Watches to match your car? We’ll help you on your way

Cars and watches, there is always a link to be found. In all branches of motorsports we find several watch brands that have established partnerships with famous racing drivers or constructors. This has already produced several iconic timepieces throughout history. The Paul Newman Rolex Daytona, the Tag Heuer Steve Mc Queen, …  Many of these timepieces capture the imagination of many.  But a beautiful, solid racing inspired watch doesn’t need to be expensive. In this blog, we showcase a variety of different brands and price ranges of vintage and modern timepieces that never look out of place on any automotive fanatic’s wrist. 

Bremont WR-22
Briston Clubmaster Sport
Chopard 1000 miglia
Depancel Serie R Fastback 
Echo / Neutra Cortina 1956 Chrono 
Farer Chronograph Sport
Farer Elvington II Flyback
Frederique Constant Healy
Hamilton Intra matic
Marchand Driver
Raidillon 55
Rolex Daytona Cosmograph
RZE Valor
Tag Heuer Monaco
Tissot Heritage 1973
Tissot Alpine On Board automatic 
Tudor Heritage Chrono Blue
Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 
YEMA Rallygraf
YEMA Speedgraf
Zenith El Primero Chronosport – Defy Extreme

Bremont WR-22

As Official Timing Partner of Williams Racing, Bremont has created its first racing-inspired watch that honors one of the most iconic teams in Formula One.

Building on their respective British heritage and specializing in precision engineering, Bremont and Williams Racing have a truly iconic partnership with the release of the WR-22 for the 2022 F1 season.

Uniquely, each watch will come with an original wheel nut from historic Williams Racing cars, certified by Williams Racing.

ModelWR-22
MovementBE-53AE Chronometer 28800 VPH
Power Reserve42 uur
Diameter43 mm
Water resistance200 m (20 ATM)
Material case316L stainless steel
StrapStainless steel
Price7415 euro
 
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Briston Clubmaster Sport

With the Clubmaster Sport, Briston proves that a beautiful watch with a timeless design does not necessarily have to be expensive. 

The watch has a 42 mm case made of black acetate and a tachymeter scale for the chronograph model. Composed of a white dial and 2 black counters, the panda dial is a symbol of sobriety and aesthetics. Other dial combinations are also possible.

The sporty lines are inspired by the race cars of the 1960s.

Its entry price of 290 euros does mean that the watch uses a quartz movement with a mineral domed glass.

The watch can be fully personalized in different colors and also the materials of bands in both fabric and steel is very extensive.

ModelClubmaster Sport
MovementQuartz Miyota OS21
Power reserveBattery powered
Diameter42 mm
Water resistance100 m (10 ATM)
Material caseBlack acetate
StrapBlack nylon nato
Price290 euro
 
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Chopard 1000 Miglia

The name Chopard instantly brings to mind the iconic “1000 Miglia” race, “la corsa piu bella del mondo” as they say in Italy (the most beautiful race in the world).  This legendary race holds a special place in the hearts of many car fanatics.  Over a loop of 1600 km through San Marino, Rome, Siena And Firenze you are taken through a beautiful course with a rich history.  In this race Chopard is the main partner and also the official timekeeper and this since 1988.  Every year Chopard brings a “1000 Miglia” edition timepiece on the market in honor of this race. This COSC-certified timepiece reflects the passion that Chopard has for motor racing. 

Because Chopard only makes a limited unique edition each year, being quick is the message if you are willing to get your hands on this timepiece with exceptional heritage.

ModelMille Miglia 2021 Race Edition
MovementAutomatic Chopard (Base ETA Valjoux 7750)
Power reserve48 hours
Diameter44 mm
Water resistance100 m (10 ATM)
Material case316L stainless steel
StrapBlack calfskin perforated with folding clasp
Price7570 euro
 
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Depancel Serie R Fastback

Depancel is a fairly new player on the market with its home base in France. Founder Clément Meynier has a clear passion for watchmaking and vintage cars.  In 2018, he started the Dépancel brand and markets affordable timepieces all with a nod to the retro, vintage whimsy of classic cars.  His mission is to create the best watches based on a pre-order model. This type of model allows him to produce only what the customer wants. By selling directly to the customer, he also eliminates dealer distribution costs.

