13 Best Racing Watches for the Motorsport Enthusiast

When you see race car drivers or athletes in the news after a big win, they are often wearing a luxury timepiece. Regardless of whether the watch is a personal choice or a lucrative brand deal (or both), we often assume that the close partnership between sports and horology is only a recent development. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Motorsports and racing have had a significant impact on watchmaking throughout its history, and the sport’s technical demands have been the root of many innovations. On a personal level, I strongly believe that without motorsports and aviation, the watch industry as we know it would not it exist. Motor racing is duplicitous. On the one hand, it is an extremely luxurious and opulent sport. On the other hand, it is a contest of of speed, courage, and machinery that is extremely demanding. Thus, the watches that have been developed to cater to it are just that: the perfect combination of luxury and functionality. In this guide, we have put together 13 of our favorite racing watches, in a variety of styles and prices. Let’s dive straight in.

TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph X Red Bull Racing

Price: $5,450 USD; Diameter: 44mm; Lug-to-Lug: 47.3mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.

Kicking off this list with one of most recent releases, we have the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph X Red Bull Racing. The Formula 1, as the name suggests, was developed for the drivers at the pinnacle of motor racing. Initially released in 1987, it was the first watch to bear the TAG Heuer named after the merger of Heuer and Techniques d’Avant Garde (or TAG). Its bright colors and light-weight build was attractive to many, including legend of the sport Ayrton Senna. Since then, the watch has undergone several redesigns. However, it is the latest release that has really caught our eyes. This latest model, released just this year during LVMH Watch Week, is spot on. Whilst the 44mm in diameter case is a far cry from the original, the ultra high-tech and durable titaniumn makes up for it beautifully. Inside the watch is an automatic chronograph calibre packed with all the latest of TAG Heuer’s innovations- they really are leaders in this sector. To round it all off, the watch comes on a sporty rubber strap that flows seamlessly into the case. Addressing the elephant in the room, this exact iteration is latest fruit borne by the illustrious partnership between Red Bull Racing and TAG Heuer: countless race victories and Formula 1 world championships. It is really great to that TAG Heuer are revamping this classic piece in collaboration with such a high demand partner. But don't worry, the other variations of the new Formula 1 are not part of the collaboration (for those of you that follow another team). This piece is available at retail for $5,450.

TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Chronosprint X Porsche Rallye

Price: $10,250 USD; Diameter: 42mm; Lug-to-Lug: 48.6mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.

As TAG Heuer is often thought of synonymously with racing, we wanted to include another on this list, the Carrera. This is really one of the brand’s heritage designs, around which the whole collection orbits. Originally designed in 1955 by Jack Heuer, it has barely changed. If you want a chronograph that feels like it is straight out of the golden age of motorsports, this the watch for you. Powering it is the latest of TAG’s automatic chronograph calibres. The case, which stands like a monument in time, has only been updated with the highest level of finishing. This is where the similarities with all the other Carrera chronographs end. This specific one pays tribute to the illustrious Porsche 911 of the 1965 Monte Carlo Rally. The dial is brushed with a bit of faux-tina to give it that vintage feel, whilst retaining a very sharp modern look. Designed to feel just like the dashboard of a race car, it feels incredibly dynamic with the elements borrowed from Porsche’s playbook. To top it all off, there is a small surprise waiting for you when the chronograph is set: instead of the linear progression you might expect, the chronograh hand sets off at a rate of knots before slowing as it reaches the 9 o’clock mark. It was built this way so that you could record 1/4 seconds in the first 10 seconds, a fabulous and discreet complication that pays fabulous tribute to racing heritage. This unique Carrera retails for $10,250.

TAG Heuer Monaco Gulf

Price: $8,000 USD; Diameter: 39mm; Lug-to-Lug: 43mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.

