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

Two modern wristwatches, including a sleek H. Moser & Cie., are displayed on a blue surface—one with an analog face and white strap, the other digital with a silver-tone metal strap—both illuminated under a focused beam of light.

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 29, 2025

H. Moser & Cie. x Alpine Introduce Dual-Purpose F1 Watch...

H. Moser is back on the track with Alpine. While Formula 1 might look like a one-man show with a single driver chasing glory, real fans know it takes a full team of engineers, mechanics, and specialists to build a car that can actually win. Behind every fast lap is a mountain of teamwork, where timing and clear communication make all the difference. H. Moser & Cie.’s partnership with Alpine Motorsports takes a different approach with its newest release, further connecting the drivers to the dedicated team of mechanics that work tirelessly in hopes of victory. Announced around the Spanish Grand Prix, the Streamliner Alpine Drivers Edition and the Streamliner Alpine Mechanics Edition aim to serve both sides of the team, not just behind the wheel. The Drivers Edition centers around a mechanical chronograph with a skeletonized movement inspired by the construction and motion of a Formula 1 car. Drivers had a hand in its look and feel, resulting in a more open dial and minimalist chronograph display. The bridges mirror characteristics of suspension geometry, while the rotor design draws inspiration from an Alpine wheel. Functionally, the watch simplifies how time is read mid-action, with a flyback feature built in for quick resets. The blue-and-white color scheme nods to Alpine’s iconic racing colors. The Mechanics Edition shifts focus from the wristwatch as an accessory to the wristwatch as a tool. Designed for Alpine’s engineers and crew, it incorporates a connected digital platform with real-world stats like countdowns to race starts, lap timing, and syncing data through Bluetooth. Unlike most smartwatches, it was built with battery longevity in mind, running for a year in basic mode or six full race weekends when fully active. It also includes a physical dial for timekeeping, keeping it readable in all conditions. Both watches come in a limited run of 200 pieces, hinting that this partnership may grow with future updates. Shop All H. Moser Watches Source: H. Moser & Cie.

Six people pose together in front of a TAG Heuer sign, with two wearing Red Bull racing gear, at an outdoor Monaco Grand Prix event surrounded by lights and equipment.

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 27, 2025

TAG Heuer Celebrates The Monaco Grand Prix With Three Exc...

TAG Heuer brought out some special watch debuts for Monaco GP's 82nd running. Nestled on the picturesque coastline of the French Rivera, Monaco has and continues to solidify its reputation of luxury, wealth, and sophistication, ranking as one of the most expensive cities in the world. The Monaco Grand Prix highlights the city's ultra-luxury lifestyle with a weekend filled with Formula 1 racing through its historic street circuit. At the same time, billionaires sit dockside aboard the most impressive multi-million dollar yachts. With 2024 marking TAG Heuer's return as the Official Timekeeper of Formula 1 and its debut as the first-ever title partner of the Grand Prix de Monaco, the brand debuted three new models just before the race. Docked in the Port of Monaco, the Le Bougainville yacht set the stage for a celebration. The yacht was filled with celebs and excitement, from Christian Horner and Naomi Schiff to Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda. Actor and brand ambassador Patrick Dempsey socialized with guests while Red Bull Racing drivers recapped the day's qualifying action. In true TAG Heuer fashion, the brand used this perfect moment to show-off three fresh takes on their iconic Monaco watch. First up was the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph x Gulf, a slick silver dial with unmistakable blue and orange Gulf racing stripes, paying tribute to Steve McQueen's Le Mans legacy. Then came the Monaco Chronograph Stopwatch, bringing '70s pit lane vibes with a bold red track and the classic Calibre 11 movement. And finally, the Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph, a modern design in titanium with lime green accents and a high-tech movement. Every moment of the weekend captured the excitement of competition, the emotion of motorsport, and the artistry of Swiss watchmaking. With the Monaco harbor in the background and the roar of Formula 1 in the air, TAG Heuer reminded everyone why it's still one of the most exciting names in watches and racing history. View All TAG Heuer Monaco Watches For Sale Source: TAG Heuer

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 22, 2025

Affordable Watches Under $500: Great Picks To Start Your ...

