RACE DAY

A brief overview of racing watches

Ever since cars first raced against each other, watches and motorsport have been closely intertwined.  This has led to the racing-inspired watch (or simply racing watch), which is another type of tool watch originally designed for use by motorsport enthusiasts, drivers, and professionals.  These watches are designed to be rugged, durable, and easy to read with high luminosity, which allow drivers to time their laps, calculate their speed, and monitor their performance regardless of the conditions on the track. 

More importantly, many racing watches feature specific functions designed to help drivers track lap times, speed, and other critical information necessary for racing.  Primary to this is the chronograph, which allows the driver to time numerous events, which when paired with a tachymeter scale, allows the driver to measure speed over a certain distance.

Many racing watches are also highly water-resistant, making them ideal for use in wet or humid conditions, and are commonly made with durable, scratch-resistant materials such as stainless steel or carbon fiber with some models also designed to withstand high G-forces and extreme temperatures.

Heuer (pre-TAG) was one of the first big names in motor racing, and began in the 1930s making dash-mounted rally timers and later wrist chronographs, such as the Heuer Autavia, that were popular in the 1950s and 60s. 

Rolex is another brand closely associated with motor racing.  The brand sponsored the Daytona Speedway in the late fifties resulting in the Rolex Daytona, and since 2013, has been the main sponsor of F1 with its clocks and logos appearing in every prominent position along the circuit.

Overall, racing watches are designed to be reliable, accurate, and easy to use in high-pressure situations. Whether you're a professional racing driver or a weekend enthusiast, a high-quality racing watch can help you track your performance and achieve your goals on the track, or in the mall parking lot.