The quality of the timepiece is reflected in the finishing of the case and the laser machined custom rotor. The cherry on the cake is the lifetime warranty on the movement, unseen in the industry.

To keep the timepiece affordable, a standard reliable Miyota 9120 movement was chosen. The movement is hand-tuned by their own watchmakers who base their work on Swiss standards and manage to double the precision of the movement! This results in a variation of the movement of 0/+12 seconds per day.

ModelSerie R Fastback
MovementAutomatisch Miyota 9120
Power reserve40 hours
Diameter43 mm
Water reseistance50 m (5 ATM)
Material case316L stainless steel
StrapBrown leather perforated with folding clasp
Price595 euro
 
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Echo / Neutra Cortina 1956 Chrono 

The vision of echo/neutra is the embodiment of the pure excitement you can feel every time you observe and use certain objects that were conceived, designed and built to last. 

So links with a car is not far off, the feeling you get from an engine or design of a car arouse these same feelings.  In their designs, the quality, craftsmanship, durability of the materials, the timelessness of the design are hard to miss.  Something we certainly find in classic cars as well.

The Cortina 1956 is a classic “Panda-style” design with black subdials on a white dial. The high-contrast makes it easy to read the time in all circumstances.

The clean, simple style makes this watch suitable for any occasion. Combinable with numerous straps and metal bands.  In addition to its looks, the robust and reliable Swiss Sellita SW 510 movement is the right choice that guarantees accurate timekeeping.

True to an Italian company, all their watch bands are handmade in Italy and of exceptional quality.

Be sure to check out their version with blue or bronze dial If the panda dial is to plain for your taste.

Priced at 1590 euros for the whole package combined with 2 watch straps, this timepiece is certainly a killer piece that will have a place in the collection of every watch collector.

ModelCortina 1956 Chrono
MovementHandwind Sellita SW510M BH b elaboré
Power reserve58 hours
Diameter40 mm
Water resistance100 m (10 ATM)
Material case316L brushed stainless steel
StrapCordura,brown water buffalo,Black water buffalo,Steel Mesh
Price1590 euro
 
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Farer Chronograph Sport

Farer’s Chronograph Sport was inspired by the spectacular street car races held high on flowing mountain roads in the 1920s and 1930s – where a mix of racing heavyweights competed against each other to become the ultimate champion. 

Farer has portrayed this period with a colorful, yet very precise dial design in an elegantly shaped 316L stainless steel case with push buttons. 

The Berina model was launched at the 2019 Bernina Gran Turismo to celebrate participation – a race through the Swiss Alps in which modern Formula cars and old-school classics compete on a 5.7-kilometer course between La Rösa and Hospizio Bernina, just outside St. Moritz. Inspired by the famous races held in the region in the 1920s and 1930s, the race starts at an altitude of 6,138 feet before climbing another 1,500 feet, through 50 challenging turns.

The beautiful tri-compax dial construction is the result of hours of testing, pushing the limits of current technology. The fresh color combinations of the dials – in both light and dark palettes, with multiple material finishes and techniques – provide an accurate finish and an easy-to-read display of elapsed time at speed. The creative application of Super-LumiNova Grade A on the dials adds an extra dimension to their beauty at night.

This timepiece, with its playful color palette, invites you to take a ride in the mountains, what are you waiting for ?

ModelChronograph Sport
MovementHandwind Sellita SW510 BH elaboré grade 28800 VPH
Power58 hours
Diameter41 mm
Water resistance100 m (10 ATM)
Material case316L stainless steel
StrapBarenia leather, 316L stainless steel clasp
Price1985 euro
 
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Farer Elvington II Flyback

The Farer Elvington is named after RAF Elvington in Yorkshire, England. These are three runways that were operational from the beginning of World War II until 1992. 

