Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Autodromo enhances its functional simplicity with Vallelunga Chronograph]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/autodromo-enhances-its-functional-simplicity-with-vallelunga-chr/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/autodromo-enhances-its-functional-simplicity-with-vallelunga-chr/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/autodromo-enhances-its-functional-simplicity-with-vallelunga-chr/#commentsFiled under:



As automotive enthusiasts by profession, there's nothing we love here at Autoblog quite as much as cars. But a distant second for many of us comes watches. Fortunately, there's no shortage of automotive-inspired timepieces out on the market, but the unfortunate reality for many is that the correlation is just too forced. That's what we love about Officine Autodromo.

Rather than amp up their octane count with branding associations or glossy carbon-fiber components, Autodromo takes a deliciously understated approach with minimalist designs that take their inspiration from the tachometers on Italian racing cars from the 1960s and 70s and their names from famous Italian racing circuits.

We reported on Autodromo's first collection upon its launch back in November, and now the upstart has followed up with a chronograph version of its slick Vallelunga timepiece. Upgrading on the simplicity of its lug-less case design, the Vallelunga Chronograph features the stopwatch and 30-minute counter sought by many drivers looking for more timing functions out of their wristwatch. It's powered by a a Swiss-made Ronda quartz movement, housed under K1 anti-glare crystal, affixed to the wrist by a perforated leather strap and available with either a white face and brushed stainless steel case or in black on black.

You can find further details in the press release below, but the high-res image gallery is worth checking out just for the photo shoot orchestrated in France behind the wheel of four classic Alfa Romeos and a vintage Lotus Eleven.

Continue reading Autodromo enhances its functional simplicity with Vallelunga Chronograph

Autodromo enhances its functional simplicity with Vallelunga Chronograph originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 May 2012 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autodromoautodromo vallelungaautodromo vallelunga chronographchronographofficine autodromoofficine autodromo vallelunga chronographtimepiecevallelungawatchFri, 11 May 2012 07:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20235194/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/11/autodromo-enhances-its-functional-simplicity-with-vallelunga-chr/20235194/article-detail.xml 20235194 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/webvallelunga_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/webvallelunga.jpg <![CDATA[Shelby teams up with David Yurman for wristwatch line]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/shelby-teams-up-with-david-yurman-for-wristwatch-line/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/shelby-teams-up-with-david-yurman-for-wristwatch-line/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/shelby-teams-up-with-david-yurman-for-wristwatch-line/#commentsFiled under: ,

David Yurman Limited Edition Shelby 1000 Timepiece

Say what you will, but in this business you're nobody until you have your own watch line. Ferrari has several, Bentley teams up with Breitling, Aston Martin partners with Jaeger-LeCoultre, Bugatti with Parmigiani Fleurier... the list goes on and on, and now includes one more: Carroll Shelby and David Yurman.

The collaboration was forged over the timepiece you see here, created to accompany the 950-horsepower Shelby 1000 unveiled at the New York Auto Show just last month. The David Yurman Limited Edition Shelby 1000 timepiece features a Swiss-made Valjoux 7753 automatic chronograph in a 43.5mm stainless steel and rubber case with tachymeter bezel and guilloche racing stripes on the galvanized steel dial.

It's affixed to the wrist by a rubber strap with snakeskin texture, and only 300 examples will be made: 150 in bare stainless steel and 150 with a black PVD coating. It's the first of many Shelby-branded wristwatches that the David Yurman brand will be making for Shelby, and you can check it out in high-resolution by clicking the image above and scrolling down below for the full press release.

Continue reading Shelby teams up with David Yurman for wristwatch line

Shelby teams up with David Yurman for wristwatch line originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carroll shelbydavid yurmanshelbyshelby 1000timepiecewatchwristwatchyurmanThu, 26 Apr 2012 07:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20224126/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/26/shelby-teams-up-with-david-yurman-for-wristwatch-line/20224126/article-detail.xml 20224126 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/yurman-shelbyweb_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/yurman-shelbyweb.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari contracts Movado for new line of watches]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/28/ferrari-contracts-movado-for-new-line-of-watches/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/28/ferrari-contracts-movado-for-new-line-of-watches/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/28/ferrari-contracts-movado-for-new-line-of-watches/#commentsFiled under: ,

Movado with Ferrari emblem

Having trouble keeping track of which watchmaker is producing timepieces for Ferrari these days? It can get a little confusing. Girard-Perregaux held the license for many years, after which a lackluster partnership was formed with Panerai. Then Cabestan was contracted to make one very fancy-looking watch for the Prancing Horse marque, before Hublot got the nod. And that's not including the more affordable watches marketed less to Ferrari owners than to the Scuderia's tifosi. Now, Maranello has formed another partnership with a different watchmaker.