Getting into watch collecting doesn’t have to drain your wallet. While iconic brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet can hit five-figure price tags, there are plenty of affordable options for new collectors. The key is to buy what you like, not what others say you should. Building a collection with budget-friendly models is a great way to explore different styles and deepen your knowledge of the watch world without stressing over high-end price tags. From sleek dress watches to sporty chronographs, there are plenty of watches under $500 that bring style and value to your collection. Whether you're after something with a bit of racing flair or a minimalist everyday piece, these models let you experiment and grow your collection without overcommitting financially. And who knows? You might find that the thrill of hunting for affordable gems is just as satisfying as owning a luxury piece. We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite watches under $500 to help kick-start your collecting journey. These picks are perfect for those looking for great style on a budget and make excellent first watches to fuel the obsession. Explore the best affordable watches through the links below and see what catches your eye. What’s the difference between quartz and automatic watches? Quartz watches are battery-powered, known for their accuracy and low maintenance. Automatic watches, on the other hand, are powered by the movement of your wrist and don’t require batteries, but they may need regular winding if not worn frequently. Should I buy a watch online or from a store? Buying from a store lets you try the watch on and get a feel for its fit and style. Online shopping often gives you access to a wider range of models, including deals. Just make sure to buy from reputable retailers or official brand websites to avoid fakes. How do I choose the right size watch? The size of a watch is measured by its case diameter, usually between 36mm to 44mm. If you have a smaller wrist, a watch between 36-40mm might look better. Larger wrists can handle bigger cases, but ultimately, it’s about what feels comfortable and suits your style. Do I need to service my watch? Yes, but how often depends on the type of watch. Quartz watches typically only need battery changes, while automatics and mechanicals benefit from a service every 3-5 years to keep them running smoothly. Citizens Promaster Dive Citizens Shop Now Bulova Computron Bulova Shop Now G-SHOCK G-STEEL GM2100C-5A G-SHOCK Shop Now Hamilton Khaki Field Quartz 38mm Field Watch Huckberry Shop Now Orient Bambino Jomashop Shop Now Seiko Presage Amazon Shop Now Swatch Once Again Swatch Shop Now Q Timex GMT 38mm Timex Shop Now Tissot Prx Quartz Green Dial Amazon Shop Now VAER R1 USA Oceanracer Chronograph VAER Shop Now

A blue IWC Schaffhausen wristwatch with gold accents showcasing the time, day, date, month, year, power reserve, and a striking tourbillon at 12 o’clock—a perfect blend of luxury and precision from the Tourbillon Pilot's Watches collection.

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 21, 2025

IWC Schaffhausen Shows Off Two New Tourbillon Pilot's Wat...

IWC Schaffhausen just dropped two new Pilot's Watches that celebrate the timeless legacy of Antoine de Saint Exupéry's The Little Prince. First up is the Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Le Petit Prince, a limited edition release of 100 pieces crafted in deep blue ceramic with gold accents. Inside, it houses the IWC 51950 movement, powering both a perpetual calendar and a flying tourbillon at 12 o'clock. The back features a detailed Little Prince rotor standing on his asteroid, visible through a sapphire glass case back. The calendar setup is especially impressive, needing no correction for 577 years, and still easily adjusted with a single crown. Then there's the Big Pilot's Watch 43 Tourbillon Le Petit Prince, limited to 150 pieces worldwide. This one shows off a platinum case with a rich blue sunray dial and a brown calfskin strap. At 6 o'clock, the flying minute tourbillon looks like it's floating in space, backed by IWC's 82905 movement and its signature Pellaton winding system. With 80 hours of power reserve and proprietary Diamond Shell® tech to reduce friction, IWC is combining high-end horology with everyday usability. And yes, it also sports the Little Prince rotor. Beyond their eye-catching designs and technical complexity, both of these watches continue IWC's long-standing partnership with the Antoine de Saint Exupéry Youth Foundation. Since 2006, IWC has honored Saint Exupéry's legacy through special editions that support education and culture-focused initiatives. These latest releases stay true to that tradition, bringing the world of The Little Prince to life on the wrist with serious IWC expertise. Whether you're into flying tourbillons, perpetual calendars, or just love a great story told through horology, IWC's latest tribute checks all the boxes. Shop All IWC Watches Source: IWC Schaffhausen

A luxury SP One Watch from the Special Projects Collection, featuring a green leather strap, rose gold case, and exposed mechanical gears displayed on a light blue reflective surface.

