjoy popularity, especially among car enthusiasts and those who appreciate performance-focused vehicles. The Honda Civic Type-R, for example, has been a standout, celebrated for bringing exceptional performance and handling to a front-wheel-drive platform. It’s praised for its balance of daily drivability and track-ready capabilities, making it a versatile choice for many.
The Type-R models have also maintained a strong following in the aftermarket community, where enthusiasts modify and tune these cars for even greater performance. This community has helped keep the Type-R’s legacy alive and thriving.
In summary, the Honda Type-R series represents a pinnacle of Honda’s philosophy of combining everyday usability with exhilarating performance. It’s a unique blend of racing technology, innovative engineering, and driving pleasure that continues to resonate with car enthusiasts around the world.
The watch is available now for $400 on Casio.com.
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About the Author / Author Expertise & Authority
John Biggs: I live in Brooklyn, NY and write about technology, security, gadgets, gear, wristwatches, and the Internet. After spending four years as an IT programmer, I switched gears and became a full-time journalist. My work has appeared in the New York Times, Laptop, PC Upgrade, Gizmodo, Men’s Health, InSync, Popular Science, and I’ve written a book called Marie Antoinette’s Watch about the most famous and mysterious watch ever made. I am the former East Coast Editor of TechCrunch.com.
