Watches

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 23, 2026

Inside Vacheron Constantin's 1-of-1 Skeleton Tourbillon Minute Repeater

There’s traditional watchmaking, and then there’s ultra-complex timepieces that make you stop and actually study how it all works. That’s exactly how the horological world views Vacheron Constantin’s Les Cabinotiers Minute Repeater Tourbillon Skeleton, recently unveiled as part of Watches and Wonders. It’s a one-off, built around the Caliber 2755 TMR SQ, pairing two of watchmaking’s most respected complications, a tourbillon and a minute repeater, and then skeletonizing everything so you can see it all in motion. The watchmakers spent a full year reworking the movement into its openworked form, housed by a 45mm 18k gold case and a sapphire dial that keeps the view completely unobstructed.What really shines is how thoughtfully everything has been executed. The minute repeater uses a silent centripetal regulator instead of a usual anchor system, which means the chimes flow more evenly without the background buzz you’d normally hear. The tourbillon, beating at 2.5 Hz, offers unmatched precision and art in motion that collectors are willing to pay a premium for. About 40% of the material has been removed from the mainplate, but it still maintains its ruggedness and practicality.There are nine different techniques used across the 473-piece design, which is a lot considering the movement is only 6.1mm thick. Some parts are treated in darker anthracite tones, others left in brass or steel, creating subtle yet eye-catching contrast. You’ll even spot subtle references to the Maltese cross worked into the design if you look closely. It all adds up to a one-of-a-kind Vacheron Constantin that’s both a collector’s showcase piece and a look into what modern haute horlogerie can look like when a brand has no limits.

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 22, 2026

Timothée Chalamet Joins Urban Jürgensen

Founded in 1773, Urban Jürgensen has always been one of those under-the-radar names that serious watch people tend to know about. With roots in Copenhagen, tied to the Danish Royal Court, and built on a mix of Danish design and Swiss mechanics, the brand prides itself on an approach that focuses more on craft than flash. Now, the watchmaker is stepping into the celebrity spotlight with Timothée Chalamet joining as a minority partner and Creative Advisor. It’s his first real move into the business side of anything, but he also came to the brand as a collector first, which makes this feel more like an organic partnership than a typical celebrity marketing play. “A couple of years ago, a film director I admire deeply piqued my interest in artisanal watchmaking — not the flashy kind, but the kind that demands years of discipline, patience, and ultimately, mastery. I started to see it as a sibling to filmmaking — a precise expression, just on a different scale. One lives on an IMAX screen, the other within 48 by 40 by 10 millimeters, but both have the ability to hold entire worlds within them. When Andy and Alex Rosenfield introduced me to Urban Jürgensen, what drew me in was how clearly the focus was on the watches themselves — on craft, on process, on getting it right. It also felt like something different than the typical arrangement — more of a creative collaboration than a traditional endorsement. I’m excited to be involved and to continue exploring this world alongside them.” - Timothée Chalamet Since returning to family ownership under the Rosenfields in 2025, Urban Jürgensen has been focused on keeping things small and intentional, less about pursuing volume, more about refining the art they already do well. That means relying on traditional techniques, working closely with industry names like Finnish watchmaker Kari Voutilainen, and slowly building out a new generation of watches that are true to the brand’s history. The move back to its roots has already been getting some positive attention at events like the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. If anything, Timothée Chalamet’s involvement just adds another piece to the puzzle, or movement, more about someone genuinely interested in where independent watchmaking is headed next. Source: Urban Jürgensen/Photo by Aidan Zamiri

Close-up of a Rolex Submariner watch face, a true collector classic, with luminescent hour markers, rotating bezel, and minute and hour hands set against a dark blue background.

