{"id":1073,"date":"2017-07-28T08:44:05","date_gmt":"2017-07-28T08:44:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swisswatchexpo.com\/TheWatchClub\/?p=1073"},"modified":"2022-10-19T01:30:33","modified_gmt":"2022-10-19T01:30:33","slug":"the-most-iconic-racing-inspired-watches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swisswatchexpo.com\/thewatchclub\/2017\/07\/28\/the-most-iconic-racing-inspired-watches\/","title":{"rendered":"Most Iconic Racing Watches"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A racing watch is one of the most handsome and elaborate timepieces one can own. Racing watches are usually the flashiest with their bright colors and embellishments, but they\u2019re actually far from being fashion accessories.<\/p>\n

The very first driver’s watches\u00a0came out in the 1960s, helping\u00a0professional race car drivers\u00a0to\u00a0monitor their\u00a0speed and lap times even while driving.<\/p>\n

These days, you probably won\u2019t be wearing a racing watch for practical purposes, but it would certainly interest a watch enthusiast to know the roots of watchmaking and automobile racing\u2019s storied connection.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Here are the pioneers and icons:<\/div>\n
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\"Rolex<\/div>\n
from left:\u00a0Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 18K Steel Yellow Gold Watch<\/a>\u00a0|<\/div>\n
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Stainless Steel Black Dial Mens Watch<\/a><\/div>\n
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Rolex first served as the official timekeeper at Florida’s\u00a0famed Daytona International Speedway in 1962. In their quest\u00a0to meet the needs of professional racers, and to emphasize the brand’s affiliation with the prestigious race, the Daytona was born. While the Daytona was successful even upon its launch, its popularity soared when it became the watch choice of actor and race car driver Paul Newman, who famously wore it from the 1970’s until he passed away in 2008.<\/p>\n

Today’s Daytonas\u00a0come\u00a0with a bezel with a tachymetric scale and a\u00a0highly reliable chronograph, allowing drivers to measure average speeds up to 400 kilometres or miles per hour, depending on their needs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Omega<\/div>\n
from left:\u00a0Omega Speedmaster Schumacher Racing Limited Edition Watch<\/a>\u00a0|<\/div>\n
Omega Speedmaster Racing Blue Dial Watch<\/a><\/div>\n
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The Omega Speedmaster<\/a> is best known for surviving the grueling NASA tests and being the first watch worn on the moon, in 1969. However, its history actually goes back to 1957 \u2013 it was launched\u00a0as a sports and racing chronograph, complementing the brand’s position as the Olympics’ official timekeeper. Its name is coined from its tachymeter scale bezel, and from the convention used to name other Omega models like the Seamaster.<\/p>\n

The Speedmaster has gone through updates over the years, and has released limited edition versions, but it is still powered by virtually the same precise and reliable hand-wound movement that powered it on the moon.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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<br><\/span>\"Tag<\/div>\n
from left:\u00a0Tag Heuer Monaco Calibre 12 Blue Dial Chronograph Mens Watch<\/a>\u00a0|<\/div>\n
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Tag Heuer Monaco Automatic Mens Limited Edition Watch<\/a><\/div>\n
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Introduced in honor of the Monaco Grand Prix, the Monaco, launched in 1969,\u00a0was\u00a0clearly positioned as a sport chronograph for race car drivers.\u00a0Because of its novel square waterproof case,\u00a0imposing size, and a crown unusually positioned on the left (signifying that it did not need winding),\u00a0the Monaco was a disruptive product from the start. It was given exceptional exposure\u00a0when actor and race car enthusiast Steve McQueen wore it in “Le Mans”,\u00a0a ’70s\u00a0Hollywood racing film.<\/p>\n

The current model is an aesthetic ode to the classic Monaco, with some bells and whistles added \u2013 such as scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and water resistance of up to 100 meters.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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<br><\/span>\"Tag<\/div>\n
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from left:\u00a0Tag Heuer Grand Carrera Black Leather Strap Automatic Mens Watch<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Tag Heuer Grand Carrera Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch<\/a><\/div>\n
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The Carrera is widely considered as the most famous wristwatch made by Tag Heuer, and one that is synonymous with Jack Heuer, great grandson of the company\u2019s founder. It was under his leadership that the Carrera was created\u00a0in 1963, as a tribute to the ‘Carrera Panamericana Rally’ of the 1950’s, considered at that time as the most dangerous race in the world. It became the the first chronograph with a simple yet functional dial design – it featured\u00a0a wide dial opening, allowing the chronograph to be easily read, which\u00a0was a huge departure from the chronographs of the day.<\/div>\n
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<b<\/span><\/span>____<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

SEE MORE OF THE WATCHES IN OUR VIDEO:<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

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