Although these two items undoubtedly serve different purposes, cars and watches have an inseparable connection that dates back to the dawn of automotive manufacturing.
These items are not only steeped in tradition but are also characterized by complex engineering and thoughtful mechanics, as well as the need to combine form and function. Moreover, throughout much of motorsport history, watches have been used for timekeeping, establishing an even closer link between these two sports. For these reasons, many car enthusiasts also appreciate exquisite watches. This has led to the emergence of a wide range of watches designed for car lovers and tech enthusiasts, the best of which we present today in this guide to the best watches for car lovers.
What to Look for in Car-Inspired Watches
While there are dozens of elements to consider when buying a car-themed watch, five factors undoubtedly stand above the rest. Below, we briefly discuss the five main aspects to consider when purchasing watches for car enthusiasts.
- Case: Unlike the frame on which a car is built, the watch case serves as the foundation and chassis for the rest of the watch. Watch cases can come in a variety of shapes, styles, and constructions, but materials used in motorsport, such as carbon fiber or titanium, are often among the most common.
- Movement: Almost any car enthusiast will tell you that what's under the hood of a car truly matters, and this belief is no less true for automotive-themed watches and the movements they contain. Racer-oriented watches often feature mechanical movements, although a wide range of different types of watch movements can be found.
- Dial: Another way some watchmakers establish an even greater connection between watches and chronometers is by using dials modeled after car gauges and meters. This aesthetic is quite common in this field, as are chronograph watch dials with additional sub-dials and tachymeters - scales used to measure speed over distance.
- Strap: The bracelet or strap of a watch plays a huge role in its overall appearance, and since many of these watches aim to create a motorsport-inspired image, quite a few models boast straps that visually resemble classic car interiors. Like a tire, the watch strap can be changed at will, allowing the owner to dress the watch depending on the occasion.
- Motorsport Connection: Although watches are rarely used for timekeeping these days, there are dozens of watches that have a tangible connection to racing teams, specific car manufacturers, iconic competitions, or legendary racing liveries. While this factor does not change the watch itself, it gives it a more specific connection to the world of motorsport.
YEMA Rallygraf
The attractive and affordable flagship Rallygraf watch from YEMA is a modern reissue of the 70s racing chrono worn by Mario Andretti.
The YEMA Rallygraf is an attractive and affordable motorsport-themed watch that punches well above its weight - and MSRP. The Rallygraf is a modern reissue of the original 70s racing chronograph worn by Mario Andretti when the racing legend drove his 700-horsepower Brawner Hawk MK III to victory in the 1969 Indy 500 race. The Rallygraf is presented in a 39mm stainless steel case with a black tachymetric bezel and a knurled crown with a double O-ring, equipped with a Seiko VK64 meca-quartz movement, a steel mesh bracelet, and a uniquely designed dial with mirrored trapezoidal sub-dials under a double-domed mineral glass.
- Case Size: 39 mm
- Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel
- Movement: Meca-quartz hybrid
Straton Speciale
The Speciale model with numerous color options is a distinctly vintage offering from a brand that deals exclusively in car-inspired watches.
The Straton Speciale watch, available in classic Gulf livery colors, though also available in other color options, is a vintage-style watch released by a Zurich microbrand that exclusively deals in car and motorsport-inspired watches. Water-resistant to 100 meters, the Speciale is equipped with a Seiko VK67 quartz movement or a Swiss Made Valjoux ETA7750 automatic movement. Both movements are housed in a 316L stainless steel case with DLC coating (though the automatic version is slightly thicker - 15.9 mm vs. 13 mm for the quartz version). The 42mm case comes with a perforated retro-style leather strap. This Swiss-made chronograph also features markers and hour and minute hands with SuperLuminova coating.
- Case Size: 42 mm
- Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel with DLC Coating
- Movement: Automatic (or Quartz)
Autodromo Vallelunga Automatic
The entry-level Autodromo model with a tachometer-style dial and retro-futuristic aesthetic remains a classic even a decade later.
The Autodromo Vallelunga model became the entry-level piece for the brand when it debuted in 2011 and remains an emblem of neoretro, paying tribute to the golden age of motorsport. The minute scale of the watch, inspired by the namesake Italian track, resembles a tachometer installed in 1960s racing cars (meaning you'll have to guess a bit when counting time between 20 and 30 minutes). Water-resistant up to 50 meters, the watch has a 40mm 316L stainless steel case housing an automatic Miyota 8315 movement with a 60-hour power reserve. The watch, equipped with a small date window, represents perfect retro-futuristic minimalism - especially in the gray dial option - and comes with a ribbed natural leather strap.
- Case Size: 40 mm
- Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel
- Movement: Automatic
REC Watches P51 Eleanor
The Eleanor watch from REC features an interesting car-inspired dial configuration and is made from the trunk lid of the namesake 68 Mustang Fastback car.
