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 – October 27, 2026

Girard-Perregaux Reveals Its $182,000 Laureato Fifty Three Gold Bridges

Girard-Perregaux is bringing one of its most recognizable creations into the modern sports watch world with the new Laureato Fifty Three Gold Bridges. The latest addition to the Laureato collection combines the brand’s historic Three Bridges design with the integrated bracelet silhouette that has defined the line since 1975. The Three Bridges design dates back to 1867, when Constant Girard made the movement’s functional bridges part of the watch’s overall styling. The concept would evolve over decades, eventually becoming one of Girard-Perregaux’s signatures. For the Laureato Fifty Three Gold Bridges, three rose gold bridges sit against a skeletonized movement, with polished bevels and satin-finished surfaces adding contrast. A white gold octagonal bezel frames the display, while the 41mm steel case and integrated bracelet maintain the familiar Laureato proportions.Powering the watch is the new GP9620 manufacture caliber, a self-winding tourbillon movement developed specifically for this release. Its open design reveals the barrel, gear train, and lyre-shaped titanium tourbillon cage, while a platinum micro-rotor sits behind the barrel to provide automatic winding without blocking the view. The movement features 418 hand-polished angles, including 362 inward angles, reflecting the level of finishing involved in its construction. Power reserve is rated at a minimum of 55 hours.Each watch is assembled from start to finish by a single master watchmaker, whose initials appear alongside the watchmaker’s signature on the movement. The integrated steel bracelet includes up to 4mm of tool-free adjustment for a more precise fit. The release also follows the introduction of four new in-house calibers between October 2025 and September 2026. With the historic Three Bridges concept, rose gold details, and modern Laureato look, the new model connects nearly 160 years of watchmaking heritage with one of Girard-Perregaux’s most recognizable collections. Source: Girard-Perregaux

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 27, 2026

Audemars Piguet Launches Its New Certified Pre-Owned Watch Program

Buying a luxury watch outside an authorized boutique can make even the most seasoned collector think twice. When you're spending thousands of dollars on a watch, knowing exactly what you're getting matters just as much as the name on the dial. It's a lot like buying a pre-owned Ferrari or Porsche, where a Certified Pre-Owned program can add a layer of confidence to a huge purchase. Now, Audemars Piguet is bringing that to the watch market with The Watch Keepers, a new platform dedicated to buying and selling pre-owned AP watches. The idea is pretty straightforward: give collectors and owners a way to move a watch into someone else's collection while making it easier for new buyers to find an AP with more certainty about its authenticity and condition. The process starts online, where sellers register their watch and provide proof of ownership. Eligible timepieces must be at least two years past their initial buy date before insured shipping sends them to an Audemars Piguet service facility. There, the watch is inspected, authenticated against the brand's archives, and evaluated for its condition. AP then puts together a detailed listing with high-resolution photographs and a five-point grading system covering the case, dial, and bracelet, giving buyers a clearer idea of what they're looking at before committing. Sellers can choose between setting a fixed price and accepting bids, and the watch stays securely stored at AP until the sale is completed. Buyers also have to register before making a purchase. Once the deal is done, the watch arrives with a certificate of authenticity, a travel pouch, and a two-year warranty covering proper functioning. The platform is expected to feature around 100 watches at a time, potentially including pieces that are difficult to track down through traditional retail channels.Audemars Piguet has been making watches since 1875, and its own archives and service network give it a direct way to verify the history and authenticity of the watches passing through the platform. That matters in a market where two watches that look nearly identical can have very different histories, conditions, and values. The Watch Keepers will launch in Switzerland and Europe before expanding into other regions, giving AP another way to connect its watches with the people who want to wear them. Source: Audemars Piguet