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 10, 2026

Collector Classics: Watches That Earned Their Legacy

A closer look at the icons that continue to shape haute horology A watch doesn’t need to be rare or sky-high in price to stand the test of time. Icons like the Submariner, Monaco, Speedmaster, and Santos earned their place in collector lore not by exclusivity but by shaping history, breaking boundaries, and redefining style. Timeless design and real-world stories make them true classics. Rolex Submariner Price: $9,500 rolex.com The Rolex Submariner debuted in 1953 as one of the first dive watches built to handle serious underwater exploration, featuring a rotating bezel and water resistance up to 100 meters—now improved to 300 meters in modern models. Originally crafted as a tool watch, its clean design, rugged build, and strong association with James Bond helped it cross into pop culture. Over the years, it’s been refined but never radically changed, which is exactly why collectors love it. With its iconic Oyster case, luminous markers, and reliable automatic movement, the Submariner remains a symbol of versatility, durability, and timeless style. TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Price: $8,100 tagheuer.com The TAG Heuer Monaco made its debut in 1969 and instantly broke the mold with its bold square case and left-hand crown. It was one of the first automatic chronographs ever made, powered by TAG Heuer’s groundbreaking Calibre 11 movement. But what really cemented its legendary status was Steve McQueen wearing it in the 1971 film Le Mans, forever linking the Monaco to the motorsport world. Its blue dial, chronograph layout, and unique shape still turn heads today. As both a design risk and a horological milestone, the Monaco remains a must-have watch for collectors who appreciate history. Omega Speedmaster Professional Price: $7,300 omega.com The OMEGA Speedmaster Professional, nicknamed the “Moonwatch,” earned its legendary status when it became the first watch worn on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. Originally introduced in 1957 as a racing chronograph, it quickly proved its reliability under the harshest conditions imaginable. Featuring a hand-wound Caliber 1861 movement, Hesalite crystal, and a distinctive black dial with a tachymeter bezel, its design has remained largely unchanged for decades. Collectors love it for its NASA-certified legacy, tool-watch durability, and timeless style. Cartier Santos Price: $7,500 cartier.com The Cartier Santos is one of the world’s first wristwatches, born from a 1904 request by aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont for a watch he could wear while flying. Louis Cartier answered with a sleek square design, breaking away from the traditional pocket watch. Its bold Roman numerals, exposed screws, and seamless integration of case and bracelet became instantly iconic. The modern Santos often features an automatic movement and Cartier’s SmartLink system for easy bracelet adjustment. Combining old-school luxury with contemporary functionality, the Santos remains a go-to for collectors who appreciate classic design and a story rooted in history.

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 18, 2026

Richard Mille’s RM 41-01 Turns Soccer Into a Mechanical Story

In an automotive world obsessed with lap times, it’s often the cars that tell a story and linger the longest. The same idea applies to watches, especially when sport is involved. Richard Mille has never been shy about real-world performance, but its relationship with soccer has always felt a little different. It began with the RM 11-01 and the RM 11-04 Roberto Mancini watches, which dared to treat match time as something worth measuring mechanically. That is exactly what makes the all-new RM 41-01 Tourbillon Soccer so exciting. Rather than just borrowing visuals from the sport, Richard Mille asks a more interesting question: what would a watch look like if it actually followed the rhythm of a match, from kickoff to the final whistle? The answer lives in a movement that took five years to develop, created in collaboration with Audemars Piguet. At its core is a tourbillon flyback chronograph, but the standout features are the two soccer-specific complications. At nine o’clock, a match-phase indicator advances with each reset of the chronograph, moving through the first half, second half, and both periods of extra time. It mirrors how fans actually experience a game.The grade 5 titanium movement is heavily skeletonized, allowing its roughly 650 components to breathe. Framing the movement are mechanical goal counters, operated by pushers at two and four o’clock. Each press advances a hand along a rail to track goals for the home and visiting teams, up to nine, before snapping back to zero.Despite its complexity, with nearly 800 components when you include the case and strap, the RM 41-01 isn't a fragile object. The tonneau-shaped case, offered in Dark Blue Quartz and Red Carmin Basalt TPT, is built to withstand serious shock and everyday wear. The pushers are tuned for consistent pressure across all functions, making them instinctive once you get past the learning curve. In the end, the Richard Mille RM 41-01 Soccer translates the structure of a match into mechanics, letting the watch quietly keep track while the rest argue over referee calls. Source: Richard Mille

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 18, 2026

H. Moser’s Streamliner Goes Ceramic

Some watchmakers chase novelty while others wait until an idea feels inevitable. That’s more or less how H. Moser & Cie. tends to work, which is why its first move into ceramic feels truly authentic. Instead of rolling the material out on a side project or experimental case shape, Moser applied it straight to the Streamliner, the watch most associate with the brand’s identity.The Streamliner’s cushion case and integrated bracelet are now available in anthracite grey ceramic, which changes the watch's overall personality. Ceramic is tough, light, and scratch-resistant, sure, but what matters more here is how it handles shape and surface. The Streamliner has always been about flow, and ceramic lets those curves feel smoother and more continuous than steel ever could. Satin-brushed sections break things up, polished edges catch light when you move your wrist, and the whole thing reads as intentional rather than gimmicky.Then there’s the dial, where Moser tends to showcase its talents without making a big deal of it. The red fumé Grand Feu enamel dial contrasts with the dark case, glowing rather than screaming. Built on a textured white gold base and finished through multiple firings, it has depth that changes with the light, from almost black at the edges to a richer red toward the center. True to form, there’s no logo and no indices. You either get it, or you don’t, and that’s kind of the point.At six o’clock, a flying tourbillon adds a bit of motion. Inside, the automatic HMC 805 movement uses a double hairspring developed in-house to improve precision and stability, a very Moser way of solving a problem. Flip it over, and you’ll find anthracite-toned bridges and a red gold rotor, a subtle contrast that mirrors the front of the watch. Taken as a whole, this ceramic Streamliner feels like Moser doing what it usually does, taking something familiar, refining it, and letting the details do the talking. Source: H. Moser & cie.

