Sporty and Snazzy automotive watcheS to keep you revved up about racing back to the open road.
TRACK STAR
If you like the dynamic look of a chronograph watch, but rarely use the function, the Franck Muller Vanguard Racing Skeleton is for you. Housed in a carbon case measuring 53.7mm by 44mm, the automatic watch features an unusual 60-second counter. The end of the central seconds hand can be used to track elapsed time on the counter. Motorheads will also enjoy the watch’s sporty red accents and the black rubber strap topped with a suede composite, a material that can be found on the seats of performance cars.
A FINE PAIR
Breitling celebrates the 17th anniversary of its collaboration with Bentley Motors – the longest partnership between a watch brand and a carmaker – with the Premier Bentley Mulliner Limited Edition watch. Sharing the design DNA of Bentley’s Continental GT Mulliner Convertible, the watch features an alligator leather strap in a blue similar to the colour of the car’s leather interior and Arabic numerals that match the car’s dashboard clock. The 42mm steel chronograph is powered by the automatic Breitling Manufacture Calibre 01.
BY LAND OR AIR
Inspired by Tag Heuer’s dashboard instruments used in racing cars and aircraft, the original Autavia wristwatch was launched in 1962. Now, those 1960s watches inspire a new series with the same name. This 42mm steel model subtly stands out with its smoked blue dial, bidirectional rotating bezel with a 60-minute scale in blue ceramic, and an XL crown – an accent that pays tribute to the oversized crowns of pilot’s watches. This three-hand watch is driven by the COSC-certified, self-winding Calibre 5.
FULL THROTTLE
Six-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton is known for his flamboyance and candour – so one would not expect his collaborative watch with IWC to be anything less than a statement piece. Housed in a 46.5mm black ceramic case, the “Lewis Hamilton” Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Edition makes an impression with its Bordeaux-red dial and textile strap, complemented by gold-plated hands and a red gold caseback. Like the racing superstar, the self-winding watch goes the distance with a seven-day power reserve.
STAY THE COURSE
The Mille Miglia, the famous Italian 1,000 Mile (1609 km) classic car rally, was to have taken place this month, but will now be held in October. While fans await the event, main sponsor and official timekeeper Chopard has unveiled the Mille Miglia GTS Azzuro Power Control. Framed by a rose gold bezel with a blue aluminium inlay, this 43mm steel automatic model is distinguished by a power-reserve indicator inspired by an automotive fuel gauge and the rally’s “1,000 Miglia” direction arrow.
RACE ACE
Montblanc’s Minerva facility has a history of making precise timing instruments – such as the Rally Timer stopwatch for motor racing – that dates back to 1858. Today, the Timewalker line pays tribute to this hallowed legacy with watches such as the Timewalker Manufacture Chronograph. Featuring a “reverse-panda” dial (with silver counters on a black dial) and a black ceramic bezel with a tachymeter scale, the 43mm watch is powered by the automatic Calibre MB 25.10, a column-wheel chronograph movement.
GROUND CONTROL
Before the Speedmaster went to the moon, the famous chronograph by Omega went to the races, where it was first put through its paces. The Speedmaster Racing Co-Axial Master Chronometer has a sporty, motorsport-inspired aesthetic with a black and orange palette. A black ceramic bezel with a tachymeter scale frames a matte black dial with a racing-style minute track. The 44.25mm steel case houses the Co-Axial Master Chonometer Calibre 9900, a Metas-certified anti-magnetic movement.
TEXT LYNETTE KOH ART
DIRECTION FAZLIE HASHIM
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