Based in Copenhagen, REC is a unique watch brand that produces watches with handmade dials restored from iconic cars. The P51 Eleanor model from the Danish brand is no different: its dial was made from the trunk lid of the famous Eleanor 68 Mustang Fastback car featured in the film “Gone in 60 Seconds,” then coated with clear lacquer to preserve the original patina of the metal. The rest of the watch's design is inspired by the wheels, racing stripes, instruments, and chrome elements of the iconic car from the film. Uniquely, these watches are limited to just 498 pieces worldwide.
- Case Size: 44 mm
- Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel with PVD and Gunmetal Coating
- Movement: Automatic
Tissot Heritage 1973
The Tissot Heritage 1973 is a classic chronograph with an accessible dial and a vintage-style racing strap.
Named aptly as the “Heritage 1973,” the model is created in an oval 316L stainless steel case modeled after one of Tissot's 1973 chronographs and is a Swiss chronograph with undeniable motorsport influence. At the heart of the Tissot Heritage 1973 lies a Swiss automatic movement VALJOUX A05.H31 with 27 jewels and a 60-hour power reserve. The watch is equipped with a 'panda' dial with a tachymeter and a perforated cowhide leather strap inspired by the steering wheels of vintage racing cars.
- Case Size: 43 mm
- Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel
- Movement: Automatic
Reservoir KANISTER
The Kanister watch is one of many Reservoir models dedicated to motoring themes, with a tachometer-style dial and neon accents.
Reservoir creates some of the coolest and most original motorsport-themed watches, largely thanks to its use of a signature jumping hour mechanism and unique dial layout. The company uses a window at the “6 o'clock” position, displaying the hour, and a minute hand that circles the dial from 1 to 60 (starting from “8 o'clock” to “4 o'clock”), then returns to “1” (at the “8 o'clock” position) - much like a tachometer looks when shifting gears. In these watches - the Reservoir KANISTER in a titanium case - the base of the dial is modeled after the rev counter used in the legendary Porsche 356 Speedster.
- Case Size: 41.5 mm
- Case Material: Titanium
- Movement: Mechanical Jumping Hour
Breitling Top Time B01 Classic Cars Capsule
Breitling took inspiration from classic cars, releasing the Top Time chronograph - an accurate recreation of vintage racing watches.
The Top Time by Breitling is an authentically styled vintage chronograph that exists in numerous references - all resulting from limited collaborations. Regardless of the variant, the Top Time features a 41mm stainless steel case housing the in-house B01 automatic movement. The Breitling Top Time Classic Cars Capsule also includes additional models like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Corvette - though the brand also produces motorcycle-themed models, including collaborations with Triumph and another with the world-renowned custom moto brand and store Deus Ex Machina.
- Case Size: 41 mm
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Movement: Automatic
Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph
The black Chopard chronograph with a tire-tread-like strap is dedicated to the Mille Miglia Classic endurance race.
In 1988, Chopard became the main sponsor of the Mille Miglia - a 1000-mile endurance race that started in the Italian town of Brescia and proceeded to Rome and back. Alongside sponsoring and serving as the official timekeeper of the vintage car competition, the Swiss company produces special chronographs in honor of the Mille Miglia. This version of the Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph with automatic winding has a 42mm stainless steel case inspired by the elegant lines and vintage instruments used in classic cars. The rubber strap is also directly based on the tread pattern of Dunlop tires from the 1960s.
- Case Size: 42 mm
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Movement: Automatic
TAG Heuer Monaco Cal. 11
The original square-case chronograph worn by Steve McQueen in the film “Le Mans” is one of the most iconic racing watches in history.
The original square-case chronograph worn by Steve McQueen in the 1971 film “Le Mans,” the TAG Heuer Monaco, is an incredibly iconic motorsport-dedicated watch and the world's first square and waterproof chronograph. Despite more than half a century passing since it graced the wrist of the King of Cool, the Monaco remains an icon of watchmaking art. The 39mm case of the watch, made of stainless steel and featuring a crown located to the left of the pair of chronograph pushers, contains a Swiss-made automatic Calibre 11 movement.
- Case Size: 39 mm
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Movement: Automatic
Bremont WR-22
The WR-22 model by Bremont, inspired by automotive themes, is noteworthy for its connection with the Williams Racing F1 team.
The WR-22 (or Williams Racing 2022) is a high-end racing chronograph, fully designed and manufactured in the UK, including the automatic Calibre 13 ¼” BE-53AE movement with chronometer certification. The WR-22, executed in signature Oxford blue, electric blue, and white colors, features a 43mm stainless steel case with a trip-tick construction, a bi-directional tachymetric ceramic bezel, and a tungsten rotor with the Williams logo inspired by the wheel design of the British Formula 1 racing team. The watch is offered with an Alcantara strap or a stainless steel bracelet, with a wheel nut from a historic Williams racing car included.
- Case Size: 43 mm
- Case Material: Stainless Steel with PVD Coating
- Movement: Automatic
Omega Speedmaster Racing
The Speedmaster, initially created for the racetrack, undoubtedly makes this list, especially its version that pays homage to the history of watches worn on the track.
