Explore the best automotive-inspired watches, from iconic racing chronographs to designs echoing high-performance cars, with expert authentication from Bezel.
There’s something magical about the relationship between watches and the automotive world. Both celebrate precision, innovation, and design that stands the test of time. Over the decades, watches have gone from being tools to time laps or measure speeds to becoming symbols of automotive excellence, embodying the thrill of the open road and the track. Whether it’s a tribute to a legendary race or a collaboration with an iconic carmaker, the watches on this list capture the spirit of motoring in all its forms.
It’s hard to think of a watch more versatile than this one. While it’s known as the first watch worn on the moon, the Omega Speedmaster was initially designed for drivers and engineers who needed a reliable chronograph. Its tachymeter scale on the bezel, introduced in 1957, made it easy to calculate speed—whether you were behind the wheel of a car or dreaming of space exploration.
The Speedmaster’s timeless design and rugged construction make it feel as relevant today as it did decades ago. Its black dial and signature sub-dials are instantly recognizable, and while its lunar legacy gets all the attention, it’s equally suited to timing a road trip or admiring as an engineering marvel.
What started as a tool for professional drivers has become one of the most coveted watches in the world. In 1963, Rolex introduced the Daytona, named after the famous speedway in Florida, with a focus on precision and functionality. The chronograph was designed to help drivers measure their average speed, but its clean, sporty look quickly made it a favorite far beyond the racetrack.
Today, the Daytona’s allure is undeniable. With its iconic design and association with legends like Paul Newman, it’s a watch that seamlessly bridges the worlds of motorsport and luxury. Whether timing a lap or cruising down the coast, it’s a reminder of the enduring connection between watches and the thrill of driving.
Few watches capture the future-facing spirit of the automotive world like this one. Historically executed in a number of limited editions produced in collaboration with top automakers, the RM11 takes inspiration from the high-performance engineering found in supercars. From its skeletonized dial to its cases constructed out of advanced materials including titanium and carbon TPT, every detail feels cutting-edge, like it was pulled straight from a wind tunnel test.
The RM11 is bold, unapologetically modern, and designed to push boundaries—just like the cars it takes cues from. It’s not a watch for everyone, but for those who love innovation and thrive on being ahead of the curve, it’s impossible to overlook.
In the early 1960s, Jack Heuer set out to create a watch that captured the essence of the open road. The result was the Carrera, named after the Carrera Panamericana, a legendary road race in Mexico. Its design prioritized legibility and simplicity, ensuring it could handle the rigors of high-speed driving while looking sharp enough to wear anywhere.
Decades later, the Carrera still embodies that balance of form and function. It’s sleek, versatile, and effortlessly cool, making it as fitting for a spirited drive in the countryside as it is for a day at the office. This is a watch that reminds us of the golden age of motoring while remaining firmly planted in the present.
Few watches are as instantly recognizable as this one. When the Monaco was introduced in 1969, it broke all the rules with its square case and futuristic design. Then came Steve McQueen, who strapped it to his wrist in Le Mans, and the rest is history. The Monaco became a symbol not just of motorsport but also of rebellion and style.
Its bold blue dial, horizontal sub-dials, and unconventional shape make it a standout even today. It’s a watch for those who want something different—something that reflects the daring, innovative spirit of both TAG Heuer and the automotive world.
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