Top watch brands inspired by motorsports

The Autodromo brand was established in 2011 by Bradley Price in New York, USA. Passionate about vintage automobiles and watchmaking, he was first an industrial designer before creating his brand offering watches reminiscent of the gauges and counters of racing cars from the 60s, 70s and 80s. The spirit of Autodromo consists of capturing the emotion of a certain era, of a specific environment, and to embody it in a physical object.

His idea is to take us back to the past of motor racing through his brand of watches, thus evoking nostalgia for this very special world. The Autodromo collection includes models that mix modernity and vintage, such as Autodromo Group B Series 2, Autodromo Monoposto, Autodromo Vallelunga Automatic, Autodromo Stradale or Autodromo Prototipo Chronograph. The Autodromo Group B model is also a tribute to a period from 1982 to 1986, often considered the last romantic era of motor racing.

How much does an Autodromo watch cost?

The prices of Autodromo watches sold on the brand's website are changing between $475 and $975 depending on the models and finishes. Expect to pay  $475 for an Autodromo Group C and $975 for an Autodromo Group B.

Autodromo is an independent brand that produces several thousand watches per year, all models combined. To choose an Autodromo that best suits you, Dialicious owners' reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating each of the different models through real customer experience.

Check out the Ranking of the best watch brands inspired by motorports, including Autodromo.

(Updated April 2024)

The brand SYE [Start Your Engine] was created in 2020 by Arnaud Pezeron near Paris in France. The brand is introducing Sport Tailoring on the wrist. It offers sporty-chic watches with character, reliability, fun and affordability inspired by the world of car and motorcycle mechanics. The range includes two distinct models, the SYE MOT1ON Automatic 24 and the SYE MOT1ON Chronograph.

This brand has an innovation in changing the bracelet available in steel or leather. The watch offers no space between the bracelet and the case due to the absence of lugs, which improves its comfort and portability.

How much does a SYE watch cost?

The SYE range includes two models available on the brand's website: The SYE MOT1ON Automatic 24 is offered from € 750. The SYE MOT1ON Chronograph is offered from € 599.

SYE is independent and produces several hundred watches per year, all models combined. To choose an SYE that best suits you, the Dialicious owners' reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating each of the different models through real customer experience.

Check out the Ranking of the best French watch brands, including SYE.

(Updated November 2023)

The Depancel brand was created with a Kickstarter campaign in 2018 by Clément Meynier and two associates in Jura area in France. This brand highlights “Made in France” by offering watches with a sporting DNA inspired by pre- and post-war French automobiles. Depancel is the contraction of three big names in French luxury automobiles: Delage, Panhard and Facel Vega, this brand advocates French know-how, industrial dynamism and accessibility.

It is a community brand in which the customer is at the heart of the project. The lineup includes 3 main collections: Allure, R Series and Pista with very different models such as the Depancel Cruiser, the Depancel F-back, the Depancel Auto 24h, the Depancel Pista GT and the Depancel Stradale. The brand recently launched the 2023 Depancel Allure Manual Chronograph at €650 to the delight of fans of sports mechanics and neo-vintage.

The founders of the brand also announced in April 2024 that they would relaunch the famous brand Amida well known to vintage enthusiasts from the 70s with a cap-shaped model presenting the time with sparkling orange discs... The famous Amida Digitrend. To be continued...

How much does a Depancel watch cost?

The price of Depancel watches evolve and differ depending on the model. Most cost between € 600 and € 800 depending on the models and finishes. A Depancel Allure Stradale Verde costs € 395, while a Depancel Allure Jurgan Clauss is priced at € 1,795.

Depancel: Watches and automobiles of yesteryear

Depancel is an independent brand and produces approximately 4,000 watches per year all models combined. To choose a Depancel that best suits you, the Dialicious owners' review are a valuable resource for evaluating each of the different models through real owner experience. 

Check out the Ranking of the best watch brands inspired by motorports, including Depancel.

