Top 5 automotive inspired watches
For every car guy behind the wheel of an automobile, chances are there’s always a watch firmly and elegantly wrapped around his wrist. Be it for style, or function, a wristwatch will always be an integral part of the automotive lifestyle. While it is almost impossible to come up with a list that everyone can agree on, the following timepieces should, and will always be, featured on any in-depth discussions.
IWC – Merceds-AMG Petronas Pilot’s Watch Chronograph
Multiple World Champions Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team has for its sponsor, IWC Schaffhausen. So, with the partnership came the first official team watch, the turquoise colored IWC X Mercedes-AMG Petronas Pilot’s Watch Chronograph. Made from grade 5 titanium, offering the best strength to density ratio of any metal. The black dial reflects the typical instrument design of IWC Pilot Watches.
Girard Perragaux Laureato Green Ceramic Aston Martin
Using green ceramic, the GP Laureato Aston Martin is the latest collaboration with the Aston Martin Formula 1 team, the dial is painstakingly coated 21 times over to exude the vibrant green color; the luxurious chronograph, with its diamond like-pattern took inspiration from the Aston Martin logo of the 20’s. The calibre GP03300-0141 is visible through the sapphire crystal caseback. The GP Laureato Green Ceramic Aston Martin comes in 38mm and 42mm. The ceramic used is seven times harder than steel, and delivers incredible scratch resistance.
Chopard Mille Miglia GTS Chrono
The prestigious Mille Miglia is arguably the most beautiful car race in the world. The timepiece uses a 44mm Lucent Steel case, the self-winding chronograph is a COSC certified chronometer that displays hours, minutes, and dates with a 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock, small seconds at the 9 o’clock and a 30-minute counter at the 12 o’clock. The pushers take inspiration from a car’s pistons, while the dial comes in matte black, the red Mille Miglia logo, white and red decals, a black and red flange and rhodium plated hour markers coated with Super-Luminova.
Tag Heuer Monaco
Truly an iconic car watch, this is a timepiece that should always be in one’s collection. The striking and recognizable square designed dial, with the legacy of being worn by one Steve McQueen in the 1971 film, Le Mans, is nothing less than legendary. The Monaco was launched in 1969, and worn by enthusiasts and connoisseurs. Automatic chronograph Monaco Calibre 11 is the heartbeat of this iconic watch, with a 40 -power reserve. Measuring 39mm and a 14.3mm thickness, the case is steel fine-brushed/polished and water resistant up to 100meters. One salient feature of the Monaco is the crown located on the left, which shows manual winding is no longer necessary. (or for use of left-handed individuals)
Rolex Daytona Cosmograph
The one true sports watch that can command such a premium price, only a select number of individuals can purchase it at the retail price, for most of us we have to either bite the bullet and purchase it from re-sellers or have the patience to join the ever-growing waiting list. While it has gone through various iterations, the current Daytona Cosmograph has the Rolex 4130
calibre, which was optimized and became 4131 and 4132. The Daytona measures 40mm, with an Oyster bracelet, a perpetual, mechanical chronograph, self-winding, and has a 72-hour power reserve, all in white gold. By William Herrera
