Many car enthusiasts appreciate and collect fine watches. This should not be surprising as it mirrors their passion for both finer things and mechanical pieces. I have noticed this trend over the last 19 years as a purveyor of fine automotive memorabilia in Toronto. I cannot tell you how many stainless-steel Rolex Daytonas I have seen; this seems to be the unofficial “car guy’s watch.” Many horological companies have sponsored drivers and teams and others have set up corporate ties with manufacturers. Some examples include Franck Mueller (McLaren F1 GTR), Breitling (Bentley), Tag Heuer (Jacky Ickx, Ayrton Senna, Lewis Hamilton), and Omega (Michael Schumacher). Chopard is the official sponsor of the Mille Miglia and the California Mille. Tag Heuer is linked with the McLaren Formula One team. If you drive an Aston Martin, there is a good chance you own a Jaeger LeCoultre, and if you have a Ferrari in your stable, I would guess you have a Girard-Perregaux or Panerai in your collection.
As both a watch and car collector, I often catch myself glancing at the wrists of fellow car enthusiasts. Having just come back from Pebble Beach, I can tell you that not only did I see some of the finest and most beautiful cars in the world, but I also saw some incredible timepieces.
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