It was here in 1970 that Tony Densham broke Malcolm Campbell’s famous record, set 43 years earlier at Pendine Sands. He piloted the Ford-powered Commuter dragster and achieved an average speed of 207.6 miles per hour at Elvington

The Elvington harkens back to the very best of the 1970s design decade and the birth of the luxury sports watch, transported to a contemporary setting with its bold inverted panda dial. An inverted panda is classified as white subdials on a black background, in this case a smooth matte black vintage curved dial, framed by raised Grade A white Super-LumiNova English numerals, outlined in silver. Throughout the dial are three dials in a white twisted micro texture, with a 1/10 second counter, 30-minute counter and small seconds, all with blue Miami hands for added clarity. The 60-second chronograph hand is at the top in fluorescent orange, while the hand below it in astronaut silver contrasts with the powerful jet black dial. The lume details continue with curved split line design hour/minute spray-style hands in astronaut silver, to glow after at night with Super-LumiNova white infill to complete the graphic sports look.

The Elvington features a split-second complication. This records and displays an intermediate time, so that two time intervals can be compared. The second hand of the main chronograph hides another hand that becomes visible at the split timing. When the chronograph is started, the two hands move together one above the other until a press on the split-second pusher separates them. The first hand stops while the other continues to move. It is then possible to read the split time while the other chronograph hand continues.

ModelElvington II Flyback
MovementPrecision Quartz ETA 251.294 FK PowerDrive
Power reserveBattery powered 72 months
Diameter39,5 mm
Water resistance50 m (5 ATM)
Material case316L stainless steel
StrapBarenia leather, 316L stainless steel buckle clasp
Price595 euro
 
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Frederique Constant Healy

Since 2004, Frederique Constant has sponsored vintage car rallies around the world.

They are often the official timekeeper at events where classic cars are put in the spotlight. Frederique Constant is particularly fond of the European Healey Club and is its official sponsor.

On a regular basis new models are launched as an ode to the partnership with the Healy-Club.  If you thought that some of the previous models were very attractive, then you ain’t seen nothing yet. The new model is an very attractive timepiece with an unmistakable British charm. 

This vintage chrono is available in different colors and is also available in a non chrono model with small second hand. For any Healy fan a timepiece that should be in your collection.

ModelVintage Rally Healy Chronograph
MovementAutomatic CALIBRE FC-397 28800 VPH
Power reserve48 hours
Diameter42 mm
Water resistance50 m (5 ATM)
Material case316L stainless steel
StrapBlack calfskin with white board stitching
Price2695 euro
 
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ModelVintage Rally Healy Small Seconds
MovementAutomatic CALIBRE FC-345 28800 VPH
Power reserve38 hours
Diameter40 mm
Water resistance50 m (5 ATM)
Material case316L stainless steel
StrapBrown calfskin with white board stitching
Price1595 euro
 
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Hamilton Intra matic Chrono

Hamilton is originally a company from the United States but is now a part of the Swiss Swatch group. It gained its name recognition during the early days of the American railroads where the company’s watches were used to synchronize railroad timings.  The recently introduced Intra matic model has a classic yet sporty look that references the classic American cars of the 1960s.

ModelIntra Matic Chrono
MovementAutomatic H31 (ETA 7753 based)
Power reserve60 hours
Diameter40 mm
Water resistance100 m (10 ATM)
Material case316L brushed stainless steel
StrapBlack calfskin with pin buckle
Price2145 euro
 
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Marchand Driver

Marchand Watches is a relatively unknown brand from the United Kingdom.

In his years of working in and participating in motorsports, owner Daniel came into daily contact with cars and watches from the most exotic categories. As his racing years came to an end, Daniel promised himself that he would stay involved in motorsports by offering products or services that he would enjoy sharing with others. From this vision, Marchand Watches was born.

Brand owner Daniel is proud to continue the legacy of great-grandfather Adamir Marchand. Adamir was a Swiss clockmaker and inventor in the early 1900s for the prestigious watch brand Benrus. Daniel started the Marchand brand to share his Swiss heritage and passion/experience with motorcycle racing.

Marchand’s vision from the get go has been to establish an affordable watch brand that incorporates Motorsport into all its watch designs. Offering premium watches with a racing essence and at an affordable price is the core of the collection. The timepieces they market are all-round and can be worn on the track, at home or in professional life.