Bad Bunny Wears A Malachite AP At The Half Time Show

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 09, 2026

Bad Bunny Wears A Malachite Royal Oak At The Half Time Show

The Super Bowl Halftime Show is one of the most-watched entertainment events on the planet, tuned into by well over 100 million viewers around the world each year alongside the NFL’s championship game. This year, the blockbuster performance at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, marked a night when pop culture and sports collided on one of the biggest broadcast stages in history. The headliner of the evening took shape as Puerto Rican rapper, singer, and record producer Bad Bunny, with musical guest appearances from Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin. And while one of the most memorable moments of the show had to be the impromptu wedding, which has been confirmed to be real, one of the real showstoppers of the night was a very special watch worn by none other than Bad Bunny himself.The watch in the spotlight last night was an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak (Ref. 15553BA.OO.1356BA.04), showcasing one of the brand’s most iconic watches on one of sports’ biggest stages. The 37mm Royal Oak features a smaller case than its 40mm+ counterparts, yet remains robust thanks to its legendary octagonal shape, courtesy of Mr. Gerald Genta. What makes this specific Royal Oak special, in addition to being an all-yellow gold version, is its vibrant green malachite dial and the captivating texture it reveals. The stone dial is complemented by yellow gold hands and hour-markers, and a yellow gold-toned inner bezel. It was the Royal Oak’s integrated bracelet that gave us a clear indication of the brand and model Bad Bunny was wearing when he first hit the field, and the rest was history. Source: Audemars Piguet

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 06, 2026

Vacheron Constantin Reveals Its First Titanium Overseas Tourbilion

There’s something cool about an ultra-complex watch that doesn’t feel like it’s trying to impress you. Vacheron Constantin all-new titanium Overseas Tourbillon with a deep red dial does just that, where you start to notice small details the longer you spend with it. It’s still a tourbillon, still technically serious, but the overall vibe is relaxed. Lightweight, slim, and visually simple, it’s closer to a daily companion than a special-occasion piece, which is very much the point of the Overseas line. Titanium keeps the watch light on the wrist and helps the case wear thinner than you’d expect from something with a Tourbillon inside, at just over 10mm thick. The bezel, with its familiar Maltese cross shape, adds just enough definition. The red dial is deeper and softer than photos suggest, shifting between darker tones depending on the light, and the sunburst finish adds texture without stealing attention from the tourbillon at six. One of the nicest parts of the Overseas has always been how it's been designed to wear. The integrated titanium bracelet is light, and the small comfort adjustment in the clasp is genuinely useful. Two rubber straps come in the box, one in matching red, one in white, and swapping them takes seconds, no tools needed. Inside is the calibre 2160, an ultra-thin automatic movement that keeps everything precise. There’s an easy 80-hour power reserve, and the tourbillon itself is neatly integrated rather than put on display for drama. Turn the watch over, and you'll see inside the sapphire caseback, with beveled edges, Geneva stripes, and polished surfaces. The all-new Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon, featured in titanium with a bright red dial, is now available exclusively through authorized boutiques with pricing upon request.