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 19, 2026

Ulysse Nardin Launches Its New $190K Freak S Howlite Watch

Some watches reflect a brand’s longstanding craftsmanship and traditions, while others push the boundaries of conventional watchmaking. Few brands balance both sides of the spectrum quite like Ulysse Nardin. With 180 years of history behind it, Ulysse Nardin made its name with marine chronometers and pocket watches. But the brand has never been afraid to do things differently, especially with the Freak collection. What’s grown into both a flagship and a collector favorite, Ulysse Nardin is continuing that legacy with the new Freak S Howlite. The new release marks 25 years of the Freak collection with unusual mechanics and a natural stone that’s making its debut to UN. Limited to just 15 pieces for North America, the watch comes in a 45mm titanium case, keeping it lightweight despite its size. The main attraction is the white howlite hour disc, which has natural gray veining that gives every watch a slightly different look. The stone is sourced in Canada and cut and finished in Switzerland before being fitted into the watch. Like other Freak models, there’s no dial or set of hands. Instead, the movement rotates to display the time. Inside is the in-house UN-251 caliber, a 373-component automatic movement with two silicon oscillators. The flying carousel, which carries much of the movement with it, rotates once an hour to indicate the minutes, while a pointer on the howlite disc tracks the hours. The movement also uses Ulysse Nardin’s DIAMonSIL, which combines silicon with a diamond coating to help reduce friction and wear. It’s powered by the brand’s Grinder winding system, which delivers a 72-hour power reserve. You set the time by unlocking the mechanism at six o’clock and turning the bezel. To wind it, you flip the watch over and rotate the caseback. The watch comes on a white rubber strap with a textured surface and a titanium folding clasp. Each Freak S Howlite is assembled by a single Grandes Complications watchmaker at Ulysse Nardin’s Swiss manufacture, and production is limited to 15 pieces worldwide, all reserved for North America. Source: Ulysse Nardin

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 15, 2026

URWERK Reveals The All-New $226,000 UR-300 Time Quantum

Breaking the mold, URWERK continues to define modern independent watchmaking, and its latest release is another example of thinking outside the box. The all-new UR-300 Time Quantum is a mechanical watch inspired by the world of quantum physics, where tiny particles and energy interact in ways that continue to challenge our understanding of the universe. While that might sound like a pretty deep concept for a wristwatch, it's right in line with URWERK's approach. For almost 30 years, the brand has explored everything from space-inspired designs to unconventional ways of displaying time. With the UR-300 Time Quantum, it takes things a step further by reworking its signature wandering hour display into a constantly moving setup that changes position in a split second every hour.So, how does it actually work? Instead of traditional hands moving around a dial, the UR-300 Time Quantum uses two perpendicular, T-shaped hour modules and four rotating, three-sided prisms to display the hours. One of the prisms moves along a curved track marked from zero to 60 minutes, showing the minutes as the hour progresses. Once it reaches the end, the entire mechanism shifts in one quick movement. The T-shaped frame rotates, its two sections switch positions, and the prisms spin to showcase the next hour. The whole thing happens almost instantly.Of course, pulling off something like that takes more than an interesting idea. URWERK had to carefully manage how much energy the movement uses to power the jump, making sure the components move quickly without throwing off the display or damaging the movement. The movement is housed inside a 45.2mm by 58.8mm titanium case and delivers a 44-hour power reserve. Created by URWERK founders Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei, the new release continues the brand's habit of approaching traditional Swiss watchmaking from a completely different angle. The all-new URWERK UR-300 Time Quantum is limited to 25 pieces in Iron and 25 pieces in Dark, with a price tag of $226,000. Source: URWERK Geneve

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 13, 2026

Jerry Seinfeld's Vic Elford-Owned Rolex Daytona Heads to Auction

A Rolex Daytona with motorsport history is heading to auction this December, and it comes from the collection of none other than Jerry Seinfeld. The stainless-steel Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Reference 6239 was presented to racing driver Vic Elford after his victory at the 1968 24 Hours of Daytona, making it the first documented Rolex Daytona awarded to a race winner. Now, the historic watch will cross the block at Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo during The New York Watch Auction: XV. It's estimated to bring between $100,000 and $200,000.The watch's backstory is closely tied to one of Porsche's early endurance racing milestones. Elford, nicknamed “Quick Vic,” drove a Porsche 907 Langheck to victory at Daytona in 1968, securing the manufacturer's first win in a 24-hour endurance race. The result helped set the stage for Porsche's eventual overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1970. At the time, Rolex's chronograph was still establishing its identity. Initially sold as the Cosmograph, the model was briefly advertised as the “Le Mans” in 1964 before the Daytona name became official in 1965.Seinfeld's connection to the Daytona goes beyond his love for watches. He bought the winning Porsche 907 Langheck at auction in 2014 and later tracked down its companion timepiece. “I've always loved objects that not only serve a purpose but have a great story behind them. This Daytona watch has one of the best,” Seinfeld said. “When I acquired the Porsche 907 that won Daytona in 1968, the watch was already part of its lore. They made history together. It has been a privilege to be the steward of both, and I'm excited to see this watch begin its next chapter with another collector.” Before offering it for sale, Seinfeld worked with vintage watch specialists to restore the piece, retaining its original case, bezel, dial, and bracelet while making a handful of period-correct adjustments, including matching the hands to the dial's luminous markers and a period-correct Tropic 21 crystal. Backing up the watch's history is an extensive collection of documentation, including a 2010 letter from Rolex USA confirming its authenticity and presentation to Elford following the 1968 race. The sale also includes a signed provenance letter from Elford, records relating to the watch's ownership and restoration, and a 2005 Rolex service invoice bearing the matching serial number. Source: Phillips Auction

