100% Authentic watches
Safe delivery or pick-up
Warranty & easy returns
Kas Klerx
Chief Content
Updated at:
The history of racing watches started in the beginning of the 20th century when motorsports went through a rise in popularity. Every racing driver would desire to be quicker each lap, but the problem was: how do I know if I’m quicker? Well, you will need something to clock your time, obviously. And that is when the manufacturers of timepieces got their piece of the rise in popularity of the sport. A watch with a precise chronograph function was needed.
The history of vintage racing watches is closely linked with an invention of the brand ‘Heuer’. In 1911 Heuer came up with the first dashboard chronograph. This was a something that looked like a pocket watch, which had a very precise chronograph function, and was mounted to the dashboard of the race cars in that era. This gave the driver the option to closely time their laps while driving! This innovation laid the foundation for future racing watches.
These dashboard watches where the standard for years. Lucky for us, this changed, however. In the beginning of the 1960’s the big brands we know now, decided to dedicate some series of their production watches to the industry of the motorsport. There are several vintage racing watches that are highly collectible and still very aesthetically pleasing to this day.
Probably the most notorious vintage racing watch is the so-called Rolex ‘Paul Newman’ Daytona. Rolex forged a connection with motorsports by becoming the official timekeeper of the Daytona International Speedway in the beginning of the 1960’s, particularly known for the Daytona 500, and other iconic NASCAR races. A wristwatch dedicated to this connection was no surprise. The popular actor and racing enthusiast Paul Newman started to wear this watch and from then on was directly linked to this beautiful timepiece.
As already mentioned, (TAG) Heuer has a very close connection with motorsports. In the beginning of the 1960’s they launched their wristwatch inspired on their early dashboard watches designed for rally cars, called the Tag Heuer Autavia. Its versatile design and association with motorsports made it popular among drivers. They also nailed it with their (TAG) Heuer Monaco. A wristwatch which was famous for its square case design and bold aesthetics. It was notably worn by Steve McQueen in the film “Le Mans” and is the watch of choice for the Dutch F1 Driver Max Verstappen.
Even though the Speedmaster has not earned his popularity because of the connection with motorsports but with the space exploration, it was still intended as a racing watch. The vintage speedmasters sporty and durable design, in combination with the reliable chronograph function it houses, is a perfect watch for racing drivers. The famous Scottish racing driver, and three-time F1 winner Sir Jackie Stewart was a known fan of the watch and continued to be an ambassador for the brand. Great names as Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna have also been seen wearing various variants of the Omega Speedmaster.
Because of the long history of racing watches, now a days there are a lot of vintage racing watches to look for on the market. All the big brand names have had some racing related watches in their collection which can now be picked up pre-owned. For the wealthier collectors and enthusiasts, the Rolex ‘Paul Newman’ Daytona might be the way to go, but there is a lot more to choose from. Maybe a vintage Autavia the watch of your choice? Plenty to choose from!
Copy the link below to click one of the platforms below.
100% Authentic watches
Safe delivery or pick-up
Warranty & easy returns