That watchmaker is Movado, the Swiss firm best know for creating elegant and simply styled timepieces that look just as much at home in a museum showcase as they do on a wearer's wrist. Movado also makes watches under the Ebel, Concord, ESQ, Coach, Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo Boss, Juicy Couture and Lacoste labels, and will now be adding Ferrari to its roster of brands.

The collection is set to draw its inspiration from Ferrari's road and racing cars, and is set to be launched next year at the Watch & Jewelry Fair in Basel, Switzerland, after which they will go on sale at Ferrari stores around the world and online with prices peaking at 1,500 euros (around $2,000). Follow the jump for the official announcement.

Continue reading Ferrari contracts Movado for new line of watches

Ferrari contracts Movado for new line of watches originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ferrarimovadotimepiecewatchwristwatchWed, 28 Mar 2012 07:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20201999/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/28/ferrari-contracts-movado-for-new-line-of-watches/20201999/article-detail.xml 20201999 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/movado-ferrari_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/movado-ferrari.jpg <![CDATA[Bulgari crafts sophisticated Octo Maserati watch]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/27/bulgari-crafts-sophisticated-octo-maserati-watch/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/27/bulgari-crafts-sophisticated-octo-maserati-watch/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/27/bulgari-crafts-sophisticated-octo-maserati-watch/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Bulgari Octo Maserati

There's no lack of choices in timepieces for automotive enthusiasts, but unfortunately most of them come down to simply slapping an automaker's name or logo (or that of a racing series or driver) on an existing timepiece and calling it a day. That, however, is not the route Maserati has gone with its new timepiece.

In fact, you'd have to turn this watch over to see the Trident logo on the casebook. Instead, Bulgari has opted to let the design and the mechanical precision it encases speak to the same themes it shares with its new automotive partner.

The Octo Maserati watch is built around the highly sophisticated Calibre GG7800 automatic chronograph movement which Bulgari crafts itself at the Manufacture de Haute Horlogerie Bulgari in Le Sentier, Switzerland. Rather than displaying its time through the ordinary combination of hands sweeping around the dial, the Octo watch places a jumping hour window at the 12 o'clock position and retrograde displays for the minutes, date and chronograph counters.

The 45-jewel movement is backed by a 38-hour power reserve and encased in a 45-millimeter brushed steel case with scratch-resistant, anti-glare sapphire crystal front and back. The blue-lacquered dial is designed to recall a Maserati's grille, and the piece is affixed to the wrist by a blue calfskin strap with butterfly clasp. We dare not ask what a timepiece like this will sell for, but trust that it will be sufficiently Maserati-like in its sticker. So the closest we're likely to get is the high-resolution images in the gallery and the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Bulgari crafts sophisticated Octo Maserati watch

Bulgari crafts sophisticated Octo Maserati watch originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bulgaribulgari octo maseratimaseratioctotimepiecewatchwristwatchTue, 27 Mar 2012 07:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20201347/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/27/bulgari-crafts-sophisticated-octo-maserati-watch/20201347/article-detail.xml 20201347 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/weboctomaseratipr_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/weboctomaseratipr.jpg <![CDATA[Breitling celebrates new Continental GT with GMT V8 chronograph]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/breitling-celebrates-new-continental-gt-with-gmt-v8-chronograph/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/breitling-celebrates-new-continental-gt-with-gmt-v8-chronograph/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/breitling-celebrates-new-continental-gt-with-gmt-v8-chronograph/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Breitling for Bentley GMT V8

With co-branding arrangements in place with an increasing array of luxury labels, Bentley doesn't limit its brand just to cars these days. But of all the sunglasses, wallets, pens, skis and cashmere scarves licensed by the British purveyor of super-luxury automobiles, few are as well established as its partnership with Breitling.

The Swiss watchmaker has been with Bentley for years, and has celebrated every milestone along the way. So with the introduction of the new V8-powered Continental GT, Breitling wasn't about to miss the opportunity to dazzle us with another piece of shiny wrist candy.

