The worlds of watchmaking and automobile racing have shared a strong connection for decades, with racing and high-performance cars often serving as a direct inspiration for watches, including classic models like the Rolex Daytona and TAG Heuer Carrera, which both turned 50 in 2013. Below we take a look at 15 currently available watches with designs influenced by motorsports.
The Baume & Mercier Capeland Shelby Cobra 1963 Limited Edition ? the product of a collaboration between the Swiss watchmaker and Carroll Shelby, Inc. ? was introduced at SIHH 2016. It comes in two versions, each a chronograph with a 44-mm-diameter case. One is in stainless steel with satin-brushed and polished finishing, attached to a black alligator strap with white contrast stitching and yellow, rubberized calfskin lining; the other ?Competition? edition (below) has black ADLC coating on the steel case and comes on a strap made of black, vulcanized rubber, the same material used in the wheels of a Cobra race car. More on the watches, and the historical Shelby Cobra car that inspired them, here. Baume & Mercier Capeland Shelby Cobra 1963 Competition
As a partner with Lamborghini in the all-Lambo Super Trofeo auto racing series, Blancpain produces a line of Super Trofeo watches in its L-Evolution collection. The 2012 Blancpain L-Evolution Super Trofeo watch has a flyback chronograph and incorporates materials found in Lamborghini cars, including carbon fiber in the case and dial and alcantara le...