Manifold: Five of the Coolest Automotive Watches You Can Buy

The original TAG Heuer Monaco - An example of which was worn by Steve McQueen during the 1971 film Le Mans (Image Credit - Montredo)

Cars and watches, surprisingly, have many things in common with each other. They are both mechanical. They come in different specs, colours and with different options. Different examples fall into different price ranges. They are both made by manufactures who are considered more, or less, prestige than others. They are both very collectable. And, of course, they have both created crazy resale markets due to high demand, rarity, or a combination of the two. So, while it may not seem so apparent at first, the watch and automotive worlds are closely intertwined.

This is perhaps why, then, that over the years several watch brands have released new models that are very much car-related; whether brand collaborations with car makers, or inspired by motorsport, or affiliated with racing drivers, there are several different examples of watches that are synonymous with the automotive world. Here is my list of the Top 5 coolest examples of such that you can buy.

The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Porsche Panamericana (Image credit - TAG Heuer)

1. Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillion x Porsche Panamericana

This is the watch that inspired this list. Recently announced by TAG Heuer and Porsche, the Carrera Chronograph Tourbillion X Porsche Panamericana is the latest in a series of special Porsche editions of one of TAG's most iconic watches, the Carrera. However, this one is especially cool, as it pays tribute to Porsche's first class win in the Carrera Panamericana road rally in 1953, with the Guatemalan driver Jose Herrate at the wheel of a 550 Spyder. As such, the watch contains several references to the 550 Spyder in question, such as the outer portion of the face mimicking the slotted wheel design found on the race car.

The IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph Top Gun Edition 'Lake Tahoe' (Image credit - IWC)

2. IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition “Lake Tahoe”

While admittedly not directly inspired by anything automotive, and rather a special IWC release in collaboration with Top Gun, the 'Lake Tahoe' Edition of IWC's Pilot's Watch Chronograph was seen for the very first time on the wrist of non other than 7-time Formula 1 World Champion, Sir Lewis Hamilton. Lewis is an IWC brand ambassador, and the manufacturer have sponsored the Mercedes F1 team for several years now. Plus, Lewis was very nearly cast as a pilot in the latest Top Gun movie, which is why he was probably allowed to show it off for the first time. So, while not exactly automotive themed at first, the link to Lewis makes it a worthy addition to this list.

The Richard Mille RM UP- 01 Ferrari (Image Credit - Time and Watches)

3. Richard Mille RM UP- 01 Ferrari

Richard Mille have established themselves as consistent sponsors of motorsport. Right now, the company has partnerships with McLaren and Scuderia Ferrari - with the latter collaboration spawning the RM UP- 01. While it may look unconventional, the reason why this piece is so special is because it's actually one of the thinnest watches ever made. The Ferrari Formula 1 team, and over 6,000 hours of R&D, were utilised to create a face just 1.75mm thick, while also retaining the movement performance of other RM watches. The manual winding mechanism had to be completely redesigned, and weighs just 2.8 grams, and the whole watch, including the strap, comes in at just 30 grams. However, this comes at a price - £1.5 million, in fact.

The TAG Heuer Monaco 'Steve McQueen' (Image credit: Hugh Rice)

4. TAG Heuer Monaco 'Steve McQueen'

If I could only put one watch on this list, this would be it. Perhaps their most iconic watch of all time, TAG Heuer released the Monaco in 1969, and it was significant for two reasons - the first reason was, of course, it's peculiar square face, which continues to polarise opinion today (personally, I love it). But, the second reason, and the reason why the Monaco is so closely associated to the automotive world, was that one adorned the wrist of renowned petrolhead-turned-actor, Steve McQueen, during the 1971 film Le Mans - in which he famously drives a Gulf-liveried Porsche 917 during the legendary 24-hour race. A 'Gulf' edition was also released, but the 'Classic' Monaco (pictured) is the one that McQueen wore, and therefore, the one that you want.

Omologato 'Snake Eyes' (Image credit: Omologato)

5. Omologato 'Snake Eyes'

Omologato are by far the newest watch brand on this list, having only being founded in 2015. However, they are designed and assembled by a team with over 25 years of experience in the industry, and are really starting to establish themselves within the watch world. However, what makes Omologato special is how heavily the company is invested in motorsport; in the 9 years since the company was founded, they have partnered with several tracks, including Monza, Portimão and Imola, and have been present as sponsors within race series including IndyCar, Formula 3 and Formula 4, Radical Cup, Trans Am and British Superbikes, among others. As expected, such partnerships have resulted in several collaborations; however, this one is my favourite. Called 'Snake Eyes', this piece pays homage to a Shelby Cobra racer of the same name, that was originally raced by Ken Miles. The Cobra was raced at the Goodwood Revival last year, where Omologato sponsored the car - simultaneously spawning this special piece.

Sources:

TAG Monaco (Thumbnail): 5 Facts you need to know about the TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre 11 (montredo.com)

TAG Carrera Tourbillon: TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Porsche Panamericana - Steel - 42 mm | TAG Heuer

IWC 'Lake Tahoe': IW389105-Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition “Lake Tahoe” (iwc.com)

Richard Mille Ferrari: Richard Mille - RM UP-01 Ferrari | Time and Watches | The watch blog

Monaco (article): TAG Heuer Monaco Steve McQueen Calibre 11 Blue 39mm Watch (hughrice.co.uk)

Omologato 'Snake Eyes': Snake Eyes by Omologato (omologatowatches.com)