Limited to just 250 examples, the Breitling for Bentley GMT V8 chronograph features an additional hour hand that displays the time in a second time zone, and a rotating red inner bezel displaying major cities in time zones around the world. It's powered by a COSC-certified chronometer mechanism with a 30-second sweep, encased in steel and affixed to the wrist with either a metal bracelet or unique rubber strap.

We wouldn't dare ask how the timepiece sells for, but considering the Bentley customers they're selling to, we'd expect suitably Bentley-like prices.

Breitling celebrates new Continental GT with GMT V8 chronograph originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bentleybentley continental gtbentley continental gt v8breitlingbreitling for bentleybreitling for bentley gmt v8chronographchronometergmttimepiecewatchTue, 21 Feb 2012 07:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20175066/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/21/breitling-celebrates-new-continental-gt-with-gmt-v8-chronograph/20175066/article-detail.xml 20175066 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/web4-breitling-bentley-gmt-v8_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/web4-breitling-bentley-gmt-v8.jpg <![CDATA[Officine Autodromo places the spirit of vintage Italian racing on your wrist]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/23/officine-autodromo-places-the-spirit-of-vintage-italian-racing-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/23/officine-autodromo-places-the-spirit-of-vintage-italian-racing-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/23/officine-autodromo-places-the-spirit-of-vintage-italian-racing-o/#commentsFiled under:

Officine Autodromo

Some watchmakers seek out automotive associations - typically in the form of licensing agreements with automakers or racing series. But some just have octane just dripping from their cogs. Like this latest collection from Officine Autodromo.

The brainchild of industrial designer Bradley Price, the Officine Autodromo launch collection consists of three models - Veloce (Italian for "speed"), Brescia (named for the Northern Italian town that forms the start/finish line for the Mille Miglia rally), and Valelunga (for the racing circuit outside of Rome).

Each features a dial inspired by the instruments on 1960s and 1970s Italian racing cars, a Swiss-made Ronda quartz movement (with date window) and a 42-milimeter case in brushed or PVD-coated stainless steel. The perforated black leather wrist straps mount directly into the round case, not unlike the four-figure Manometro timepieces offered by Giuliano Mazzuoli, but far more accessible with prices pegged at $425. Check them out in the high-res image gallery and the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Officine Autodromo places the spirit of vintage Italian racing on your wrist

Officine Autodromo places the spirit of vintage Italian racing on your wrist originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autodromobradley priceofficine autodromotimepiecewatchWed, 23 Nov 2011 08:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20110755/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/23/officine-autodromo-places-the-spirit-of-vintage-italian-racing-o/20110755/article-detail.xml 20110755 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/webofficine-autodromo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/webofficine-autodromo.jpg <![CDATA[Jaeger-LeCoultre celebrates Aston Martin Racing with AMVOX5 LMP1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/19/jaeger-lecoultre-celebrates-aston-martin-racing-with-amvox5-lmp1/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/19/jaeger-lecoultre-celebrates-aston-martin-racing-with-amvox5-lmp1/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/19/jaeger-lecoultre-celebrates-aston-martin-racing-with-amvox5-lmp1/#commentsFiled under: ,

Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX5 LMP1

There are lots of watchmakers out there leveraging their automotive partnerships with special edition timepieces, but few of them are as convincing as the series Jaeger-LeCoultre produces for Aston Martin. And there are few we'd rather have on our wrists.

Most of the AMVOX series are inspired by Aston Martin road cars - some even have transponders to open and close the doors - but this latest example pays tribute to Aston's victorious racing program. The AMVOX5 LMP1 packs JLC's 41-jewel Caliber 752 movement with chronograph and GMT functions, so you can time your hot laps at circuits from Suzuka to Sebring, La Sarthe to Laguna Seca, plus a date window and 65-hour power reserve.

The precision movement is housed in a 44-milimeter ceramic-titanium case, affixed to the wrist with a calfskin and Cordura strap, all decked out in the team's blue and orange livery. We got a chance at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show to see one of the 250 examples that will be offered before the press embargo lifted, and were tempted to race off with one of our own. But since we resisted the urge, you can see more in the trio of high-res images.