With yet another TAG Heuer, you might be starting to wonder if anyone else makes racing watches. They do, I promise. But first we must address the TAG Heuer Monaco, which is perhaps the most illustrious of TAG’s racing watches. Named after what can only be described as racing’s most prestigious race: the Monaco Grand Prix, this watch has been a stalwart piece in racing history. It was and still is one of the most unique racing chronographs due to it’s square case shape that no one has really been able to emulate or improve on. The original design was made famous by Steve McQueen in his movie about Le Mans (another illustrious race), with the square case and left hand crown becoming icons almost immediately. However, this special edition celebrates the 60th Anniversary of another iconic partnership with Gulf, a motorsport titan. This edition comes with the Gulf Logo and the iconic blue and orange stripes on the dial, just like all the famous race cars. This was such a fabulous collaboration , that when it was released in 2022, it won the GPHG award for most Iconic Watch. If that doesn’t cement it’s pedigree, I don’t know what does. It retails for $8,000.

Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Monobalancier Pirelli

Price: Upon Request; Diameter: 45mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.

The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Monobalancier Pirelli Edition is an exciting and unique watch. Pirelli, for those who aren’t familiar with motorsports, is the tire supplier for the highest echelons of motorsport. For those who are fans of the sport, their special color coded tires will be extremely familiar. Roger Dubuis has taken inspiration from their intermediate conditions tire for this piece. This is a non-slick tire with minimal tread designed to give drivers a balance of grip and water clearance for surfaces that are drying. Unlike NASCAR, Formula 1 and other categories race in all conditions. Much like its partners, Roger Dubuis is very committed to innovation and new technologies. This watch has been doted with a black DLC coated titanium case and a fully skeletonized iconic Excalibur movement that is wound by an extremely discreet micro-rotor. This piece is technically very potent and a testament to the Maison’s craftmanship, especially with the unusual layout of the movemrnt which undpoubtedly improves performance. The strap is made from recycled F1 tires and is fully interchangeable with several different colour ways. Limited to just 88 pieces, this is a highly desireable watch. It retails for an undisclosed amount.

Girard-Perregeaux Laureato Absolute Chronograph Aston Martin F1 Edition

Price: $27,800 USD; Diameter: 44mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.

Aston Martin: A brand associated with James Bond and gorgeous cars. The brand’s racing history has fallen somewhat by the wayside until recently, when they re-entered Formula 1. And like any good team, they needed to find a timing partner. Which is where Girard-Perregeaux came into the mix. Somewhat like Aston Martin, GP needed a bit of a rejuvenation and this partnership has given them a fabulous boost. This has been a fruitful collaboration which has seen the release of numerous highly desireable and innovative pieces, like the recent Neo-Bridges piece, which re-invents the brand’s classic design with modern elements designed by Aston Martin themselves. However, we’re going to be covering something else: the Laureato Absolute Chronograph. Until their partnership with Aston Martin, GP had been relatively conservative when it came to materials, sticking primarily to the classics: steel, gold, etc. However, with the Laureato Absolute Chronopgrah, the brand expanded to carbon fibre, and the Formula 1 influence is undeniable. The automatic chronograph movement is visible through a sapphire caseback with the iconic Aston Martin wings engraved onto it. As with the other watches released with AMF1, British Racing Green is everywhere, paying tribute to both the team and british motorsport as a whole. Limited to just 306 pieces, this watch retails for $27,800.

Richard Mille RM 65-01 McLaren W1

Price: $373,000 USD; Diameter: 44mm; Lug-to-Lug: 50mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.

It would be criminal to leave Richard Mille out of a list of best racing watches. The brand has been intertwined with motorsports since its very beginnings, at one point sponsoring at least 3 teams on the Formula 1 grid. Their iconic tonneau case shape that hugs the wrist as well as their addiction to materials like carbon fibre and titanium has made them a firm choice for many racing drivers and motorsports enthusiasts alike. Their partnerships with Formula 1 teams such as Ferrari and McLaren really push them to the cutting edge. The RM 65-01 W1 McLaren is the perfect piece to pay hommage to the W1, McLaren’s latest hyper-car. Equipped with a carbon fibre and grade 5 titanium case, the watch has been optimised to withstand the demanding environments of racing. The movement has been fully skeletonized to mimic the engine bay of the car and enhance the weightless feeling of the watch. The movement itself is a feat of horological engineering as it sports an incredibly useful (at least for racing drivers) split seconds chronograph complication. Overall, the watch is finished off with subtle hints of papaya orange and McLaren logos, reminding you of its racing pedigree. This piece is limited to 500 units and retails for $373,000.