(Updated April 2024)

The Swiss watch brand Tag Heuer is the result of the merger in 1985 between the company Heuer, founded in 1860, and the group TAG (Avant Garde Techniques). This union marked the beginning of a new era for the brand, characterized by a combination of technological innovations and a rich watchmaking heritage.

Background of the Merger in 1985

In the 1970s, the Swiss watch industry went through a tumultuous period, known as the "quartz crisis". The mass introduction of cheap quartz watches, mainly from Asia, threatens the survival of traditional mechanical watch manufacturers. Heuer, despite its established reputation in the field of chronographs, did not escape this crisis and encountered financial difficulties.

In 1985, the group TAG, specialized in cutting-edge technologies, particularly in aeronautics and Formula 1, acquires Heuer. This merger gives rise to Tag Heuer, combining Heuer's watchmaking heritage with TAG's technological expertise.

Renaissance and Modernization (1985-1999)

Under new leadership, TAG Heuer is undertaking a strategy to revitalize the brand by building on its heritage while incorporating modern innovations. The brand is reintroducing flagship models such as the TAG Heuer Carrera and the TAG Heuer Monaco, adapting them to contemporary tastes while retaining their iconic design. These reissues are a success with watch enthusiasts.

TAG Heuer is also introducing new product lines, including the TAG Heuer Series 2000, a collection of waterproof sports watches, and the TAG Heuer Series 6000, which combines elegance and performance. The brand strengthens its association with the world of sport, in particular Formula 1, by becoming the official timekeeper of several teams and events. These partnerships reinforce the dynamic and innovative image of TAG Heuer.

Acquisition par LVMH et Expansion (1999-2010)

In 1999, the French luxury group LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) acquires TAG Heuer, thus integrating the brand into its prestigious portfolio. Under the aegis of LVMH, TAG Heuer invests in research and development to design its own movements. In 2004, the brand unveiled the Calibre 360, a mechanical chronograph capable of measuring 1/100th of a second, a world first.

TAG Heuer continues to innovate with models such as the TAG Heuer Monaco V4 in 2009, the first watch in the world equipped with a movement driven by belts, and the TAG Heuer Microtimer Flying 1000 in 2011, capable of measuring 1/1000th of a second.

The brand is expanding its global presence by opening flagship stores in key cities and strengthening its distribution network.

Diversification and Connected Watches (2010-2020)

Faced with the emergence of connected watches, TAG Heuer decides to adapt to new technological trends.

In 2015, the brand launched the TAG Heuer Connected, its first smartwatch, in collaboration with Google and Intel. This model combines the traditional design of TAG Heuer with the functionality of a modern smartwatch. TAG Heuer is expanding its historic strategy of partnerships, particularly with automotive brands such as Porsche, and offers limited editions celebrating iconic events or personalities.

Recent Commitments and Future Outlook (2020 - present)

TAG Heuer continues to strengthen its position in the luxury watch market by focusing on innovation and respect for its heritage. The brand offers reissues of historic models, such as the TAG Heuer Carrera and the TAG Heuer Monaco, incorporating modern technical improvements while retaining the original design. Many limited series will be released to the delight of collectors.

TAG Heuer is committed to green initiatives, including reducing its carbon footprint and using sustainable materials in its products and packaging. In 2024, LVMH, parent company of TAG Heuer, enters into a 10-year partnership with Formula 1, strengthening the brand's association with motorsport.

In conclusion, since its merger with TAG in 1985, TAG Heuer has navigated between tradition and innovation, consolidating its strong position in luxury watchmaking. By combining its rich heritage with technological advancements and strategic partnerships, the brand continues to appeal to watch enthusiasts around the world.

Check out th Ranking of the best Swiss watch brands or the Ranking of the best watch brands inspired by motorsports, including TAG Heuer.

