Watches and racing cars. The objective of one is to provide a person with the best in time keeping accuracy. The objective of the other is to propel a person faster than the best time previously recorded. Two different objectives but without the time keeping instrument much of racing becomes immeasurable. Given this dependent relationship between racing and time keeping instruments, it is no surprise to see a union between these two passions out of which come some of the most exciting, sophisticated, and accurate wristwatches available.
We’ve heard automotive metaphors used to describe everything from baby products (“that brand is the Cadillac of strollers”) to potential mates (“he/she is as dependable as a Volvo with the fire of a Lamborghini”).
Just this month an online blogger ranked business schools not but numbers, but by assigning a type of car to each school. With both industries valuing precision engineering, design, image and prestige many of these brand partnerships come naturally. Rolex and Daytona’s relationship extends decades. Breitilng and Bentley pride themselves on luxury engineering. The romance of Chopard matches them perfectly with the Italian road race that began in 1927.
Over the years these two passions have become inextricably linked. From our appreciation of those passions, here are best auto-inspired watch buys on island.
All watched available at Kirk Freeport and Harbour Drive Jewellers
Rolex Daytona
Sporty yet elegant, the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona is a chronograph that features a central chronometer seconds hand, minute and hour totalizers activated by screw-down pushers, and a graduated bezel that serves as a tachometer. It is the ideal instrument for measuring elapsed time and calculating average speed. Named after the famous American raceway at which Rolex is title sponsor.
Breitling for Bentley
Power. Luxury. Exclusivity. Breitling and Bentley share the same concern for perfection. The same exacting standards of reliability and precision. Extreme performance combined with distinctive styling. The collaboration between these two brands at the heights of their respective industries has given rise to a collection of exceptional chronographs uniting the best of two worlds.
Chopard Mille Miglia
The Mille Miglia Chronograph collection captures the essence of precision timing. In commemoration of their partnership with one of the most famous land races in the world, Chopard offers a complete line of sport watches in the Mille Miglia collection. Features hour and minute functions, COSC chronometer certification, small seconds, date, tachometer, and rubber strap with Dunlop 1950’s racing tyre tread pattern.
Citizen Promaster SST
Eco-Drive technology merges on the fast track with Promaster’s Split Second Timing (SST) to unleash a race chronograph that boasts 1/1000 second accuracy, recalls up to 20 lap times and calculates average speed. Driver beware, one look at the Promaster SST and you’re starting into the dashboard of your timekeeping thrill ride.
Tissot T-Race
Popular choice of Tissot motor sport ambassadors the T- Race collections featured dynamic design with Swiss quartz accuracy. This split second chronograph with adjustable rubber strap is secured with a push button folding clasp. The white dial with complementary red and black accents is encased in a stainless steel case with steering wheel inspired black PVD bezel.
Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX2
Jaeger-LeCoultre once again redefines high watchmaking standards and sets a new
milestone in its partnership with Aston Martin with the AMVOX2. This ingenious mechanism makes it possible to start, stop and reset the chronograph simply by pressing on the sapphire crystal of the watch case, so there is no need for push buttons. AMVOX2 brings together powerful design and daring performance, making it truly the ultimate driver’s watch.
TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 16 Day-Date Chronograph
This automatic chronograph is a treasure chest of fine detailing. Elegant Arabic numerals, the hand-applied Day-Date window, and delicate tachymeter markings ooze sophistication. The larger crown and red-edged button subtly affirm this chronograph’s sporting heritage.
Omega Speedmaster Solar Impulse
Self-winding chronograph with column wheel mechanism, free sprung-balance and Co-Axial Escapement for greater precision and durability. The tachymeter, 12 hour and 30 minute totalizers, stop second function, start/stop push button, and return-to-zero push button are key features for driving and race aficionados.
Chanel Montre J12 Superleggera
"J12" Superleggera Rubber watch in black ceramic and aluminum, with black rubber
bracelet. Superleggera, Italian for “very light” refers the light weight construction of the watch using the newest high-technology materials that are currently used in the production of Italian sport cars make the Superleggera 45% lighter than the “J12” Chronograph in ceramic.
Cuervo y Sobrinos Torpedo Pulsometro
The culture of slow time originated in the heat of the tropics and requires gentle movements, refinement in details and a complete lifestyle. Time in Havana seems almost to expand, to lose the frenzy of things to be done, to become the pleasure of ordinary daily acts. This culture has been the foundation of Cuervo y Sobrinos from 1882 until today.
Tissot PRS 5160
For more than 150 years, Tissot has been pioneering craftsmanship and innovation in the Swiss watch-making town of Le Locle, Switzerland. Tissot's innovation is enabled by the development of high-tech products, special materials and advanced functionality, including the T-Touch Expert, the world's touch screen watch.
Edox Grande Ocean Automatic
For more than 125 years, Edox have conceived and produced timepieces with passion and a love for detail. Edox are an independent watch-making company and their goal is to rank among the three foremost Swiss watch brands in their market segment.
Marvin Rectangular SS
Marvin is a classic watch-making brand steeped in the tradition of fine Swiss horology since 1850. Marvin is known for its tradition of beautiful and reliable time pieces, rich in style and history. Marvin’s elegant and original watches, powered by top-quality Swiss movements, have propelled the company to success.
Ulysse Nardin Executive Dual Time
Founded in 1846 in Le Locle, Switzerland, Ulysse Nardin has been dedicated to excellence for more than 160 years. Ulysse Nardin is at the forefront of watch-making technology through the pioneering use of new materials in production to improve the precision of each component. Ulysse Nardin surpasses form and function with inventiveness and beauty.
BALL Trainmaster Racer
At BALL Watch, innovation and creativity are the cornerstones of their corporate mission, “Accuracy Under Adverse Conditions”. Continuing in the tradition of Webster Clay Ball, BALL Watch aspires to manufacture the most accurate mechanical watches on the planet, for use by those that live, work and play in truly adverse conditions.
Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde WG Blue Enamel Dial
Since 1738, Jaquet Droz has perpetuated the spirit of innovation and aesthetic refinement of its founder, Pierre Jaquet Droz. The watch dial represents the core of the brand, while the Grande Seconde model, inspired by the 1791 timepiece, is its icon.