Watches inspired by a century of motorsport
Driver’s watches inspired by a century of sport. By Ben Oliver
Three new retro motorsport-inspired watches this month, each harking back to a very different era. Industry titan Heuer has mined its back catalogue yet again and been inspired by a rare and good-looking watch from the early ’70s. Industry minnows MHD and Autodromo have taken a different approach; their latest releases trying to capture the feel of the cars of the ’20s and ’50s respectively. Their prices are very different too.
01 I Autodromo Intereuropa $1250 (+VAT)
This new Nassau blue version of the Intereuropa may be Autodromo’s finest yet. Named for the support race to the Italian GP at Monza through the ’50s, it captures perfectly the glamour of the event. Touches like the floating glass chapter ring, Sa ano leather strap and enamelled box mean it’s worth every cent. autodromo.com
02 I MHD Type 1 £745
Former Morgan designer Matthew Humphries has switched to watch making. His latest model was inspired by a visit to Prescott hillclimb last year, where he sketched the 1920s Bugattis, Bentleys and Alfas competing. He designed a watch inspired by their exposed engineering. Limited to 100 pieces, the Type 1 can be pre-ordered now. mhdwatches.com
03 I TAG Heuer Carrera Montreal Limited Edition £5500
The first Heuer Montreal, from ’72, was named for Montreal’s selection as host city for the ’76 Olympics, but it was as much a driver’s watch as any of Heuer’s period chronographs. It’s the inspiration for this new Carrera, limited to 1000 pieces. Feeling brave? The same money buys a good example of the original. tagheuer.com