Jaeger-LeCoultre celebrates Aston Martin Racing with AMVOX5 LMP1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche Design P'6620 Dashboard watch

There are many elements that go into making a Porsche a Porsche, and one of them is the minimalist dashboard. Ten years ago, Porsche Design, the company's Austrian product design division, took its cues from a 911's instrument cluster and designed a wristwatch after it. And now they've updated the design with a new model.

The P'6620 is made of titanium with available black PVD coating in a nod to the original black watch that FA Porsche pioneered in 1972. Inside the oversize 44-milimeter case and behind the anti-glare, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal sits an ETA Valjoux 7753 chronograph function with power reserve that can keep it going for two days straight without moving from your night table.

The overall package is about as slick as they come, and sells for about six grand. Check it out in the press release after the jump and the gallery of high-resolution images.

Continue reading Porsche Design reinvents the Dashboard watch

Porsche Design reinvents the Dashboard watch originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Sep 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>porscheporsche designporsche design dashboard watchporsche design p6620porsche design p6620 dashboardporsche design p6620 dashboard watchtimepiecewatchSat, 03 Sep 2011 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20032480/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/03/porsche-design-reinvents-the-dashboard-watch/20032480/article-detail.xml 20032480 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/webp6620dashboardheroblancpress_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/webp6620dashboardheroblancpress.jpg <![CDATA[Porsche Design shows you which way to go with retro compass watch]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/27/porsche-design-shows-you-which-way-to-go-with-retro-compass-watc/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/27/porsche-design-shows-you-which-way-to-go-with-retro-compass-watc/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/27/porsche-design-shows-you-which-way-to-go-with-retro-compass-watc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Porsche Design P'6520 Compass Watch

Drivers of the Porsche 911 may find it amusingly easy to swing the tail around, though they'll have lost their sense of direction in no time. Fortunately, Ferdinand Alexander Porsche designed a compass watch back in 1978 that combined the functions, as you might have guessed, of a compass and a watch. And now his design company has followed up with a modernized re-issue of the classic.

Crafted from black PVD-coated titanium, the P'6520 Compass Watch features an automatic three-hand watch face with date function and luminescent hands that tilts upwards to reveal a liquid compass.

Compared to its 1978 precursor, the case has grown by three millimeters to a fashionably oversize 42 mm in diameter, and does away with the aluminum construction in favor of the non-allergenic space-age metal. Production, however, is limited to a highly symbolic 911 examples. Follow the jump for the full press release and check out the images in the high-res gallery for a closer look.

Continue reading Porsche Design shows you which way to go with retro compass watch

Porsche Design shows you which way to go with retro compass watch originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>compassP6520porscheporsche designPorsche Design P6520 Compass WatchtimepiecewatchWed, 27 Jul 2011 08:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19999522/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/27/porsche-design-shows-you-which-way-to-go-with-retro-compass-watc/19999522/article-detail.xml 19999522 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/web4pd-compasswatch_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/web4pd-compasswatch.jpg <![CDATA[Mansory thankfully lets Graham London design their chronograph for them]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/08/mansory-thankfully-lets-graham-london-design-their-chronograph-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/08/mansory-thankfully-lets-graham-london-design-their-chronograph-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/08/mansory-thankfully-lets-graham-london-design-their-chronograph-f/#commentsFiled under: ,

Graham Chronofighter for Mansory
Graham Chronofighter for Mansory - Click for high-res image gallery

If you're going to provide sportscars to the clientele that can afford them, you'd better be ready to offer them a wristwatch to go with it. Just about every exotic automaker does, and now even the aftermarket firms are lining up to do the same.

In the case of Mansory - purveyors of so many gaudy mod jobs - the customizers teamed up with Graham London, the same watchmaker that makes custom wristwatches for the Mercedes GP team. Which is a good thing, because if Mansory designed it themselves, something tells us it would come out in pepto pink and purple or feature more gold bling than all of St. Petersburg - Russia and Florida.Graham Chronofighter for Mansory

Instead, Graham created a special-edition Chronofighter with an oversize 47mm steel case, a carbon fiber dial, bezel decorated in the "Clous de Paris" motif and a smoked sapphire crystal case-back. Inside is a Calibre G1734 automatic chronograph movement, operated by trigger on the left side (for easier operation while driving) and affixed to the wrist with a rubber strap.

The effect is hardly subtle, but next to some of Mansory's other offerings, it looks downright subdued. The price, though, is decidedly in keeping with Mansory's invoice sheet: If you can get your hands on one of the 50 that will be made, it'll set you back €8,900 in Germany - about $12,700 in equivalent American currency. Details in the press release after the jump, with images in the high-resolution gallery.

