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Drive Time
Drive Time
Drive Time
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Of Time
Arguably, it’s the most grueling, challenging and scorching rally race
on the planet. You only have to say “Dakar” to induce the sweats in
anyone who knows the realities of this almost incomprehensible event.
Just finishing the 5,700 miles through the deserts of South America is a significant achievement. But to come in first among private
teams in 2015 and in the top five among the same group in 2016 is
monumental. That is exactly what Vostok-Europe brand ambassador
Benediktas Vanagas and his team from Lithuania accomplished.
Vostok-Europe, based in Vilnius, Lithuania as well, is a boutique
watch brand who builds pilot, sport and dive timepieces designed for
extreme conditions.
“Dakar is the toughest race in the world,” Vanagas says. “It is two
weeks across a ten-thousand kilometer, wilderness race track. Half
of it in high altitudes up to five kilometers above sea level. Another in
high temperatures reaching above 45 degrees (Celsius).”
This year, Vanagas premiered the new Vostok-Europe Rally Timer
for the race, which is his signature edition watch.
38 FUNCTION | AboutTime Magazine
“We are proud to announce that this year’s Rally Timer by Vostok-
Europe has overcome all the tests thrown at it by the world’s ultimate
race,” Vanagas told About Time. “There is no greater test for man and
machine with competition of the top drivers and most professional
teams in the world.”
The new Rally Timer is a 48mm, 200 meter water resistant
timepiece that utilizes an ISA Swiss analog/digital movement. The
functions were custom programmed for Vanagas with a chronograph
and special Rally Timer (similar to Yacht Timer) where the chronograph
starts on a 30 second delay. This removes the need to activate the
chronograph simultaneously while taking off at the start of the race.
Other features include a countdown of up to 12 hours, which
assists in managing the time elapsed each day of the race. The watch
retails for $749.
Vostok-Europe is represented by the Detente Watch Group in
North America.
www.detentewatches.com. 877-486-7865.