A classic car is a time machine into the past. But what about the smaller machines that measure time?s passage" Which watches would harmonize best with the styling of a vintage car, like the Mercedes-Benz below" Fortunately, the retro trend in watches is bigger than ever. Here are seven suggestions, photographed by our own Nik Schölzel.

ZENITH EL PRIMERO CHRONOMASTER TOUR AUTO EDITION
As the official timekeeper for the Tour Auto Optic 2000, one of France?s most important car rallies for old timers and young timers alike, Zenith has released a special model in a limited edition of 500 pieces that will delight aficionados of historical cars. (Steel, 42 mm, manufacture Caliber El Primero 4061, automatic, $9,600; for more on the watch, click here.) Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Tour Auto Edition

ERWIN SATTLER CHRONOGRAPH II CLASSICA SECUNDA

This Munich-based manufacture is mainly a clockmaker. Like those larger timekeepers, each Sattler watch has an elegant, tidy face with a classical subdial arrangement and a railway minutes circle. Blued poire hands and a serially numbered silver dial fastened with four screws also recall this maker?s domestic clocks. (Steel, 44 mm, ETA 7750, automatic, 6,900 ?)

TUTIMA SAXON ONE CHRONOGRAPH

Tutima, based in Glashu?tte, Germany, has modified the automatic movement that powers its chronograph, which boasts the brand?s characteristic cushion-shaped case. Now this caliber animates the elapsed-minutes counter f...