Although engineering at very different scales, watches and cars have comparable mechanics, designs and finishings. For this reason, and many more, people share a love of the two. Watches have played a huge role in timekeeping during the early stages of motorsports and in the present day, their significance still remains. This concrete link between the two is one of the main reasons that car enthusiasts also have a great appreciation for timepieces.
While some watches showcase the class of vintage cars, others have connections with motorsports in the present day. This wide range means there may be some questions about which to purchase. Therefore, we have rounded up our top 5 watches that are sure to take pole position for any car enthusiast.
Our Top 5 Watches for Car Enthusiasts
TW Steel Men’s Limited Edition | World Rally Championship | Blue Dial | Blue Leather and Rubber Strap GT11
TW Steel is the official partner for the World Rally Championship (WRC), and this model is a limited edition piece. The watch features a reimagined blue, black and silver colour scheme with orange accents. The multi-layered dark blue dial is contrasted by orange indices and hands. These are the official colours of the WRC. Features on this watch include a chronograph and a date aperture at 4 o’clock. These are a nod to the watches previously used in motorsports as they would measure the accurate timings of drivers’ laps.
The watch is secured with a dark blue leather and rubber strap with orange topstitching. Again, this reinforces the colours of the WRC, but also the colour most prominent in Dutch culture. This is because the brand was founded in the Netherlands. This watch will be appreciated by any car enthusiast as it represents a well-loved motorsport and the success of its partnership.
Seiko Presage ‘Petrol Blue’ Style 60s Road Trip GMT SSK009J1
This watch is inspired by the wheel, levers, instruments, and colour scheme of an iconic 1960s car. Its hairline finishing gives it a machine-like feel, whilst the new GMT dial layout incorporates the details of the original Seiko crown chronograph.
The petrol blue dial is adorned with baton indices and the hands are filled with Lumibrite for optimal visibility. There is a date aperture at 3 o’clock and the GMT functions allow for multiple timezones to be tracked at the same time. A stainless steel bracelet secures the watch on the wrist and provides great comfort. The watch has a water resistance of up to 50 metres (5 bar), which makes it an excellent choice for daily wear. This watch is great for those car enthusiasts who appreciate the blend of design and functionality; both in watches and cars alike.
Pininfarina by Globics Senso Hybrid Smartwatch (44mm) Mercure Grey / Italian Leather PMH01A-02
This model finds the perfect balance between classic watchmaking and cutting-edge technology. Pininfarina is an Italian car design firm, so car enthusiasts will appreciate the design of this model. If they are looking for a smartwatch, this could be one of their first choices.
Featuring a stainless steel case and bezel with sapphire crystal glass, this smartwatch is equipped with state-of-the-art sensors to help you move through the world. A traditional face and hands reveal an array of advanced tools to monitor your heart and fitness levels. The blend of the dark grey case and bezel with the dark brown leather strap creates a vintage image. The colour scheme is reminiscent of that used in many chronograph models during motorsports in the 50s. This watch is full of fantastic features and is a great option for any car enthusiast who is looking to delve into the world of smartwatches.
TW Steel Nigel Mansell Limited Edition Chronograph Watch TW1017
This special edition watch is inspired by the iconic racer Nigel Mansell. The watch features a yellow, black and blue colour scheme which represents the Canon-Williams-Renault he drove throughout the 1991 and 1992 Formula 1 seasons.
The blue sunray dial is contrasted by blue hands and white indices. However, the number 5 does not follow this pattern as it is red. Car enthusiasts will recognise that the reasoning behind this is that Mansell’s number 5 on the nose cone of the FW14B was painted red. The watch is secured with a high-quality yellow leather strap which has black top-stiching and steel rivets. The caseback of the watch exhibits two chequered flags and a copy of Mansell’s signature; this feature is extremely valuable as the retired ’92 world champion is respected by so many.
Maserati Men’s Attrazione (43mm) Blue Dial / Stainless Steel Bracelet R8853151005
Created for car enthusiasts, this timepiece holds all of Maserati’s values of design excellence and innovation. The case of the model is made of stainless steel and at the centre of the watch is a blue sunray dial with silver-tone accents. There are also three sub-dials. The baton indices as well as the hour, minute and second hands are silver in colour; they complement the dial greatly. They are coated with a luminescence that helps you see the time in low-light conditions. The brand’s trident logo is proudly displayed at 12 o’clock and there is a date display between 4 o’clock and 5 o’clock. This chronograph model represents Italian luxury and due to its water resistance of up to 50 metres, can be worn on any occasion.
What did you think of our top 5 watches for car enthusiasts? Will you be purchasing any of our recommendations? Let us know in the comments!