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 20, 2025

MB&F Debuts Its All-New 'Special Projects' Collection Wit...

In a world where luxury watches have evolved into mechanical masterpieces with space-age design and technology, MB&F has successfully balanced itself as a brand that pushes the boundaries while preserving the traditional art of watchmaking. Through collections like its revolutionary Horological Machines and more classic Legacy Machines, Max Büsser and his team continue to bring seemingly complex sketches to life for collectors and enthusiasts with an eye for something truly spectacular. Today, MB&F is proud to add to its horological legacy with the announcement of its all-new Special Projects collection, inaugurating the occasion with the reveal of its SP One. Initially nicknamed "Three Circles," the all-new SP One showcases a subtly complex design with floating components encased around a fully transparent dial. Its sizable 38mm pebble-like case, with a bezel-free design and detached lugs, is offered in both 18k rose gold with an anthracite bevelled flange and platinum with a sky-blue bevelled flange. While the SP One is MB&F's thinnest watch, it's not about competing for the title of the slimmest watch in the world. Thanks to sapphire crystals on the front and back, the barrel, the balance wheel, and the dial are reimagined to be floating in mid-air. The SP One movement, handcrafted by MB&F, features a manual winding mainspring barrel and an impressive 72-hour power reserve. Running at 18,000 vibrations per hour, the movement is made up of 191 components and 31 jewels, all brought together with obsessive attention to detail. You'll find expert hand-finishing throughout, including internal bevel angles, polished bevels, and hand-made engravings set against anthracite bridges with a ruthenium finish. Comfortable calfskin leather straps and material-matching pin buckles make MB&F's newest, time-only SP One a daily wear for collectors of all kinds. WAShop All MB&F Watches Source: MB&F

Close-up of a luxury Vacheron Constantin Overseas Grand Complication wristwatch featuring an openface intricate dial with multiple subdials for day, date, month, leap year, and a visible tourbillon mechanism.

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 13, 2025

Vacheron Constantin Debuts Its First-Ever Overseas Grand ...

The Overseas collection welcomes its first minute repeater. Watchmaking has always been a game of precision and patience, where artisans are challenged to pack mind-blowing mechanical complexity into tiny cases. Whether we're talking about the simplicity of a time-only movement or the impressive inner workings of a grand complication, any and all feel like a monumental accomplishment for brands with a true passion for haute horology. One Swiss watchmaker celebrating an incredible feat is Vacheron Constantin, which is proud to announce the debut of its Overseas Grand Complication Openface as its very first minute repeater in the Overseas collection. At the heart of this technical marvel is the ultra-thin Calibre 2755 QP, which combines a tourbillon, perpetual calendar, minute repeater, and power reserve indicator. The titanium case and integrated bracelet offer lightweight comfort and durability, while the skeletonized sapphire dial sets the movement on center stage. The striking dial with floating hour markers and blue accents gives the watch a modern edge, while the movement's design is visible from both front and back. The sound mechanism for the minute repeater is regulated by a silent centripetal system, which comes hand-polished and engraved with founder Jean-Marc Vacheron's initials. Details like these reinforce Vacheron Constantin's focus on pushing the boundaries of traditional watchmaking. The Overseas Grand Complication Openface opens a new realm of complex sport watches, paired with an interchangeable strap system and a trio of bracelet options. Shop All Vacheron Constantin Watches Source: Vacheron Constatin

Close-up of the luxury watch Hublot MP-10 Tourbillon, a transparent masterpiece showcasing its intricate inner mechanical components and detailed engineering—highlighting Hublot’s latest new versions.