(Updated November 2024)

The Swiss watch brand Heuer played a decisive role in the evolution of watchmaking, particularly in the field of chronographs and precision instruments. Founded in 1860 by Édouard Heuer, the company went through more than a century of innovations before merging with the TAG group in 1985, giving birth to TAG Heuer.

The Beginnings: Foundation and First Innovations (1860-1887)

In 1860, at the age of 20, Edward Heuer founded his watchmaking workshop in Saint-Imier, Switzerland. From the beginning, it stood out for its innovative spirit. In 1869, he filed his first patent for a keyless winding crown, thus simplifying the winding mechanism of pocket watches. In 1887, Heuer revolutionized watchmaking by patenting the oscillating pinion, a mechanism that improves the precision and reliability of chronographs. This device is still used today in many chronograph calibers.

Expansion and International Recognition (1887-1933)

At the end of the 19th century, Heuer expanded its activities internationally, notably opening a branch in London in 1910. The brand specialized in chronographs and timing instruments, becoming a preferred supplier for sporting events and forces. military.

In 1916, Heuer launched the Micrograph, the first stopwatch capable of measuring 1/100th of a second, a major advance for sports timing. This innovation led Heuer to become the official timekeeper of the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp, 1924 in Paris and 1928 in Amsterdam.

Diversification et Innovations Techniques (1933-1958)

In the 1930s, Heuer diversified its production by introducing dashboard chronographs for automobiles and airplanes. In 1933, the brand presented the Autavia, a chronograph combining the functions of odometer and tachometer, intended for vehicle dashboards. In 1949, Heuer launched the Mareograph-Seafarer, the world's first chronograph equipped with a tide and moon phase function, intended for sailors. This period is marked by a series of innovations that strengthen the brand's reputation in the field of precision instruments.

The Golden Age of Chronographs: The 1960s-1970s

The 1960s constituted a pivotal period for Heuer, with the launch of emblematic models which marked the history of watchmaking and in particular its proximity to motorsport which was booming at the time.

Heuer Autavia (1962) :

Initially a dashboard chronograph, the Autavia is reintroduced as a wristwatch, combining robustness and functionality, popular with drivers and motorsport enthusiasts.

Heuer Carrera (1963) :

Inspired by the famous Mexican car race "Carrera Panamericana", this sleekly designed chronograph is designed to provide optimal readability for drivers. It quickly became a classic of the brand.

Heuer Monaco (1969) :

The first waterproof square chronograph, the Monaco is powered by the caliber 11, one of the first automatic chronograph movements. It gained notoriety when it was worn by Steve McQueen in the film "Le Mans" in 1971. Many other models will mark the links between Heuer watches and motorsport such as the Heuer Daytona or Heuer Pasadena.

In 1969, Heuer, in collaboration with Breitling, Hamilton-Buren and Dubois Dépraz, participated in the project "Chronomatic", aiming to develop one of the first automatic chronograph movements, the caliber 11. These chronographs will be recognizable by the crown placed on the left of the case. This innovation placed Heuer at the forefront of watchmaking technology of the time.

Challenges and Adaptations: The 1970s-1980s

The quartz crisis of the 1970s, marked by the massive arrival of cheap quartz watches, posed a major challenge to the Swiss watch industry. Heuer, like many other brands, is facing increased competition and declining sales. To adapt, Heuer diversified its production by introducing quartz watches, while continuing to develop mechanical chronographs. In 1975, the brand presented the Chronosplit, a digital chronograph with dual LED and LCD displays, combining digital technology and precision.

Despite these efforts, the company's financial situation deteriorated, leading to its sale in 1982 to Piaget And Germany, two other Swiss watchmaking houses. However, this acquisition is not enough to sustainably turn around the brand.

Merger with TAG: Birth of TAG Heuer (1985)

In 1985, the group TAG (Techniques d’Avant Garde), specialized in cutting-edge technologies, particularly in aeronautics and Formula 1, acquires Heuer. This merger gives rise to Tag Heuer, combining Heuer's watchmaking heritage with TAG's technological expertise.

(Updated November 2024)