ModelClassic Driver Chronograph
MovementQuartz Miyota OS21
Power reserveBattery powered
Diameter43 mm
Water resistance100 m (10 ATM)
Material case316L stainless steel
StrapStainless steel or leather rally strap
Price240 euro
 
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Raidillon 55

Raidillon, an exclusive brand with a 100% Belgian design, was born in 2001. The watches, designed in limited edition, and modern accessories embody the philosophy of a true Gentleman Driver.

The name of the brand is inspired by the Raidillon curve of the famous Spa-Francorchamps racing circuit. Drivers drive past this particularly steep curve at a breathtaking speed of over 300 km/hour.

The emblematic number 55 was not chosen by accident. Historically, the number 55 represents the maximum number of cars that were allowed to compete for certain races on the Spa-Francorchamps race track. Raidillon borrowed the symbolic figure from the world of car racing to develop exclusive watches, namely 55 pieces per model. Each watch has a unique engraved serial number in the watch case.

All their watches are equipped with a Swiss movement manufactured by ETA. They use the caliber Valjoux 7750 for our automatic chronographs and the caliber 2824-2 for our automatic three hand movements.

ModelChronograf
MovementAutomatic ETA Valjoux 7750
Power Reserve48 hours
Diameter42 mm
Water resistance100 m (10 ATM)
Material case316L brushed stainless steel
StrapZBlack leather with orange stitching, folding clasp with comfortable spare part and Raidillon logo engraving
Price3150 euro
 
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Rolex Daytona Cosmograph

The Cosmograph Daytona was introduced in 1963.  This watch was designed to meet the demands of professional race car drivers

It is an icon forever linked in name and function to the world of motorsports and the famous Daytona race track where the passion for speed and racing developed in the early 20th century.

More than 50 years after its creation, the Cosmograph Daytona is still in a class of its own among sports chronographs and continues to transcend time.

In 2013, this was reinforced by the brand’s entry into the world of Formula 1® racing as a Global Partner and Official Timepiece.

ModelDaytona Cosmograph
MovementAutomatic Calibre 4130
Power reserve72 hours
Diameter40 mm
Water resistance100 m (10 ATM)
Material caseSteel & Ceramic
StrapOystersteel
Price13800 euro
 
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RZE Valour

RZE is a small team from Singapore that started in 2020 through a kickstart campaign. All their timepieces are made of titanium with an emphasis on durability, quality, versatility and affordability.

In this short timeframe, they have released a collection of timepieces for the modern adventurer. One of these series is the Valour series dedicated to motorsports.  This model is available in GT black, Crusador white and vintage salmon.  The Valour is powered by a robust mecaquartz movement that combines the accuracy of quartz with the smooth movement of an automatic.  The use of superluminova makes the watch easy to read in any circumstance.  With its 200m water resistance, the watch can be used during a swim in addition to the racetrack.

ModelValour
MovementSII VK64 Mecaquartz
Power reserveBattery powered
Diameter42 mm
Water resistance200 m (20 ATM)
Material caseTitanium
StrapFKM Rubber strap with quick release buckle and Grade 2 Titanium buckle with UltraHexTM Coating or DLC black titanium
Price369 euro
 
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Tag Heuer Monaco

Anyone who says auto racing immediately thinks of the name Tag Heuer. This watch brand is unmistakably linked to F1 and other car races.

Collaborations with legendary racing drivers such as Steve McQueen, Ayrton Senna and currently the current F1 world champion Max Verstappen have certainly done the brand no harm.  One of the most iconic models of the Tag Heuer range remains the square-shaped “Monaco” model. 

The Monaco’s original inner mechanism, the Calibre 11, was the result of the joint venture of Heuer-Léonidas, Breitling, Hamilton-Büren and Dubois-Dépraz (Chronomatic group) in their attempt to create the first ever automatic chronograph movement.

So in terms of heritage, this can certainly count.  Yet with this watch, “Tag Heuer” does not rest on its laurels but it has kept it alive and up to date by using new materials, color schemes, special editions and recently a completely new “in-house” Heuer 02 movement.

ModelMonaco
MovementAutomatic Calibre HEUER02 28800 VPH
Power reserve80 hours
Diameter39 mm
Water resistance100 m (10 ATM)
Material case316L stainless steel
StrapBlue aligator leather with polished steel folding clasp
Price6000 euro
 
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Tissot Heritage 1973

With this heritage model, Tissot teleports us back to the 1970s. 