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 12, 2026

TAG Heuer Celebrates 10 Years With Red Bull Racing

From the racetrack to the wrist, TAG Heuer’s Formula 1 collection has always been rooted in motorsport, and its 10-year partnership with Oracle Red Bull Racing gives that connection a new chapter. TAG Heuer is marking that decade-long partnership with a new Formula 1 Solargraph special edition that brings the F1 team's signature colors to one of the watch world’s most iconic watches. First introduced in the 1980s, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 line has long drawn inspiration directly from motorsport. The latest release continues that connection with a smaller 38mm case and a design that puts the Red Bull Racing identity front and center, commemorating what first began in 2016.The dial features a deep blue finish with a bright red minute track, mirroring the colors on Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 cars. The sandblasted steel case gives the watch a matte, raw look, with a bidirectional TH-Polylight bezel. A three-row steel bracelet completes the look, while the date display at 3 o'clock keeps things practical for everyday wear. Turn the watch over, and the caseback brings the collaboration into focus with both brand logos and a checkered flag motif.Inside, the Formula 1 Solargraph uses TAG Heuer's light-powered Solargraph movement, which converts natural and artificial light into energy. Just one minute of direct sunlight provides enough power for a full day, while a complete charge can deliver up to 10 months of operation in total darkness. The watch can also restart after stopping with only 10 seconds of light exposure, and its accumulator is designed to last up to 15 years.The new edition launches just as TAG Heuer and Oracle Red Bull Racing reach their 10-year partnership milestone, a relationship that has grown alongside the team's successes on the track. For fans, it offers a wearable connection to the paddock, while the Solargraph technology gives the watch appeal beyond its branding. The all-new TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph x Oracle Red Bull Racing is now available online and in-store for $2,250. Source: TAG Heuer

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 28, 2026

Rolex Four Seasons Daytona Auction Breaks Record at $49.4 Million

Rolex’s Four Seasons charity auction ended in London with a record-breaking result. The four one-of-a-kind Cosmograph Daytona watches sold individually through Phillips for a combined $49,467,260, setting a new benchmark for a charity watch sale in the watch world. Hosted by Phillips Senior Consultant Aurel Bacs, the auction featured four unusual Daytonas created specifically for the event, with every dollar raised going to the Federer Foundation and Re.The four watches were never intended to be traditional off-catalog Rolex special editions. Each was built around a different season, using precious metals, natural-stone dials, colored gemstones and diamonds to give the familiar Daytona a completely different look. Winter, the platinum example with a blue opal dial, lapis lazuli counters and a blue-to-fuchsia sapphire bezel, sold for $13.2 million. Summer, in Everose gold with a turquoise dial, heart-of-ruby counters and pink sapphires, edged past it at $13.6 million.Autumn followed closely behind at $13.5 million, pairing an 18ct yellow gold case with a mookaite dial, chrysoprase counters and green tourmalines. Spring brought the lowest result of the four, though $9 million is still an unbelievable result for a modern Rolex Daytona. Its 18ct white gold case was matched with a chrysoprase dial, lepidolite counters and a bezel set with purple sapphires. All four watches use Rolex’s Calibre 4131 and carry Superlative Chronometer certification, designed with diamond-set lugs and crown guards. What makes the $49.4 million total especially notable is how quickly the four lots added up. Phillips offered Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter separately, giving collectors four chances to compete for a one-of-a-kind Rolex. The watches themselves were already rare to begin with, but the auction gave them a place in Rolex collecting history that goes well beyond their exculsivity.Of course, the final numbers only tell part of the story. The proceeds will support the Federer Foundation’s work with children and education in Southern Africa and Switzerland, along with Re’s efforts to protect and restore ecosystems around the world. For Rolex, the Four Seasons auction turned four highly unusual Cosmograph Daytonas into a significant charitable contribution, while giving collectors a rare chance to bid on watches that will almost certainly never be replicated. Source: Phillips