Continue reading Mansory thankfully lets Graham London design their chronograph for them

Mansory thankfully lets Graham London design their chronograph for them originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chronofighterchronographgrahamgraham londongraham-londonmansorytimepiecewatchwristwatchFri, 08 Jul 2011 07:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19984875/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/08/mansory-thankfully-lets-graham-london-design-their-chronograph-f/19984875/article-detail.xml 19984875 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/web-graham-mansory1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/web-graham-mansory1.jpg <![CDATA[Tudor Fastrider for Ducati proves riding well is all in the wrist]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/07/tudor-fastrider-for-ducati-proves-riding-well-is-all-in-the-wris/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/07/tudor-fastrider-for-ducati-proves-riding-well-is-all-in-the-wris/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/07/tudor-fastrider-for-ducati-proves-riding-well-is-all-in-the-wris/#commentsFiled under: ,

Tudor Fastrider Ducati
Tudor Fastrider Ducati - Click above for high-res images

We come across a seemingly endless array of array of automotive-inspired wristwatches here at Autoblog, but every once in a while we're treated to something a little different. Like this model that's made for motorcycle riders and aficionados.

The result of a partnership between Tudor and Ducati, this chronograph packs a Swiss-made automatic mechanical movement with 46-hour power reserve into a 42-milimeter satin-finish steel case, with chronograph subdials and engraved tachymeter scale for timing split-second lap times. Instead of the usual steel bracelet or rubber or leather strap, the Tudor Fastrider offers a NATO strap, made from nylon webbing, that allows it to be securely fitted on the wrist or over a pair of riding gloves.

Rather than rely on a slathering of logos, the Fastrider Ducati says it all with its color scheme: a red face with off-center black racing stripes, the reverse applied to the strap. But like a Ducati motorbike, it don't come cheap, with prices set around four grand.

Tudor Fastrider for Ducati proves riding well is all in the wrist originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ducatiducati watchfastridertimepiecetudorwatchwristwatchThu, 07 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19982367/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/07/tudor-fastrider-for-ducati-proves-riding-well-is-all-in-the-wris/19982367/article-detail.xml 19982367 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/webtudor-ducati-3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/webtudor-ducati-3.jpg <![CDATA[Zenvo's North American special edition ST1 50S comes with watch, $1.8 million price tag]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/14/zenvos-north-american-special-edition-st1-50s-comes-with-watch/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/14/zenvos-north-american-special-edition-st1-50s-comes-with-watch/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/14/zenvos-north-american-special-edition-st1-50s-comes-with-watch/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Zenvo ST1
Zenvo ST1 50S - Click above for image gallery

Denmark may not rank among the countries - like Italy, Germany or England - you'd list as the foremost producer of exotic supercars, but Zenvo is out to change that with the ST1. The Danish sportscar is coming to America courtesy of Red Sea Distribution, and not unlike the new Volkswagen Beetle with its Black Turbo Launch Edition (albeit at the other end of the spectrum), the ST1 is getting its own special edition exclusively for the North American market.

Zenvo Aspen watchOnly three examples of the ST1 50S - one each in red, white and blue - will be produced, each with a price tag of (wait for it) $1.8 million. That's a whopping $575k more than the existing ST1, so what do you get for all that extra cash? Well, aside from exclusivity, the twin-charged, in-house 7.0-liter V8 has been tuned up to a whopping 1250 horsepower and 1106 lb-ft of torque - 146 and 52 more, respectively, than the "standard" car - coupled to the seven-speed paddle-shifter that's offered as optional on the standard car over the six-speed manual.

A dedication plaque and monogrammed seats are also part of the package, and it comes with a special watch from Aspen, itself worth $49k. Deduct that from the purchase price and you're still paying $526k more for this special edition of an already seven-figure supercar. Follow the jump for the press release and check out the blue example (which is really just a recolored picture of the silver car above), along with the Aspen watch, in the included image gallery.