IWC Schaffhausen And George Russell Debut Two New Watches

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 05, 2026

IWC And George Russell Debut Two New Watches

IWC Schaffhausen’s latest Pilot’s Watch collaboration with Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team driver George Russell closely follows a purpose-over-flair logic. The result is a pair of limited-edition ceramic watches that turn speed, precision, and personality into something wearable. One chronograph, one automatic, both debuted in black ceramic with a subtle but unmistakable hint of blue.The cases are crafted from black zirconium oxide ceramic, a material IWC has been refining since the 1980s, prized for its lightweight, scratch-resistant characteristics. The chronograph measures a robust 41.9mm and is powered by the watchmaker’s in-house 69380 calibre, while the automatic model measures 41mm and houses the 32112 calibre with an impressive 120-hour power reserve. Ceratanium crowns and pushers reinforce the tool-watch DNA, combining titanium’s lightness with ceramic-like toughness. On the back, titanium casebacks are engraved with Russell’s racing number, 63.The blue is where the watches really come alive. It’s the same signature shade featured on Russell’s racing helmet throughout much of his career, standing apart on the Formula 1 grid as something uniquely his. Against the matte black dials, the blue numerals, indices, and Super-LumiNova glow with clarity. It’s a visual reminder of what Russell brings to racing, composed under pressure, and fiercely competitive when the lights go out. Both watches are paired with matching blue rubber straps equipped with IWC’s EasX-CHANGE® system, making them easy to swap without tools. What makes this collaboration work is how naturally it fits within IWC’s Pilot’s Watch story. These are functional, legible tools shaped by real performance demands. Russell’s career trajectory, from his 2019 Formula One debut to multiple wins, including his 2025 Singapore Grand Prix victory, adds authenticity. These limited-edition IWC Pilot’s Watches feel like modern icons engineered for people who appreciate speed.

URWERK’s UR-100V LightSpeed Pushes Watchmaking Beyond Earth

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 05, 2026

URWERK’s All-New UR-100V LightSpeed Ceramic

If there were ever a box for the art of watchmaking, URWERK wouldn’t just think outside it so much as blast straight through it, into an orbit where many of its most iconic ideas are born. Still relatively fresh to the world of haute horology, the independent watchmaker has made a monumental impact on the industry with its avant-garde, satellite-driven, and sci-fi-inspired concepts, continuing to keep things fresh with new materials and technology. It's the exact approach to its newest creation, the limited edition UR-100V ‘LightSpeed’ Ceramic. The most notable characteristic of the new UR-100V is its 43mm white ceramic case, a material known for its weight savings, but even more for its brittleness and tendency to crack under high heat or impact. URWERK faced this issue head-on by developing its own ceramic material, with silver fiberglass fabric and carbon inserts, to strengthen its construction and make it as durable as possible for daily wear. Housed inside a titanium inner case is URWERK’s iconic dial design, complex yet legible, which beautifully displays its functions and offers a glimpse of the ingenious movement in action.At its core, the UR-100V LS Ceramic is driven by URWERK’s in-house UR 12.02 automatic caliber. The Windfänger system uses a small air-resistance turbine to control winding efficiency, making sure the movement never takes on more energy than it needs. It runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour, offers a 48-hour power reserve via twin barrels, and relies on 40 jewels spread across three ARCAP alloy plates chosen for their long-term stability. Starting off 2026 in a way only URWERK could deliver, the all-new UR-100V is a promising look at what’s to come from one of the most creative independent watchmakers in the world. The URWERK UR-100V “LightSpeed” Ceramic is a part of an ultra-limited release, and is now available through authorized boutiques for CHF 67’000.00 ($86,313).

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 05, 2026

Breitling Joins Aston Martin As Its Official Watch Partner

With well over a century of success in the automotive space and the competitive world of motorsports, Aston Martin remains a pioneer fueled by heritage, craftsmanship, and performance. And while the U.K.-based marque continues to evolve its luxurious lineup and race paddock with expertly engineered machines, it’s early icons like the Aston Martin DB5 Vantage that paved the way and continue to inspire the brand's future. It's a mirror of how Breitling operates in the luxury watch world, founded in 1884 and still staying true to its core values and the watches that earned it a historic reputation. Given all of their similarities, it's a perfect time to celebrate Breitling becoming the Official Watch Partner of Aston Martin and the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team. The new partnership starts with the co-branded Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, limited to 1,959 pieces, paying tribute to the year Aston Martin entered Formula 1. The decision to celebrate the occasion with the Navitimer really speaks volumes, as it remains the flagship model and the watch that has cemented Breitling's standing in aviation since 1952. For the first time ever, the Navitimer features a lightweight titanium case, along with other race-derived materials like carbon fiber to keep that connection to Aston Martin closer to the track. The dial stays true to its iconic design while tastefully adding in Aston Martin Green and lime accents from the Aston Martin Aramco F1 race car livery.The engine that drives the Navitimer Chronograph is Breitling’s in-house manufactured Caliber 01, a COSC-certified chronometer dialed in with a 70-hour power reserve. Visible through a sapphire caseback, the movement showcases its work in action along with matte black rotor, specially designed for this special release, featuring the Aston Martin Formula One Team logo. Additional caseback engravings include “One of 1959” and the phrase “Instruments for Drivers.”The Breitling logo will be visible on the Aston Martin Aramco car and team apparel when the AMR26 is revealed on February 9th at the team’s launch. The partnership makes its public debut on the circuit at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. Source: Breitling

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