Depancel Allure Chronograph MecaQ

Price: $595 USD; Diameter: 36mm; Lug-to-Lug: 42.8mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Mecaquartz; Crystal: Sapphire.

The Depancel Allure Chronograph swings the price scale completely in the opposite direction from the Richard Mille. If you haven’t heard of Depancel before, they are a brand devoted to making watches inspired by automobiles and racing. Whilst some of their other designs may appear familiar to you (there might be an element of homage to them), the Allure Chronograph is very different. This integrated steel bracelet chronograph is charmingly retro with its soft tonneau shaped case and vibrant orange accents, hailing back to the ‘modern’ chronographs of the 1970s and ‘80s. Powered by a meca-quartz movement, this piece aims to bring the racing spirit to everyone at an accessible price point. Having seen the watch in person, the quality and feel is extraordinary: the watch carries a lot of weight which is really nice. The Depancel Allure retails online for $595.

Tissot Heritage 1973

Price: $2,275 USD; Diameter: 43mm; Lug-to-Lug: 46mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.

Sticking to the (slightly) more affordable end of things here, we’ve got the Tissot Heritage 1973. This might be the most expensive watch in Tissot’s catalogue, but its definitely worth all of it. This is a re-issue of an original Tissot design from 1973 (yes, the name helpfully points it out). Powered by a modified ETA Valjoux 7753 calibre, this watch boasts a a strong spec sheet: this automatic movement won’t let you down in high-stakes situation. The panda dial has been decorated with some subtle orange accents that helps to strengthen the 1970s feel. To finish it all off, you get an authentic feeling rally style leather strap. The Tissot Heritage 1973 retails for $2,275.

Omega Speedmaster Racing

$9,600 USD; Diameter: 44.25mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.

We’re back to the lofty price range now with the Omega Speedmaster Racing. For those of you who are new to watches or those who aren’t particularly familiar with the brand’s history, you might be wondering what Omega have done to the beloved Speedmaster. Whilst it is primairly known for its Lunar exploits, the Speedmaster has an equally complete racing pedigree. Cemented by a partnership with none other than Michael Schumacher, who was until recently the most accomplished Formula 1 driver ever (that title now belongs to Lewis Hamilton), Omega launched special editions of the Speedmaster celebrating his numerous victories and acheivements. If you have ever seen a yellow or red dialed Speedmaster, it was probably a Schumacher Racing edition. Fast forward to today and Omega are still providing racing timepieces for numerous disciplines, including motorsports. This is not simply a slightly rebranded Moon Watch. It boasts a larger case, sitting at over 44mm, with an automatic calibre powering it. If you’re racing for long periods of time, you don’t want your watch to stop because you forgot to wind it. Oh and it also boasts the high-performance Co-Axial escapement AND a Master Chronometer certification. The dial has been completely reworked. The famous triple sub-dial layout has been scrapped for a far more pertinent 2 counter layout. The minute track has also been re-worked to ensure maximum legibility in a glance, which really optimises functionality. Overall, this is a fabulous piece that is able to distinguish itself from the Speedmaster legacy and still provide a fantastic product. This Speedmaster is available for $9,600.

Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph

Price: $9,350 USD; Diameter: 40.5mm; Lug-to-Lug: 49mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.

The Mille Miglia is perhaps the greatest race that no longer takes place. An open road race that took place, as the name suggests, over a thousand miles in the Italian countryside. For many racing drivers and car manufacturers this was the pinnacle as it tested endurance, skill, and durability. As a brand with a similarly long history, it is only fitting that Chopard makes the watch that encapsulates the essence of the race. Their partnership with the classic car event stretches back 35 years and the result is just spectacular. Whether it is the the vintage style dial, the subtle ‘Mille Miglia’ logo in the centre, or the increibly classic case, this watch feels authentic and extremely well suited to the wrist of vintage car racers. The red lacquered dial is genuinely superb, capturing both elegance and speed into a single colour. Whilst the outside of this watch is vintage, the insides couldn’t be more up to date with Chopard’s latest and greatest automatic chronograph movement. This Chopard Chronograph retails for $9,350.

IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Edition ‘Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One’

Price: $7,500 USD; Diameter: 41mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.

IWC is probably a brand you more commonly associate with aviation, rather than motorsports. However, their long-term partnership with Mercedes-AMG (since 2004) and the Mercedes-AMG F1 Team (2013) means that they have some serious racing credentials. Indeed, an IWC was on the wrist of Lewis Hamilton when he became the most successful race car driver ever (equalling Michael Schumacher’s record of overall titles and surpassing his number of race victories by a serious margin). The Mercedes-AMG F1 team is famous for its silver and electric blue liveries and IWC has absolutely nailed turning it into an equally iconic watch. This is perhaps the most well rounded and practical of the watches on this list, whilst still being a very special limited edition: this is a rare combination. The watch boasts IWC’s standard automatic pilot’s chronograph movement that is incredibly high-performance and functional with it’s day and date indicator. Legibility is definitely IWC’s strong suit and even in the electric blue colorway, they have been able to maintain their extremely high standard. They have made no compromises: that gets 10/10 from me! The watch comes on a very cool electric blue rubber strap, and for those hoping for a little extra subtlety a black fabric strap. And if all of the above sounds relatively standard for an IWC watch, it’s got a titanium case for extra durability and performance- that’s defnitely not their standard spec. This pilot's chronograph retails for $7,500.

H. Moser & Cie. X Alpine Motorsports Streamliner Tourbillon

Price: $98,000 USD; Diameter: 42.3mm; Lug-to-Lug: Not specified; Water Resistance: 120m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.

Alpine is a brand that is probably not very well known in the US as a car manufacturer. Famous in Europe for their iconic A110 coupé that had an illustrious career in rallying, they are now exploring the world of F1 and are doing so with some success. Numerous watch makers have partnered with Alpine over the years: Bell & Ross and YEMA have both been team partners recently. However, their latest partnership with H. Moser & Cie. has got to be the best (that is both a statement of fact and an expression of my heavily biased opinion). This is breaking into new territory for the growing independent watchmaking movement. F1 and high-level motorsports were previously reserved for the industry titans. Moser has absolutely smashed this collaboration out of the park with its special edition Streamliner Tourbillon. Released in two variants, a blue (100 pieces) and an exclusive pink (20 pieces), this Streamliner really showcases how talented Moser are and why more independents should get involved with such high-level motorsports. Concretely, this piece is a skeletonized 1-minute tourbillion with time-display at the 12 o’clock position. Obviously, the time display is a domed sapphire disc that mimcs the curvature of the case perfectly. This is hands down the best motorsports and horology collaboration and I hope that they will continue to release even bigger and better pieces together. These limited edition Streamliners retail for $98,000.

Rolex Daytona

Price: $15,100 USD; Diameter: 40mm; Lug-to-Lug: Not specified; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.

The Rolex Daytona is the most fitting way to finish off this article. Whilst other watches in this list are definitely more innovative, more complex, more flashy, more vintage. There is nothing more iconic than the steel Daytona when it comes to racing chronographs. It is the first watch that jumps to mind when you think about racing (or at least it should be). First introduced in the 1950s, the Daytona has gone through several iterations without losing its distinct essence. The Daytona is Rolex’s most desireable model, despite starting out as a Zenith El-Primero calibre (at least in the automatic models). The cult following it has built up is highly justified, with celebrities and racing drivers cementing it into public memory as the racing chronograph par excellence. The illustrious partnership between Rolex and Formula 1 (which has now ended), or Le Mans 24 Hours, or 24 Hours of Daytona (and many other famous races), have made this watch the face of racing. Today, the Daytona is available in a number of configurations but the best is definitely the Steel and White Dial (AKA the ‘panda’ dial), which really brings out the small red inscription in the centre that reads ‘Daytona’- a feature that has been there since the beginning. The Rolex Daytona in Steel with the White Dial retails for $15,100.