Best Racing-Inspired Timepieces Under $5,000

Racing-Inspired Timepieces: The History

The sport of motor racing and the watch industry have a deep and longstanding history together. Motorsports are dependent on highly accurate timekeeping to track each driver’s performance behind the wheel. The relationship between racing and watches all began at a time when drivers depended on their timepieces, specifically chronographs, to record everything from lap times to pit stops. Prior to the wide use of wristwatches, there were problems and discrepancies with timekeeping at the first motor racing events. Enter, racing-inspired timepieces.

The 1930’s mark a pivotal moment in the history of watches and racing. The popularity of motorsports spiked after legendary motorist Sir Malcolm Campbell became the first person to drive an automobile over 300 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats. When he set the land speed record, he was wearing a Rolex Oyster. Rolex decided to capitalize on the moment, and other watch brands, like Heuer, soon followed.

Racing-Inspired Timepieces: Heuer

Heuer quickly became the top watch brand in the sport. Before Heuer made racing-inspired timepieces, there were Heuer dashboard timers. For example, the now popular Autavia began as a dashboard timer. It saw reinvention as a wristwatch in 1962. The 1960’s were a major moment for Heuer and motorsports. In addition to the Autavia, the brand developed its two other staple racing chronographs—the Carrera and Monaco. And in 1969, Heuer created the first automatic chronograph, the Caliber 11. Heuer’s popularity in the racing world continued to rise into the 1970’s when the famed actor and racing enthusiast Steve McQueen wore a Monaco in the film Le Mans.

In addition to Heuer and Rolex, many other watch brands have joined the racing game. The iconic Omega Speedmaster is a sports and racing chronograph. And both Longines and Hublot have served as official timekeepers for Formula One racing events. Although today’s drivers don’t depend on their own wristwatches to track time, the steadfast relationship between the sport of racing and the watch industry remains stronger than ever.

Racing-Inspired Timepieces: The Watches

We partnered with the team at Crown & Caliber, an online marketplace for buyers/sellers of watches, to compile some of the best racing-inspired timepieces under $5,000 that you can buy right now from their marketplace.

 

Omega Speedmaster Racing Co-Axial Chronograph

The Speedmaster is Omega’s staple sports and racing chronograph and the first model in their family of watches to feature the now iconic-triple register dial. The Speedmaster Racing models offer a twist on the traditional Speedmaster with a new movement.

TAG Heuer Carrera Day-Date

The famous border-to-border race on the open roads of Mexico, the Carrera Panamericana, inspired the Carrera. The Day-Date variation of the iconic model adds some elevated complications to this timeless watch.

TAG Heuer Monaco Le Mans Limited Edition

The Monaco was the first square, waterproof automatic chronograph on the market. The Le Mans Limited Edition pays homage to the world’s oldest active sports-car race. Popularized in the 1971 film, the race is simply The Le Mans.

Breitling Bentley 24H Limited Edition

The Breitling Bentley 24H Limited Edition celebrates the historic anniversary of Bentley’s second place finish at the famous Le Mans race. This special model was then produced in a run of only 288 pieces in conjunction with the six Le Mans Limited Edition vehicles, each of which were made in a limited quantity of only 48.

Chopard Mille Miglia

The Mille Miglia takes its name from what is known as the world’s most beautiful race—one that’s reserved for classic and vintage cars that have been part of historical races. Thus, the model has a suitably vintage racing-inspired design.

TAG Heuer Carrera

The Carrera is a pivotal model in the history of the TAG Heuer brand. They retired the model for over a decade, but relaunched it shortly after Techniques d’Avant Garde acquired the Heuer brand. It’s now one of the most iconic models in the brand’s line.

Cartier Drive

The Cartier Drive is a vintage automotive inspired watch with a refined and masculine design. The wide but thin cushion shape gives it a sporty but elegant feel that’s perfect for the open road or everyday wear.

Cartier Roadster

The Cartier Roadster is a racing-inspired watch. Though it is simple it has a lot of personality. It combines the masculine feel of a classic sports watch with the timeless aesthetic that’s iconic to Cartier.