Time Travel: Watches Built for Speed

Baume & Mercier Capeland Shelby Cobra

Inspired by the ultimate American muscle car, the Shelby AC Cobra (which was actually built in Britain as well as the US), Baume & Mercier’s reinterpretation of their famous Capeland model is somewhat of a beauty. Part of a collection of four, this one features the car number of Ken Miles in its left sub-dial register as well as the attractive black/yellow colour scheme that’s so reminiscent of the Cobra. www.baume-et-mercier.co.uk

Tag Heuer Formula 1 Quartz Chronograph James Hunt Limited Edition

James Hunt is a legend. That word is bandied around a lot, but Google him and you’ll see. In a world of the PR-friendly drones of F1 today (minus Jenson, Felipe and Ricciardo), it’s amazing to think that he did what he did, mostly off-track but also on. To honour the 40th anniversary of his lone Championship victory in 1976, Tag Heuer has produced the Formula 1 Quartz Chronograph James Hunt Limited Edition. It comes on either a steel bracelet or a fabric NATO strap complete with the stripe that featured on Hunt’s personal crash helmet. www.tagheuer.com

richard mille 056 TOURBILLON CHRONOGRAPH SAPPHIRE - FELIPE MASSA

Richard Mille has an incredible line-up of sporting ambassadors, no doubt because of the enormous pull of his incredible watches but also due to the innate charm of the man himself. It all started with Formula One driver Felipe Massa though ten years ago, and this is the marvel that was created to celebrate this feat. With a case crafted from sapphire and a completely skeletonised chronograph movement, it’s befitting of the F1 cars it takes inspiration from. Massa also wears his Richard Mille watches during races religiously, which is a testament to the build quality of these unique creations. www.richardmille.com

Chopard Mille Miglia 2016 XL Race Edition

This here is Chopard’s tribute to the Mille Miglia, one of the world’s greatest races. The Chopard Mille Miglia 2016 XL Race Edition is large to size - 46mm to be exact - presumably because that way one can effortlessly check the time whilst piloting one’s vintage sports car. Its tachymetric scale can be used to calculate average speed of course, but you’ll most likely want to stare at its perfectly proportioned dial. Interestingly, the ’Suportlo’ calf leather strap has been designed in such a way that it references leather tie-down straps on the bonnets of vintage racing cars.

Bell & Ross BR 126 GT

A classic looking racing-style chronograph very much in line with Bell & Ross’ Vintage family of watches, the BR 126 GT attempts to channel the allure of motorsport in the 1970s. Its tachymeter scale, small crown and pushers and contrasting sub-dials offer a nostalgic feel, but the signature oversized numbering bring things up to date. www.bellross.com

Zenith El Primero 36’000 VpH Classic Cars

The El Primero is an icon in itself, so re-interpeting it has the potential to be hit or miss. The 36,000 VPH Classic Cars model is certainly a winner though with its stunning anthracite dial with “brushed engine” pattern and familiar tricolour sub-dials. The perforated brown leather strap is a nice touch too and a common theme among driving watches, most likely because the holes allow your wrist to breath through vigorous chicanes and hairpins. Also, it just looks cool. www.zenith-watches.com

The relationship between performance cars and mechanical watches is closer than you might think. Both have to be meticulously designed to ensure good performance, reliability and visual stimulation, and both require the skill and precision of a craftsman who’s mastered the age old art of putting things together by hand. Indeed, the world of watches often finds itself taking inspiration from cars and motorsport, and vice versa. Tag Heuer’s blue-dialled, left hand crown Monaco watch sells by the truck load because it was worn by Steve McQueen in motorsport movie Le Mans. Brands often produce timepieces that reference cars too, and if executed well they exude a charm and romance that reminds one of the soft burr of a Jaguar V12 idle or the inviting leather interior of a Ferrari 275. That is not to take away the potential of the hyper-modern, technology-driven watches inspired by the likes of Formula One and rallying though. Here are six new motorsport-themed watches that The Rake are lusting after.

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