Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. 6 Car-Inspired Watches From Baselworld 2017
Speed is equal to the distance traveled divided by the time. When you look at it that way, the link between the automotive world and the watchmaking world becomes much more obvious. The fascination for all things mechanical does the rest: gearheads are inevitably attracted to watches. This natural fit has long inspired watchmakers and so today, we take a look at 6 automotive-inspired watches from Baselworld 2017.
Naturally, the latest editions of three of the most iconic, car-inspired watches (the Rolex Daytona, the TAG Heuer Autavia and the Omega Speedmaster) stole the show at Baselworld 2017. But these were not the only car-inspired watches on display. It is now time for us to remedy this omission by taking a look at 6 other striking creations (for every pocket) that capture the essence of motoring.
Junghans Meister Driver Day-Date
The Junghans Meister Driver evokes a golden era: the early years of modern motoring, a continuing inspiration for the brand. The whole Meister Driver collection is stunning (check-out their Chronoscope), and so is the new Day-Date. Beyond the clear automotive design cues, the character that the convex dial and hard Plexiglas add to the watch is simply cool. Plus, as always with Junghans, the watch represents excellent value for money. 40.4 mm steel case, automatic movement. Price: EUR 1,290. More information on www.junghans.de.
Reservoir Watches GT Tour Supercharged
There’s a new kid in the paddock, by the name of Reservoir Watches… and it’s pretty cool! The GT Tour Supercharged Sport is inspired by dashboard instruments capturing the essence of classic racing. The GT Tour displays central retrograde minutes, jumping hours at 6 and the power reserve (plus the date at 5 which is not shown on this prototype). Its engine is based on an ETA2824 movement, a reliable work horse combined with a proprietary module manufactured by Télôs, a movement designer owned by Frank Orny and Johnny Girardin, the men behind the Harry Winston Opus 14 and the Metamorphosis for Montblanc – among others. 43mm steel case, automatic movement. Price: EUR 3,208. More information on www.reservoir-watch.com.
Bell & Ross BR03-94 RS17 Chronograph
Released in the frame of its partnership with Renault Sport F1, the cool BR03-94 RS17 features the brand’s distinctive square case with screws on the 4 corners. This lightweight chronograph is dressed in black ceramic, with high-tech material all over and energized by yellow accents. In particular, the start/stop pusher in anodized aluminum, the tachymeter scale and the sub-dial feature the color used by Renault since it first entered Formula One. And of course, there’s the carbon dial… Limited edition of 500 pieces. 42x42mm ceramic case, automatic chronograph. Price: EUR 5,600. More information on www.bellross.com.
Chopard Mille Miglia 2017 Race Edition
Released in honor of the 90th anniversary of the iconic Mille Miglia race (from Brescia to Rome), the Chopard Mille Miglia 2017 Race Edition houses a self-winding chronograph movement, chronometer-certified by the COSC. As always with Mille Miglia watches, it features numerous details inspired from racing cars: the pushers with anti-skid surface, the dial reminiscent of dashboards (in engine turned aluminum), the tachymeter, the superb color accents – and last but not least, the emblematic rubber strap with a 1960s Dunlop racing-tire pattern. Limited edition of 1,000 pieces. 44mm steel case, COSC certified automatic chronograph. Price: EUR 6,600. More information on www.chopard.com.
Hublot Techframe Ferrari Tourbillon Chronograph
Designed to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Ferrari, the Hublot Techframe features a case inspired by a supercar’s lightweight “birdcage” chassis. It is powered by the caliber HUB6311, regulated by a flying tourbillon. The mono-pusher chronograph is operated by an original lever in red anodized aluminum and its column-wheel is visible on the dial side. The Hublot Techframe Ferrari 70 Years is available in three limited-editions of 70 watches. 45mm titanium, PEEK carbon or king gold case, hand-wound flying tourbillon mono-pusher chronograph. Price: CHF 120,000 to CHF 150,000. More information on www.hublot.com.
Rebellion Weap-One
Rebellion Timepieces unveiled a new horological UFO, inspired by race car suspension. The Weap-One is built like a super car, brutally technical and out of reach for most people. In a futuristic sapphire tube, it houses a flying tourbillon suspended between rollers, showing the hours and minutes and revolving on 2 axes, at different speeds (one at 1rpm, one at 0.5rpm). The impressive movement is manufactured with Concepto and features ten ball bearings replacing jewels. The dual crown system mounted on either side of the movement is shaped after wheel nuts. 40x25mm titanium case, flying tourbillon. Price: CHF 450,000. More information on www.rebellion-timepieces.com.
3 responses
I think Rebellion is rebelling against good taste. Weap is an appropriate name, but it should be weep.
I think Rebellion is just repelling 😉
The Bell & Ross would be my first choice. I like the way they have used the Renault steering wheel as an inspiration for dials on the watch. The BR-X1 RS17 is my favourite of the three.