This sporty chronograph equipped with a tachymeter and featuring a “panda” dial features 3 black counters. The perforated strap recalls the racing wheel of classic race cars, and refined details such as the oval stainless steel case recall the vintage design of the 1973 sporty chronograph. This new Tissot Heritage 1973 was released by Tissot to celebrate its relationship with motor sports.

ModelHeritage 1973
MovementAutomatic Valjoux A05.H31
Power reserve60 hours
Diameter43 mm
Water resistance100 m (10 ATM)
Material case316L brushed stainless steel
StrapGenuine cowhide leather, butterfly clasp with press studs
Price2145 euro
 
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Tissot Alpine On Board

The Tissot Alpine On Board has a modern and chic appearance. Subtle blue accents in the hands and in the stitching of the watchband give the watch a contemporary look. The Alpine piece in the name of the timepiece is a reference to their partnership with Renault Alpine in 1973 which launched the Tissot name into motor racing.

The combination of the black dial with white and blue accents ensures that the watch is very easy to read at all times.  In addition, the large pushers ensure that the chrono is very easy to operate.

The watch comes with a black and blue rally-style leather watch strap with a butterfly clasp made of steel that is opened by push buttons.

ModelAlpine On Board
MovementAutomatisch Valjoux A05.H31
Power reserve60 hours
Diameter45 mm
Water resistance100 m (10 ATM)
Material case316L brushed stainless steel
StrapGenuine cowhide leather, butterfly clasp with press studs
Price1995 euro
 
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Tudor Heritage Chrono Blue

Tudor, the sister brand of Rolex has a long history and proves it once again with the Tudor Heritage Chrono Blue which is based on the famous Tudor “Montecarlo” chronograph watches from the 1970s. These second generation Tudor chronographs, produced from 1971 to about 1977, were nicknamed “Montecarlo” due to the colorful appearance of their dials. These dials are somewhat reminiscent of a casino roulette wheel hence the reference.

Besides a few minor technical improvements, this Tudor is a near copy of the vintage Tudor “Montecarlo” watch and follows the exact same color profile as the blue versions from the 1970s, complete with a dial with bright blue and orange accents.

The link between Tudor and motorsports can be seen in the partnership Tudor entered into with Porsche in 2009, when Tudor became a “Timing Partner” and participated in Porsche’s international one-make races.

Technically, this Chrono with T401 movement is based on an ETA cal. 2892T with a Dubois Dépraz chronograph module screwed on top of the dial.

This timepiece is not COSC certified but since Tudor customizes, finishes and assembles these timepieces themselves, it is safe to say that the time measurement is correct whether it is a certified chronometer or not.

For those who find this timepiece too colorful, Tudor has recently launched its popular Black Bay chrono. This timepiece is available in a panda or reverse panda with an inner movement based on a Breitling BR-01 that is COSC certified though.

ModelHeritage Chrono Blue
MovementAutomatic Calibre T401 (Base ETA 2892-A2 with chrono module)
Power reserve42 hours
Diameter42 mm
Water resistance150 m (15 ATM)
Material case316L brushed stainless steel
StrapSteel with folding clasp and safety clasp
Price4270 euro
 
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Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 

In the watch world, Vacheron Constantin has held a prominent place since 1755.  It is 1 of 3 brands known to watch enthusiasts as the “Holy Trinity”.  These 3 big names (Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin) have been at the forefront of watchmaking, innovation and luxury since the beginning, and continue to make watch news today.  

Te fact that Vacheron Constantin has had a serious impact on the watch industry translates into several achievements including the first non-magnetic timepiece, the first thinnest manually-wound timepiece and even the most complicated mechanical pocket watch.

The model we highlight, the Historiques American 1921, was made for the American market in 1921 spurred by the growing popularity of the car in North America. 

The movement and dials are rotated 45 degrees, allowing the wearer to easily read the time without having to remove his hand from the steering wheel.

Vacheron Constantin is also the official timekeeper of the Monticello Motor Club in Sullivan County, New York an Auto Country Club with a private race track just 90 minutes from New York City.