Continue reading Zenvo's North American special edition ST1 50S comes with watch, $1.8 million price tag

Zenvo's North American special edition ST1 50S comes with watch, $1.8 million price tag originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspenaspen watchred sea distributionst1st1 50stimepiecewatchzenvozenvo st1zenvo st1 50sTue, 14 Jun 2011 16:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19966374/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/14/zenvos-north-american-special-edition-st1-50s-comes-with-watch/19966374/article-detail.xml 19966374 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/zenvo-st1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/zenvo-st1.jpg <![CDATA[TAG Heuer celebrates 100th anniversary of the Indy 500]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/26/tag-heuer-celebrates-100th-anniversary-of-the-indy-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/26/tag-heuer-celebrates-100th-anniversary-of-the-indy-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/26/tag-heuer-celebrates-100th-anniversary-of-the-indy-500/#commentsFiled under: ,

TAG Heuer Limited Edition Indy 500 Centennial Chronograph
TAG Heuer Limited Edition Indy 500 Centennial Chronograph - Click above for high-res image

Many try, but few capture the racing spirit in watch form as well as TAG Heuer. So it's only fitting that the Swiss watchmaker should be the one to celebrate the 100th anniversary of "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" - the Indy 500 - as best it knows how: with a special-edition chronograph.

Based on TAG Heuer's Formula 1 model, the Limited Edition Indy 500 Centennial Chronograph is distinguished by such special touches as a grey Brickyard-motif dial, Indy 500 logo in the small counter at 6 o'clock and the words Indy 500 engraved in red on the fixed bezel.

The 44mm steel case also features a full tachymeter scale, chronograph movement and water resistance to 200 meters, affixed to the wrist with either a rubber strap or steel bracelet. Only 1,000 examples will be made - including one to be presented to the race winner on May 29 - retailing for about $1,650. Follow the jump for the official press release.

Continue reading TAG Heuer celebrates 100th anniversary of the Indy 500

TAG Heuer celebrates 100th anniversary of the Indy 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 May 2011 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>indianapolis 500indy 500tag heuertag heuer formula 1timepiecewatchwristwatchThu, 26 May 2011 07:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19947393/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/26/tag-heuer-celebrates-100th-anniversary-of-the-indy-500/19947393/article-detail.xml 19947393 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/web630-tag-indy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/web630-tag-indy.jpg <![CDATA[Girard-Perregaux R&D 01 stands as the quintessential driver's watch]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/03/girard-perregaux-randd-01-stands-as-the-quintessential-drivers-wa/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/03/girard-perregaux-randd-01-stands-as-the-quintessential-drivers-wa/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/03/girard-perregaux-randd-01-stands-as-the-quintessential-drivers-wa/#commentsFiled under:

Girard-Perregaux R&D 01
Girard-Perregaux R&D 01 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Some watchmakers need a merchandizing deal with an carmaker to give their timepieces an automotive theme. Others bank on their sponsorship of racing teams. Girard-Perregaux had Luigi Macaluso.

A former racing driver himself, Macaluso served as president of both the Italian Motorsport Federation and the International Karting Federation. He won the European Rally Championship in 1972, and served on the FIA's World Motor Sport Council. In other words, a car guy (and racing enthusiast) through and through. And from 1992 until his passing last year, he served as president of Girard-Perregaux.

Macaluso's own ties to the automotive industry brought the likes of Ferrari and Pininfarina to partner with GP for their own branded timepieces - the former later switching to Panerai and the latter collaborating on a watch for the Rolls-Royce Hyperion and another for the P4/5 Competizione - but arguably its finest driver's watch bore no merchandizing partnership at all.

The R&D 01 is the product of several years of - you guessed it - research and development, consulting with Formula 1 racing drivers to create a timepiece designed around the requirements of the driver. In other words, the ultimate driver's watch.

The result is a chronograph whose push-buttons are inverted, as are their functions, for easier operation while driving. Its rotating internal bezel is inherently resistant to being knocked out of place like an external one. And the dials are styled after a car's dashboard gauges and the crown field after an F1 air intake. The design is sporty, but far more subdued than some of the more extroverted driver's watches we've featured on these webpages. And like all of Girard-Perregaux's timepieces, the movement is crafted entirely in-house, which, like the R&D's relatively subtle design, makes it an exception in a rapidly centralizing industry.


