Ducati, the Italian motorcycle maker and MotoGP world champion, has chosen Binda Group, the watchmaker headquarted in Milan, Italy, as its licensed partner to produce and distribute worldwide a new line of watches bearing the Ducati and Ducati Corse brand names.

The watches are “dedicated to ‘Ducatisti’ (i.e., Ducati fans) and, more in general, to all those who love sports and new trends,” said the March announcement.

The Swiss-made Ducati and Ducati Corse watches will be unveiled at BaselWorld 2008 (Apr. 3 – 10) and distributed internationally through the Binda Group’s retail network.

“The project with Ducati strengthens Binda Group’s presence in sport watches” said Marcello Binda, Group chairman.

“This agreement allows us to transfer the Italian excellence which we express on the racetrack to an object, such as the watch, that best represents the spirit of the wearer” added Gabriele Del Torchio, chairman of Ducati and president of Ducati Corse “The partnership with the Binda Group … joins together Italian character and excellence of design and components.”

Binda, founded a century ago, owns the Breil Milano, Breil Tribe and Wyler Genève brands. Ducati, founded in 1926, produces sport motorcycles, known for powerful “desmodromic” engines, innovative design and avantgarde technology. The bikes are sold in 60 countries.

JCK