Some of the finest watch making, inspired by the world of motor racing
There is a long association between motor racing and the art of fine watchmaking. Both rely on precision timing and work together to push the boundaries of possibility. Watch manufacturers apply their technology to motor racing to develop and improve their products, whilst the racing car drivers rely on the ever-improving accuracy of the timepieces to improve their performance. So how did this relationship between racing and luxury watches begin?
Fascinating History
Mass production of cars and the development of the mechanical chronograph into an affordable watch took place around the same time, so it is natural the two technologies have always been closely linked. Although Rolex have been manufacturing chronographs since the 1930s, it was the 1963 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona that really brought racing-inspired watches into the public consciousness. This watch featured unusual inverse colours for the sub-dials and moved the tachymeter scale from the dial to the bezels, giving it a distinctive sporty look. The watch worn by Steve McQueen in the film Le Mans, a TAG Heuer Monaco, was the first square-cased chronograph and contributed to the brand becoming a favourite with racing drivers.
Precision Technology
The cutting-edge technology used in motor racing can also be applied to the science of watchmaking. Edouard Heuer’s 1869 patent for a stopwatch that could measure to one-fifth of a second was the beginning of the company’s long association with motor racing. 1911 saw the development of the first car dashboard chronograph, with Heuer’s interest in creating timepieces for the racing industry leading to the firm’s 1969 sponsorship of Formula One driver Jo Siffert and later becoming the official timekeeper for the sport. As in motor racing, the ultimate aim is to create pieces that are strong, light and extremely accurate.
Hublot have a long-standing association with Formula One and are motivated to use the same hi-tech materials in their products. Their F1 King Power Ceramic features a ceramic ring inspired by brake discs which is 30% lighter than traditional steel. Motor racing companies require precision timing to accurately time laps and predict when rivals are likely to make a pit stop. The IWC Ingenieur Chronograph Racer can calculate average speeds over a distance of 1000 metres. Developing watches in conjunction with racing drivers not only allows manufacturers to experiment with new materials, but also to test their products under a range of pressures and speeds impossible to simulate in a laboratory.
Collectible Pieces
Many collectors use internet trading sites to source rare pieces. Differences in early versions, such as the 275 bezel and a line in place of the Daytona logo on later models of the 1963 Cosmograph Daytona, make them extremely sought after. A limited production run also boosts rarity value. TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 1887 Jack Heuer 50th Anniversary watches were manufactured in a run of 3000 and sell now for approximately £5000, whilst just 500 Hublot F1 King Power Ceramic timepieces were made in 2011, giving them a value now of around £17,000 on the used-watch market.
Cars and watches embody the very best of both technology and visual appeal. Precision engineering and accuracy are essential to both, but even more appealing to collectors is the very special nature of the fascinating history behind this association.