Though initially designed for use on the racetrack, the Omega Speedmaster became the first watch worn on the Moon in 1969, and has been worn on astronauts' wrists during lunar missions more than any other watch on Earth (or beyond). The modern version of the watch - the Omega Speedmaster Racing - pays tribute to its racing heritage, adorning the dial with a checkered flag and a black ceramic bezel. Inside the case is the automatic chronograph Calibre Omega 9900 with a column wheel and co-axial escapement, as well as a 60-hour power reserve and rhodium plating with Geneva waves in arabesque.
- Case Size: 44.25 mm
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Movement: Automatic
Porsche Design Chronograph 1
This all-black chronograph from the Porsche design house is a modern version of the original 1972 model.
First introduced in 1972, the Porsche Design Chronograph 1 remains a watchmaking icon that only gets better with time. The modern version of Chrono 1 is executed in an all-black color, featuring a 40.8mm titanium case with black titanium carbide coating and a matching black titanium bracelet with a titanium clasp. The chronograph is powered by a COSC-certified 25-jewel Porsche Design WERK 01.140 movement with a 48-hour power reserve, 28,800 BPH, and a signature rotor design - although with black chrome plating.
- Case Size: 40.8 mm
- Case Material: Black Titanium with Titanium Carbide Coating
- Movement: Automatic
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
Possibly the most iconic chronograph ever created, the Cosmograph Daytona here features an Oystersteel case and a panda dial with some retro touches.
First appearing on the market in 1963, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is almost certainly the most iconic chronograph ever created. This version of the world-renowned Swiss chronograph features an Oystersteel case paired with a matching Oystersteel bracelet. The latest version of these watches appears far from outdated and boasts many echoes of the original 1960s model, including a black bezel and a molded tachymetric scale. The watch is equipped with an automatic chronograph Calibre 4130 movement with a Parachrom hairspring, providing shock resistance and protection from temperature fluctuations. In addition to being simply stunning, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is also an excellent investment.
- Case Size: 40 mm
- Case Material: Oyster Steel
- Movement: Mechanical
Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Chronograph Aston Martin F1 Edition
The renowned Aston Martin F1 Edition chronograph by Girard-Perregaux is made from materials of genuine F1 cars.
The Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Chronograph Aston Martin F1 Edition not only pays homage to Formula 1 racing cars but is made from materials sourced from cars that raced in the 2021 Formula 1 season. These include titanium powder and carbon fiber, which have been processed and combined in resin to create a super-strong yet lightweight (44mm) case. Inside the titanium and forged carbon case is an automatic chronograph Calibre GP03300-1058 movement. This model is also limited to 306 pieces worldwide - in tribute to the total distance Aston Martin drivers Lance Stroll and Sebastian Vettel covered at last summer's British Grand Prix.
- Case Size: 44 mm
- Case Material: Titanium Powder and Carbon Fiber
- Movement: Automatic
Singer Reimagined Track1
The Singer watch from the leading Porsche tuning atelier stands out for its interesting mechanics and unique dial configuration.
Singer is known as one of the most elite Porsche tuners, if not the most elite in the world, yet the California company also produces equally stunning watches like the Singer Reimagined Track1. An incredible piece of engineering, the watch is crafted from a 43mm Grade 5 titanium case paired with a textile strap with DLC-coated titanium rivets and a titanium folding clasp. Water-resistant to 100 meters, the Reimagined Track1 is also equipped with a 477-component automatic Caliber Singer Reimagined 6361 movement with 67 jewels and a 55-hour power reserve of its own development.
- Case Size: 43 mm
- Case Material: Titanium
- Movement: Mechanical
Jacob & Co. Bugatti Chiron Toubillon
The custom Jacob tourbillon resembles the W16 engine of the Bugatti hypercar.
Bugatti hypercars are equipped with some of the most powerful and complex engines in the world, so it's no surprise that the company chose to use an equally complex mechanism for its official watch collaboration with Jacob & Co. in the form of a skeletonized tourbillon with a (non-functional) W16 engine with moving pistons and a spinning set of turbochargers. The watch case, created after a year of meticulous research and development, features lines inspired by the Chiron hypercar.
- Case Size: 44 mm
- Case Material: Black Titanium with DLC Coating
- Movement: Tourbillon
Richard Mille RM UP-01 Ferrari
The Richard Mille RM UP-01 Ferrari grail watch set a world record for thickness after debuting in 2022.
Debuting in July 2022, the Richard Mille RM UP-01 Ferrari set the record for the world's thinnest mechanical watch - measuring just 1.75mm thick. Despite the incredibly thin case, made 90% of Grade 5 titanium, 6% aluminum, and 4% vanadium, the RM UP-01 is incredibly impact-resistant and can even withstand accelerations of up to 5,000 Gs. At least partly, this is due to the monobloc case construction, as well as the excellently engineered Calibre RMUP-01 movement. Although the RM UP-01 doesn't look the most traditional, its mechanics and engineering solutions are worthy of bearing the Prancing Horse logo.
- Case Size: 51 mm
- Case Material: Titanium
- Movement: Mechanical