ModelHistoriques American 1921
MovementHandwound 4400 AS
Power reserve65 hours
Diameter40 mm
Water resistance100 m (10 ATM)
Material casePlatinum 950
StrapMississippiensis alligator (dark blue), platinum Ardillon buckle
Price51000 euro
 
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YEMA Speedgraf

In 1948, Henry Louis Belmont, a methodical and pioneering French watchmaker, founded his own watchmaking company under the name YEMA.

Mr. Belmont graduated top of his class from the national watchmaking school of Besançon in 1931. The story goes that the name of the brand was born from the imagination of a teenager in a school competition organized by Henry Louis Belmont himself. Without realizing it, the young student came up with a name that would become synonymous with sophisticated French watchmaking

YEMA has a rich history in various sports including motorsports. 

Mario Andretti, the motorsports racing legend, wore a YEMA Rally chronograph during his historic victory at Indianapolis 1969.

The speedgraf has a classic 1960s look due to its reversed panda style, a favorite among watch enthusiasts and collectors. The high-contrast design features a black bezel and white sub-registers on a black dial. The curved sapphire crystal and 39mm steel case enhance the vintage aspect. Equipped with the brand new Seiko NE86 caliber with 34 jewels and 45 hours of power reserve, the Speedgraf is a competitively priced neo-vintage chronograph.

ModelSpeedgraf
MovementAutomatisch Seiko NE86 28800 VPH
Power reserve45 hours
Diameter39 mm
Water resistance100 m (10 ATM)
Material case316L stainless steel
StrapPerforated Rally racing style vintage band with steel buckle
Price1499 euro
 
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YEMA Rallygraf

In addition to the Speedgraf, Yema also has the Rallygraf. Unlike the Speedgraf’s automatic movement the Rallygraf is powered by a Seiko VK64 Mechanical-Quartz hybrid caliber. The timekeeping complication is operated by a quartz movement, while the chronograph hand is controlled by a mechanical module that ticks several times per second, perceived by the eyes as a sweeping motion.

The two checkered flags are the Rallygraf collection’s signature commemoration of Grand Prix racing.

By using a Quartz caliber and mineral instead of sapphire glass, the speedgraf has a lower price.

In short, 2 recommendations from an excellent France watchmaker.

ModelRallygraf
MovementMechanical-Quartz hybrid Seiko VK64
Power reserveBattery powered
Diameter39 mm
Water resistance100 m (10 ATM)
Material case316L stainless steel
StrapMesh 316L polished stainless steel
Price349 euro
 
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Zenith El Primero Chronosport – Defy Extreme

Those who speak of the Zenith brand usually add “El primero” with the same breath.

With the “el primero” addition, Zenith wants to highlight that they developed the very first Hi-Beat (33660 vibrations per hour) chrono on the market.  This highly reliable inner mechanism would later also be used in the famous Rolex Daytona in a 28800 vibrations per hour variant.

In 2010, Zenith had another first with this model by launching the “El Primero Striking 10th”.  This was the first automatic timepiece that could measure and display tenths of seconds.  In short, the ideal instrument for a more accurate measuring of your “lap times” in style.

Zenith launched a limited edition version in 2016 in honor of the legendary Lancia Stratos, the El Primero Chronomaster World Stratos Meeting.

In addition, Zenith aims to reinforce its technical superiority and lower the autosports carbon footprint by promoting and sponsoring Extreme E. This is a recent motor sport where electric SUVs are driven on a thrilling and treacherous course by a men / women duo.  As a result of its involvement in the Extreme E, Zenith launched its “Zenith Defy Extreme” model a timepiece with a dynamic, modern and rock solid design that can be worn in any environment with a chrono that is accurate to an unseen 1/100th of a second.

ModelEl Primero Chronosport
MovementAutomatic El Primero HiBeat 33600 VPH
Power reserve60 hours
Diameter41 mm
Water resistance100 m (10 ATM)
Material caseSteel & Ceramic
StrapSteel
Price10000 euro
 
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ModelDefy Extreme
MovementAutomatic El Primero HiBeat 33600 VPH
Power reserve50 hours
Diameter45 mm
Water resistance200 m (20 ATM)
Material caseCarbon & titanium
StrapRubber with titanium triple clasp
Price16500 euro
 
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