Originally designed to time horse races, chronographs have since become the top choice of motorsports enthusiasts. While a complete collection would require more pages than we have available, this small sampling includes several of the latest models available, at various price points.
(Courtesy of Rolex)$14,800
Wearing it as he drove race cars, actor Paul Newman made the Daytona the ultimate driver’s watch. Launched in 1963, the now-iconic design features a 40 mm case accented by a tachymetric scale used to measure vehicle speed. The dial features three subdials to track hours, minutes, and seconds, activated by the pushers that bracket the winding stem.
(Courtesy of Breitling)$5,500
Breitling and Australian motorcycle customizer Deus Ex Machina updated the 1960s-era Top Time, resulting in a simple, yet very practical driver’s chronograph. The 41 mm housing protects an in-house automatic movement driving the hour, minute, and second hands, and two subdials. “In Benzin Veritas” (In Gasoline There Is Truth) inscribed on the tachymeter outer band underscores the motorsports nature of this timepiece.
(Courtesy of Yema)$399
Yema’s Meangraf is a modern take on traditional racing chronographs. The rotating tachymetric bezel is uniquely inset into the case featuring a domed, 1970s-style mineral crystal. Beneath the dial with three subdials and an elongated, all-orange sweep second hand resides a modern Seiko VK64 automatic quartz movement to ensure precise timekeeping ability. Another notable feature is the flexible polished stainless-steel bracelet.
(Courtesy of REC Watches)$1,046
Motorsports accessory manufacturers ICON1000 and REC created this innovative driver’s watch. Held in place by a leather strap resembling a motorcycle saddle, it can be worn with the dial facing up, or the housing can be reversed for a clear view of the automatic mechanism in motion. Limited to 1,000 pieces, this is a reasonably priced, very functional collectible.
(Courtesy of Straton)$499
This retro-styled chronograph pays homage to auto racing via its iconic Gulf Racing orange-and-blue accents. The blue dial is bordered by a tachymetric scale on the outer edge, with a high-visibility orange sweep second hand. Two mechanical movements are available; a Seiko quartz VK67 or a Swiss Valjoux driving a day/date window. A supple leather strap keeps it in place.