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 25, 2026

Panerai Releases Its All-New $155K Luminor Tourbillon

Its fair to say that in most cases, the beauty behind a mechanical watch actually lies inside the movement. Panerai is tapping into that thought with its latest release. The new Luminor Tourbillon PAM01784 uses a lightweight 47mm Grade 5 titanium case, but the real attention-grabber is what sits underneath the domed sapphire crystal. Instead of opting for a traditional dial covering the movement, the watch leaves much of the hand-wound P.2005/T calibre exposed. You can see the tourbillon cage turning, the three spring barrels at work, and the mechanisms that make the watch run.The P.2005/T has some interesting facts behind it. Panerai’s tourbillon design, first introduced in 2005, rotates once every 30 seconds rather than the more common 60 seconds. Its cage also rotates on an axis perpendicular to the balance, a setup created to manage the effects of gravity on the movement’s rate. The calibre also features three barrels connected in series, offering six days of power reserve. The bridges and plates are made from Grade 5 titanium and finished in blue, matching the titanium case while keeping the overall watch to around 105 grams.The PAM01784 has a GMT Traveler function that lets the local hour hand move independently in one-hour jumps while the home-time hand stays put. There is also an angular power reserve display, a small seconds sub-dial and a tourbillon indicator. Orange markings pick out the GMT, AM/PM and power reserve functions, with Super-LumiNova taking over in low light. The grid pattern around the movement is a nod to Panerai’s history with Italian Navy frogmen, while the domed crystal is inspired by the look of some of the brand’s 1960s watches. Finished with a blue alligator strap and an additional rubber strap, the PAM01784 is a perfect example of where Panerai is taking its traditional Luminor when there’s more movement to show off. The all-new Luminor Tourbillon PAM01784 is now available at authorized Panerai boutiques worldwide for $155,100. Source: Panerai

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 25, 2026

Bulova Pays Tribute to the Iconic Shelby Daytona Coupe

While the Cobra remains the best-known expression of Carroll Shelby's vision for building world-class sports cars, the Shelby Daytona Coupe represents his relentless pursuit of victory on the racetrack. Created to take on Ferrari in the GT class of the FIA World Sportscar Championship, the Daytona helped Shelby American make motorsport history. More than 60 years later, with only six original examples ever built, the Daytona Coupe remains one of the most coveted collector cars ever produced. Inspired by the 50th Anniversary Aluminum Edition Daytona Coupe, Bulova and Carroll Shelby Licensing have once again partnered to introduce the limited-edition SHELBY® Racer Chronograph.A 40.5mm polished stainless steel case houses a mirror-finished silver dial inspired by the aluminum bodywork of the 50th Anniversary Daytona Coupe, while the chronograph subdials take their styling cues from the car's original gauge cluster. A split-finish stainless steel bracelet subtly references the Coupe's dual racing stripes. For a more vintage feel, Bulova also includes a padded brown leather strap that's easy to swap. Inside, the watch is powered by Bulova's quartz movement. Around back, a commemorative caseback features Bulova and Shelby Daytona Coupe branding under a glass insert, as a reminder of the partnership and the car that inspired it. Each watch comes in a special Shelby presentation box alongside a 1:24-scale silver-plated Shelby Racer model and the additional leather strap. Limited to commemorate an automotive icon, the SHELBY® Racer Chronograph is now available through authorized Bulova retailers for $1,425. For Shelby fans and watch collectors, it's a fitting way to wear a piece of American motorsport history. Shop Now Source: Bulova/Shelby American

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 22, 2026

H. Moser & Cie. Introduces a New Kind of Digital Watch

As independent watchmaking continues to trend among collectors and enthusiasts, the appeal goes beyond craftsmanship and small-batch production. It’s also about the freedom to experiment, push creative boundaries, and make watches without having to answer to anyone else. H. Moser does this especially well, building its reputation with playful designs and unexpected collaborations that have become genuine conversation pieces. That ability to dream up whatever it desires is what leads to creations like H. Moser’s latest reveal, an unconventional digital “smartwatch” with traditional watchmaking baked into its design. H. Moser’s take on a modern digital watch takes shape as the all-new Off-Grid. Rather than build another smartwatch packed with apps and notifications, Moser created a watch aimed squarely at people who already appreciate traditional horology. The 42.6mm Off-Grid uses a skeletonized dial to frame its digital display, while a small domed fumé dial above it brings some familiar Moser character to the futuristic design. Available in Blue and Black versions, the watch keeps the Streamliner’s clean case proportions and integrated rubber strap, bridging the gap between two opposite ends of the watch world. Underneath that unusual display is a D10 calibre developed with SEQUENT, giving the Off-Grid a surprisingly long 12-month power reserve when used solely for time display, or up to six months with combined functions. And this is where Moser’s approach gets interesting. Instead of trying to compete with a smartwatch on sheer functionality, the Off-Grid sticks to a more focused list of features, including GMT, a 1/100-second split-seconds chronograph, perpetual calendar, perpetual moon phase, sunrise and sunset times, alarm, timer, and a small multilingual dictionary. The Off-Grid is limited to 1,000 pieces per model and is being offered through Moser boutiques and its website for $4,900 through October 5th, marking it as another unusual entry into the growing conversation around what a modern digital watch can actually be. Source: H. Moser & Cie.

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