Image via Mercedes-AMG/Instagram
Buckle up, horologists and automotive aficionados, because the world of horology and horsepower has collided once again in September. This month saw the debut of a remarkable lineup of watches inspired by the elegance, speed, and innovation of the automotive world. From iconic brands such as Mercedes-AMG to Porsche and even down to actual race car drivers, these timepieces pay homage to the spirit of the open road.
We’re about to take you on a thrilling ride through the latest watches that blend the precision of timekeeping with the allure of the automotive realm. So, rev your engines, and let’s dive into the world of timepieces inspired by cars.
Seiko and Honda
Image via Seiko
First, we have Seiko and Honda, who collaborated to create a special timepiece, marking their third joint venture. The collaboration celebrates the 55th anniversary of Seiko 5 Sports, Honda’s 75th milestone, and the legacy of the Super Cub. The piece pays tribute to the iconic Honda Super Cub C100, drawing inspiration from its design and history.
The 42.5mm stainless steel case captures the essence of the Super Cub, while the dial features dark blue, gray, and white hues reminiscent of the motorbike’s timeless design. The hour markers resemble the Super Cub’s headlights and blinkers.
Image via Seiko
The caseback displays the Honda Super Cub emblem, and the dial’s semi-transparent Hardlex crystal is adorned in red. The watch is powered by the 4R36 caliber, has a 41-hour power reserve, and water resistance of up to 10 bars. It is available in a limited production run of 7,500 units for US$442 through Seiko’s official website and select retail locations.
TAG Heuer and Porsche
Image via TAG Heuer
TAG Heuer and Porsche are celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Heuer Carrera collection and the Porsche 911 sports car by releasing a commemorative wristwatch, the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche.
Image via TAG Heuer
The watch’s movement is inspired by the acceleration time of the Porsche 911, with the second hand taking 9.1 seconds to traverse the red portion of the dial, mimicking the car’s acceleration. Its design resembles the 1970s car dashboards and features scales for precise time measurements.
The timepiece is available in steel, and 18K 5N rose gold versions, with a caseback inspired by the Porsche steering wheel and a strap displaying the original 911 logo. The retail price starts at US$23,550.
IWC Schaffhausen and Mercedes-AMG
Image via Mercedes-AMG/Instagram
IWC Schaffhausen and Mercedes-Benz have partnered to create two Big Pilot’s watches inspired by the G-Class. The first is made of 18-karat Armor Gold, pays tribute to the Mercedes-AMG G 63 Grand Edition with a black-and-gold design. In contrast, the second timepiece, constructed from Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC), emphasizes ruggedness and thermal resistance.
Both feature dials inspired by Mercedes-AMG air intakes and practical elements like power-reserve indicators, subsidiary seconds hands, and date windows.
Image via Mercedes-AMG/Instagram
Powered by the IWC 52010 automatic Pellaton-winding caliber, these timepieces boast long-lasting durability. The Armor Gold version is priced at US$33,400, while the CMC version costs approximately US$42,400, and both showcase intricate mechanisms through a sapphire case adorned with the Mercedes-Benz emblem. However, they are currently not available for online purchase.
TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Night Driver
Image via TAG Heuer
TAG Heuer introduces the Monaco Chronograph Night Driver, a fresh take on the iconic Monaco timepiece with a strong focus on low-light visibility for late-night driving. This square-cased watch, measuring 39mm, is constructed from grade five titanium and features a heavily-lumed dial with blue Super-LumiNova, making the hands, hour markers, subdials, and dial perimeter glow in low light conditions.
Image via TAG Heuer
The watch boasts TAG Heuer’s in-house HEUER 02 Automatic movement, where it showcases its mechanical workings through an exhibition caseback. Limited to just 600 pieces, the Monaco Chronograph Night Driver is priced at US$9,550 and is available online.
IWC Schaffhausen and Lewis Hamilton
Image via IWC
While the next one is technically not inspired by a car per se, it is inspired by a race car driver and his exceptional career.
The Lewis Hamilton and IWC Schaffhausen collaboration brings us a new chronograph, the IWC Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde, that combines Hamilton’s success in Formula One with the Swiss brand’s watchmaking expertise.
Image via IWC
The piece features the IWC-manufactured 89900 caliber movement, known for its precision and complexity, with a tourbillon, chronograph, and retrograde date indicator. Diamond-coated silicon components enhance durability, and it incorporates 12 diamonds to mark the individual hours.
It also includes gold-plated bridges on the movement and a teal strap and dials, reflecting Hamilton’s fashion-forward style. Only 44 pieces will be made (in honor of Hamilton’s racing number), each priced at US$169,000.
For more exciting watch launches, keep your eyes on this page.
[via various sources]
by rrollins
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