Watches inspired by cars and motorcycles

“Racing is life; everything that happens before or after is just waiting.” Famous words of Michael Delaney, Steve McQueen’s character in the legendary 1971 film Le Mans. And while there’s a lot more to life than racing, for a Petrolhead it makes perfect sense. It’s the thrill of seeing fast cars pushed around winding roads or, better yet, on a race track. The adrenaline of accelerating sharply out of a corner, shifting through the gears to reach top speed before inevitably having to slow down for the next corner. Everything else fades into the background and, in that moment, all that matters is you, your machine and the asphalt in front of you. And a watch of course, let’s not forget watches! With that image now firmly ingrained in your mind, here are five of the coolest fuel-injected watches that find more than a little inspiration from two or four wheels, ranging from relatively simple to over-the-top complex.

Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon

Last week, Bugatti revealed the sensational new Tourbillon hypercar, an 1,800 horsepower beast powered by a naturally aspirated 8.3-liter V16 paired with electric motors and a battery. Given the partnership between the two companies, Jacob & Co. has built a watch to match. The Bugatti Tourbillon watch takes direct inspiration from the shape of the Bugatti Tourbillon car, with a triple subdial layout mimicking the gauge cluster. However, the centerpiece of the party is the V16 engine automaton! This incredibly complex piece is limited to 150 examples in this configuration, with 100 more to follow, all at a base price of 340,000 USD.

For more information, please visit JacobandCo.com.

Fast facts – 52 mm x 44 mm x 15 mm – black PVD titanium case – 7 sapphire crystals – crown with integrated pusher at 6′ – water resistance 30 m – triple subdial layout – 30-second flying tourbillon, retrograde hours and minutes, double reserve power supply, miniature automaton V16 – JCAM55 (made with Concepto) – 557 components – 21,600 vibrations per hour – 48 hours of power reserve – interchangeable black rubber strap – limited to 150 pieces in this configuration, 250 pieces in total – 340,000 USD

Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph

The Chopard Mille Miglia collection finds its raison d’être in the classic revival of one of the most legendary road racing events in history: the 1000 Miglia. Every year, Chopard releases new models inspired by the world of (vintage) motorsport, including the latest, this Mille Miglia Classic Chornographe. It takes the 40.5mm Lucent steel case and equips it with an elegant circular brushed silver-white dial with Panda-type subdials. The ETA A32.211 modular chronograph is equipped with a chronometer certification issued by the COSC. Worn on a perforated black leather strap with a steel folding clasp, it retails for 10,100 euros.

For more information, please visit Chopard.com.

Quick Facts – 40.5 mm x 12.88 mm – Lucent steel case, brushed and polished – sapphire crystal front and back – 50 m water resistance – Black and white “La Gara” panda dial – ETA A32.211 automatic modular chronograph movement with COSC certification – 28,800 vph – 54 h power reserve – black rally-style calfskin strap with Lucent Steel buckle – ref. 168619-3005 – 10,100 euros

TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Porsche 963

TAG Heuer’s connection to motor racing is well-known, and the brand continues to explore the automotive world for inspiration. The latest creation is the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Porsche 963, developed with Porsche and dedicated to the 963 racing car that competes in high-level endurance races, such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The case features both signature elements like the faceted lugs, but also more contemporary touches with the recessed section in the caseband and the way the black rubber strap is integrated. Powered by the TH20-00 caliber, this limited edition of 963 will set you back a fortune. 9,000 CHF.

For more information, visit TAGHeuer.com.

Quick Facts – 44 mm x 15.1 mm – stainless steel case, brushed and polished – recessed grained and black PVD coated sections – fixed carbon tachymeter scale – sapphire crystal front and back – openwork dial with tri-compax layout – chronograph hands red – caliber TH20-00, manufacture – integrated automatic chronograph – 28,800 vph – 80 h power reserve – integrated black rubber strap with folding clasp and micro-adjustment – ​​limited to 953 individually numbered pieces – CHF 9,000

MB&F HM8 MK2 Blue Edition

On the more conventional side, the MB&F HM8 MK2 is a true driver’s watch with a vertical time display, so you don’t have to take your hands off the wheel. The recently introduced HM8 MK2 Blue Edition pairs a titanium case with blue metallic CarbonMacrolon panels and takes its form from cars like the Porsche 918 Spyder or the Abarth 750 Zagato with its double-bubble roof. Time is divided between jumping hours on the left and scrolling minutes on the right, enhanced by a specially machined magnifying glass. The top reveals MB&F’s iconic rotor that transmits energy to the movement, and it’s worn on a white calfskin strap. Only 33 will be made at 70,000 euros (excluding VAT).

For more information, please visit MBandF.com.

Fast facts – 47 mm x 41.5 mm x 19 mm – Grade 5 titanium case, blue metallized CarbonMacrolon panels – Multiple sapphire crystals – Water-resistant to 30 m – Lateral time indication with jumping hours and running minutes – Integrated magnifying glass – Manufacture caliber with Girard-Perregaux movement base – 22-carat gold top-mounted rotor – 28,800 vibrations per hour – 42-hour power reserve – White calfskin strap, titanium pin buckle – Limited edition of 33 pieces – 70,000 euros (excluding VAT)

Tissot T-Race Moto GP 75th Anniversary

Moving from four to two wheels, the Tissot T-Race Moto GP 75th Anniversary celebrates the fast-paced world of MotoGP racing. Riders race around circuits around the world at breakneck speeds to determine who is the best of the best. The T-Race translates this into a steel case with a fixed brake disc bezel and all sorts of racing-inspired details. Red accents on the deep blue semi-translucent dial highlight the most important elements. Inside, the Valjoux 05 series chronograph movement provides 60 hours of power. Worn on a blue rubber strap, it is limited to 2,024 pieces and costs CHF 1,815.

For more information, please visit TissotWatches.com.

Fast facts – 45mm x 14.79mm – Stainless steel case – Black PVD brake disc style bezel – Sapphire crystal front and back – Water resistant to 100m – Blue dial with tri-compax chronograph – MotoGP 75th anniversary logo – Super-LumiNova indexes and hands – Valjoux 05 series automatic chronograph – 28,800 vph – 60h power reserve – Cam operated – Textured blue rubber strap – Special helmet presentation box – Limited to 2,024 pieces – CHF 1,815