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 07, 2025

Hublot Reveals Two New Versions Of Its MP-10 Tourbillon, ...

The MP-10 Tourbillon is back with two new looks. In the infinite world of luxury watches, all collectors and enthusiasts can agree that the art of watchmaking is most appealing because there are no guidelines for brands to follow. Industry trends come and go, but there will always be room for highly complex and truly unique pieces for those in search of something exceptional. The haute horologists at Hublot know this all too well, as the brand beautifully balances this way of thinking, from the historic styling of the Big Bang to the revolutionary look and feel of its MP series. Last year, Hublot stunned LVMH Watch Week 2024 with a $290,000 titanium MP-10 Tourbillon that featured a jaw-dropping 592 components and years of R&D. Today, Hublot is proud to carry on the legacy of its most complex watch series by debuting the MP-10 Tourbillon in two new case designs. Giving the MP-10 Tourbillon a fresh look, Hublot complemented the collection with a Black Ceramic and Sapphire version. The MP-10 Tourbillon All Black, limited to just 50 pieces, pays homage to the brand's All-Black series and stays true to the spirit of the original design. By contrast, the even more limited MP-10 Tourbillon Sapphire, just 30 pieces, leans into purity and transparency, wrapped entirely in translucent sapphire with a matching bracelet. What makes the MP-10 Tourbillon especially wild is its display. Forget traditional hands because it uses four rotating elements instead. Hours and minutes sit at the top of the dial under a magnifier, while the middle houses a color-coded 48-hour power reserve with green, orange, and red indicators. At the bottom, seconds are shown directly on the tourbillon cage. Whether you gravitate toward the stealthy All Black or the radiant Sapphire, the MP-10 lineup cements itself in Hublot history. Shop All Hublot Watches Source: Hublot

A TUDOR Black Bay Chrono watch with a white and blue dial, black subdials, black bezel, and black strap is displayed on a blue surface—an eye-catching tribute to the Miami F1 spirit.

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 05, 2025

TUDOR Debuts The Limited Edition Black Bay Chrono Carbon ...

TUDOR has always had race fuel in its veins, tracing its motorsport roots back to the 1950s. TUDOR’s long-running ties to racing continue in 2025 with the Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25,” shaped by decades of engineering. The 42mm carbon fiber case is thinner and lighter than previous models, complete with a matching carbon bezel, carbon sub-dials, and even carbon end-links. The design mirrors the characteristics of the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula One team, and the overall feel leans heavily on lightweight performance materials. Titanium pushers and a domed “racing white” dial round out a watch built for the track. The movement inside is the Manufacture Calibre MT5813, a COSC-certified chronograph with a column wheel and vertical clutch. It’s based on the Breitling B01 and refined with TUDOR’s own silicon balance spring and finishing. It offers a 70-hour power reserve and keeps time within tighter tolerances than COSC standards. While performance-focused on paper, it’s ultimately a practical tool watch with real-world usability. Only 2,025 pieces of the Carbon 25 will be produced, with each watch numbered on its titanium case back. The watch is all about building on TUDOR’s motorsport past with new materials and solid mechanics. For those who appreciate the intersection of haute horology and motorsport, the Carbon 25 quietly makes its case. Shop All TUDOR Watches Source: TUDOR

A Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, one of the most iconic luxury chronographs, featuring a rose gold case, black bezel, and black rubber strap set against a blurred gradient background that evokes automotive elegance.

