Cars and watches. Watches and cars.
If you’ve been a part of the world of watches for a while, you may have spotted a pattern. Many watch enthusiasts are also car enthusiasts and vice versa. To the untrained eye, these hobbies might seem weird. What could a luxury watch or a luxury car offer that would make people go crazy for it?
After all, a $10 Casio will tell the time just as well as (and sometimes even more accurately than) a $10,000 Rolex. Similarly, if you’re obeying traffic laws, a Toyota Camry will take you from point A to point B just as quickly as a Ferrari Pista.
That’s actually where the common theme between these two hobbies lies. They both have a much deeper meaning than their basic functionality.
In this article, we will explore why watch and car enthusiasts may have a lot more in common than you think. We will also look at some of the best car-themed watches and overall iconic watch designs inspired by the automotive world.
Watch Lovers and Car Enthusiasts - One and the Same
Here are some of the common aspects between watches and cars that make them so highly coveted by individuals worldwide.
Mechanical Aspect
One of the most important aspects of cars and watches is that they are both mechanical masterpieces. Everything needs to be in accord to work correctly, from small gears and levers in the movement of a mechanical watch to the numerous components of a car.
Not to mention the fact that both car and watch enthusiasts care deeply about the specifications of their mechanical pieces. After all, yearly updates in cars and watches usually offer incremental changes in specifications.
These often translate to a few hours of additional power reserve in the movement or a bit more horsepower in the engine. Nevertheless, enthusiasts always like to discuss and compare even the most minute details in the spec sheet of their favorite watch or car.
Collectors’ Items
Everywhere you look, you’ll see people talk about their watch collection. That’s because, for watch enthusiasts, it is hard to only own one watch. Certain watch types fit certain purposes, and for some, owning a collection of vintage timepieces or a collection of Rolex watches fills them with joy.
With cars, it’s a bit more complicated since they can be much more expensive and require a larger space to store. However, some dedicated car collectors are always eager to get their hands on that vintage sports car from the 70s, or the brand new Lamborghini released every year.
Value Beyond Functionality
Like we mentioned before, you don’t need an expensive watch to tell the time or a luxury car to go to work. What drives people’s desire to own luxury watches and cars is the added emotional value they provide.
Buying your first watch or your first car is always a memorable experience. No matter how many luxury watches or cars you purchase, that first one will always hold a special place in your heart.
For many, it signals their transition into adulthood. For others, the sheer fact that it got them into the hobby of collecting is enough to be remembered forever.
Modding
Another common aspect between cars and watches is that they can be easily modded. Many people gain satisfaction from altering their timepieces. These alterations can range from small details such as trying a different strap with a new watch face or hands that turn the timepiece into a new, custom-made one. There are even some watch brands that are known for using interchangeable parts, which makes them perfect for modding.
Similarly, car enthusiasts are always eager to tweak their vehicles to create the car of their dreams. A brand new exhaust, a new spoiler, or even more extreme mods like fitting in a new engine… That's all part of the fun!
Best Car Themed Watches
These are some of the best car watches. They’re either inspired by a specific model or hold a strong relationship with the automotive world.
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
If we’re talking about car watches, we have to mention the king. Named after the famous racing track in Florida, the Rolex Daytona is the pinnacle of modern racing chronographs and a classic car watch.
Being a part of the Rolex family, the Daytona is built to the highest standard with the Oystersteel case and bracelet, as well as a ceramic bezel. Its finishing is also immaculate, and the way it plays with the light is sure to turn some heads. Inside, you’ll find the caliber 4130 with Superlative Chronometer certification to ensure precision and accuracy every day.
The most popular Daytona models are the white and black dial ones. The Daytona has become such a renowned timepiece that it’s basically impossible to find one from an authorized retailer, and prices in the used market are very high. Not to mention that Paul Newman’s Daytona was sold at auction for over $17 million and became one of the most expensive watches sold at auction.
TAG Heuer F1
If you’re looking for a more affordable option that still stays within the world of motorsports, you should look into TAG Heuer. As the name suggests, the F1 lineup is heavily inspired by the world of Formula 1.
TAG Heuer’s watches feature lower price tags compared to high-end luxury watches. They are well-built, and have a long history in the world of motorsports. This makes them some of the most affordable watches for car enthusiasts. They are also equipped with high-quality Swiss quartz movements for superior precision.
With several different models to choose from, you’ll definitely find one to your liking. If you’re after a more unique design, you can also look at the famous TAG Heuer Monaco with its square case. It was made famous on the wrist of Steve McQueen in the movie Le Mans, which makes it a movie icon.
Ferrari Aspire Limited Edition
If you're more of a Ferrari fan, you’ll be happy to know that they also offer some wristwatches. The one that caught our eye is the Aspire Limited Edition. With its elegant design, it will definitely catch the eye of others around you.
The watch is all black with some red accents and features a forged carbon fiber dial. It is also Swiss-made, which ensures a certain level of build quality. Inside it beats an automatic Valgranges movement, made by ETA.
You can’t really go wrong with the Aspire since it has a relatively affordable price tag combined with the quality you can expect from a Swiss-made watch. Not to mention that it is a Limited Edition release with only 199 pieces in production. So you can expect to have a unique timepiece on your wrist from your favorite car manufacturer.
Roger Dubuis Excalibur Huracán
If money is not an issue for you and you’re looking for a high-end luxury watch that is designed explicitly after a car, this one might be for you. The Excalibur Huracán, made by the famous luxury watch brand Roger Dubuis, is a special homage to the Lamborghini sports car with the same name.
The watch’s caliber RD630 is a collaboration between Roger Dubuis and the motorsports team Lamborghini Squadra Corse. It has a unique, avant-garde design, with some of its parts inspired by certain parts in the Huracán. Its titanium case also ensures great durability.
This watch is definitely more masculine than your average timepiece, with a larger 45 mm size and an all-black color scheme. However, if it fits your style and you can afford it, you certainly will get a worthwhile timepiece to accompany you on your journeys.
The Perfect Vehicle for Your Watch Journey
Overall, collecting luxury watches is really no different from collecting cars. There is usually a considerable overlap among watch collectors and car enthusiasts. Also, if you’re a car enthusiast looking to get into the world of watches, there are several great options in the market for you. But don’t forget to consider the protection of your timepiece.
Similar to how you would want your car in a nice garage, you also need to think about proper storage for your brand new watch. After all, you wouldn’t want it to deteriorate or get damaged when you’re not wearing it.
Invest in a high-quality watch roll, like the ones from Operandi Firenze. A nice watch roll will ensure your watch stays safe and well-protected when it’s not on your wrist.
So, go out there and find the perfect vehicle for your own watch journey, and don’t forget to keep an eye on the time!
