MOTO-GALLERY
GEARS GREASE AND OIL
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micro and macro machines are most
often tied together by the obvious correlations; dial to dashboard, movement to
engine, and coachworks to watch case. But whether
the torque outputs are measured in Newton Centimeters or Foot Pounds there is no doubt that both
watches and cars carry an appeal beyond conflated
construction elements. They both play on a man’s
visceral motivations with both the raucous roar of
an un-muffled engine and the discreet ticking of a
mechanical watch movement as the musical score
that spurs the innate desire for big boy toys.
Understanding their audience, watchmakers
have tapped into this natural connection with logos emblazoned on both the racing machines and
their pilots alike. Living on the edge of traction, the
combination of man and machine at the razor’s edge
of traction and control embody danger and create an
adrenalin rush even an observer can appreciate.
That’s not to say that all of these co-branded
partnerships are as bold and brash as an F1 pilot. The
car/watch relationship can also be expressed in more
refined and gentlemanly incarnation as is shown by
the partnership with various Concourse d’Elegance,
rallies and club events that bring modern, vintage, and
historic examples of both machines together each year.
Sponsorships grow and evolve; some are formal,
some associative. Rolex’s visual domination of Formula 1 and TAG Heuer’s Indy 500 partnership make
millions of messaging impressions among the general
public. These same brands have also earned accolades in watch collector’s minds by simple association. What collector is not aware of the added value
of the “Paul Newman” edition of the Rolex Daytona,
or the TAG Heuer “Steve McQueen” Monaco?
Regardless of the genesis, the fact is that
cars (both street and race) marry perfectly to
watches. Not to seem too chauvinistic—but
maybe it’s a guy thing. Guys love cars, and
guys love watches. It’s all too natural for them
to form a testosterone-laced bond with both.
Moto rsports watches come to life in an amazing
array of styles and types. Aggressive racing stripes
and dashboard-inspired dials are held in-place with
perforated leather and rubber straps that leave little
doubt as to the association. Others attach or imply
the feel of the “gentleman” driver into more subtle
incarnations of the automobile/watch connection.
Following are some of our favorite motorsport choices.
74
WRISTWATCH | 2016
Last year Bulgari marked Maserati’s 100th anniversary with a custom
chronograph to celebrate the occasion. Inside beats a superbly finished
Swiss-Made automatic chronograph with column wheel controls.
Outside automotive indicators include engraved tachymetric bezel and
a Maserati logo enhanced counter-weight on the central (chronograph)
seconds hand. A translucent blue sapphire crystal on the back commemorates the limited edition of 1914 pieces of the series.
The exquisite simplicity of the visage counterpoints the complex personality within
Laurent Ferrier’s own homage to motorsport. Only 5 examples of this watch will be
offered with a dash of red on the dial and
strap inspired by the rarified and refined
atmosphere of the Pebble Beach Concours
d’Elegance. Within the shaped case beats
a rare motor with a double direct impulse
“Natural” escapement developed and built
by Laurent Ferrier himself.