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 30, 2025

The Ultimate Automotive Luxury Chronographs

From Paul Newman to Steve McQueen, the chronograph became a quintessential piece of automotive history. While most avid watch collectors and enthusiasts can spot a specific reference from a mile away, the rest of the world views luxury timepieces as a simple and traditional way of telling time. Inside the world of Haute horology are an array of categories and complications, each equipped with innovative tools and functions that focus on a specific area of expertise. One of the most iconic watch types is the chronograph, a popular configuration that combines multiple sub-dials that act as miniature stopwatches. Now that the chronograph stands out as a staple in the industry, all leading Swiss watchmakers take a crack at perfecting the recipe with their own rendition. The chronograph defines itself as one of the earliest tools in automotive racing, allowing drivers to track lap times during iconic endurance races like The 24 Hours of Le Mans. With icons like Paul Newman and Steve McQueen sporting chronographs throughout time, it's easy to see why it's the gateway for car enthusiasts to get into collecting luxury watches. How does a chronograph work? A chronograph watch takes on the same basic design as a traditional wristwatch, using a complication that powers the timepiece and its functions. To achieve the ability to track time like a stopwatch, an extra and or multiple complications have been added to measure time at different levels of accuracy. An independent sweeping secondhand stands at the ready while distinctive pushers operate the art of starting and stopping time. When was the first chronograph watch made? The first modern chronograph watch was created in 1816 by the pioneers at Louis Moinet, a luxury French watchmaker that continues to instill its DNA into a collection of modern examples. Displaying an unrivaled degree of precision, the Louis Moinet Chronograph was able to measure time accurately to 1/60th of a second. What makes a chronograph watch perfect for racing? On any race track, time proves to be the most important aspect for a driver, team, and spectators. Meticulously tracking lap times help to tackle areas of improvement, whether related to a race car’s performance or the driver’s confidence to go faster. The chronograph presents the perfect tool for manufacturers to observe its team of drivers using the watch’s multiple levels of accuracy. Although drivers and race cars continue to evolve, the simplicity of the traditional chronograph lives on as a timeless icon. Shop All Luxury Watches For Sale Our Favorite Chronographs Breitling Top Time B01 Martini Racing 38mm Watches of Switzerland Shop Now Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph Aston Martin Edition 8 Watches of Switzerland Shop Now Hamilton Jazzmaster Performer Autochrono Watches of Switzerland Shop Now IWC Pilot Chronograph Mercedes - AMG Petronas Formula One Team Watches of Switzerland Shop Now Omega Super Racing Co-Axial Master Chronometer Chronograph Watches of Switzerland Shop Now Reservoir Supercharged Sport Red Zone II Watches of Switzerland Shop Now Rolex Watches of Switzerland Shop Now TAG Heuer Vintage Monaco Watches of Switzerland Shop Now Pelagos FXD Chrono Alinghi Red Bull Racing Edition Watches of Switzerland Shop Now Zenith Chronomaster Original El Primero 38mm Watches of Switzerland Shop Now

A close-up of a transparent Richard Mille RM 75-01 mechanical wristwatch with a green strap, floating above a turquoise water background—part of the stunning Sapphire Collection.

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 23, 2025

Richard Mille Releases A Colorful RM 75-01 Sapphire Colle...

While Richard Mille has built a reputation for engineering some of the most complex and practical timepieces, built to endure the demands of any lifestyle, the Swiss watchmaker is no stranger to adding an extra layer of luxury with its ever-growing Sapphire Collection. Making its already uniquely designed Tonneau case shape ever more attention-grabbing, Richard Mille has continued to feature its most iconic models in an exclusive transparent case carefully crafted from sapphire. A-list celebrity collectors with rare RM Sapphire pieces include Jay-Z, Pharell Williams, J Balvin, and many others. Today, Richard Mille is proud to keep traditions strong with the release of its all-new RM 75-01 Flying Tourbillon Sapphire. Showcasing three different colorways to style any look, the newest RM 75-01 is limited to only 10 watches in both Blue and Pink Sapphire and 15 watches in Full Clear Sapphire. The skeletonized dial is where Richard Mille's true artistry and craftsmanship speak as it describes its process as a balancing act, utilizing its intricate construction and use of lightweight metals like titanium to help suspend an in-house manufactured Caliber RM75-01 Tourbillon movement. Along with an impressive 65-hour power reserve, the complex movement also powers its hours and minutes function. The transparency of its sapphire backcase offers a truly exceptional inside look at its movement in action from a secondary angle. Rounding off its new sapphire series in style, Richard Mille completes the look with vibrant rubber crown guards and straps for the colored versions and an extra special green set for the full sapphire.

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