Gallery: Girard-Perregaux R&D 01

Girard-Perregaux R&D 01 stands as the quintessential driver's watch originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 May 2011 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>girard perregauxgirard-perregauxtimepiecewatchwristwatchTue, 03 May 2011 07:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19925234/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/03/girard-perregaux-randd-01-stands-as-the-quintessential-drivers-wa/19925234/article-detail.xml 19925234 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/web630-girard-perregaux2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/web630-girard-perregaux2.jpg <![CDATA[Edox X-Treme Pilot III is specially designed for WRC drivers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/22/edox-x-treme-pilot-iii-is-specially-designed-for-wrc-drivers/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/22/edox-x-treme-pilot-iii-is-specially-designed-for-wrc-drivers/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/22/edox-x-treme-pilot-iii-is-specially-designed-for-wrc-drivers/#commentsFiled under: ,

Edox X-Treme Pilot III
Edox X-Treme Pilot III - Click above for high-res image

Whereas in circuit racing, drivers are competing against each other wheel-to-wheel, in rallying it's all a race against the clock, and the driver with the fastest time wins. So it follows naturally that rally drivers need the right tool for the job, and this is it: the Edox X-Treme Pilot III.

Crafted by the official timekeeper of the World Rally Championship specifically for WRC drivers, the X-Treme Pilot III features such unique touches as oversize push-buttons that are easy to actuate even with gloves on and a tachometer scale around the dial. It's housed in a lightweight titanium case with a wheel motif embossed on the case-back, and affixed to the paddock's most talented wrists by a rubber strap with rally-spec tire tread pattern.

The Edox X-Treme Pilot III will go on sale in June with an €1,890 (~$2,750) MSRP in a limited edition of 1000 examples.

[Source: Watch Happening]

Edox X-Treme Pilot III is specially designed for WRC drivers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Apr 2011 07:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>edoxedox x-treme pilot iiitimepiecewatchwatchesworld rally championshipwrcFri, 22 Apr 2011 07:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19918887/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/22/edox-x-treme-pilot-iii-is-specially-designed-for-wrc-drivers/19918887/article-detail.xml 19918887 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/web630-edox-x-treme-pilot-iii_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/web630-edox-x-treme-pilot-iii.jpg <![CDATA[Bernie Ecclestone shows his ugly mug in new Hublot watch ad]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/08/bernie-ecclestone-shows-his-ugly-mug-in-new-hublot-watch-ad/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/08/bernie-ecclestone-shows-his-ugly-mug-in-new-hublot-watch-ad/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/08/bernie-ecclestone-shows-his-ugly-mug-in-new-hublot-watch-ad/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Bernie Ecclestone Halbot Ad
Bernie Ecclestone Hublot ad - Click above to see the complete ad

It looks like Bernie Ecclestone hasn't slunk off somewhere to heal from his recent mugging in private. As we've previously heard, the controversial Formula One boss was back at work after recently getting beaten about the head and face and relieved of around £200,000 in jewelry (around $315k USD), and he hasn't stopped there. Taking advantage of the significant amount of bruising that came with the attack, Ecclestone is helping roll out a new ad campaign for Hublot watches. The ads, which will appear in the Financial Times and International Herald Tribune, are simple enough. Up top is a brutal photo of the F1 head honcho and his epic black eye. We feel sorry for the poor souls who will start their day by opening up the morning paper and seeing Ecclestone's mangled visage tucked among the pages.

Down low, the ad copy simply reads "See what people will do for a Hublot." Hublot is the official watch of F1, and the company is quick to point out that it "condemns all forms of violence and racism" in a small disclaimer beneath Ecclestone's signature.

[Source: Autosport]

Bernie Ecclestone shows his ugly mug in new Hublot watch ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bernie ecclestoneecclestoneecclestone adecclestone muggingf1formula 1hublotmuggingtimepieceWed, 08 Dec 2010 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19750269/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/08/bernie-ecclestone-shows-his-ugly-mug-in-new-hublot-watch-ad/19750269/article-detail.xml 19750269 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/ecclestone-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/ecclestone-630.jpg <![CDATA[Norschleife watches measure the time that counts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/09/norschleife-watches-measure-the-time-that-counts/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/09/norschleife-watches-measure-the-time-that-counts/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/09/norschleife-watches-measure-the-time-that-counts/#commentsFiled under:



Time. It's just about the ultimate bragging right when it comes to high-performance automobiles, and it usually comes down to one factor: how fast can said car get around the Nürburgring Nordschleife? Although hundreds of variables can come between a sportscar and a good lap time at the 'Ring, it's become the definitive yardstick by which such vehicles are measured. And if you're going to undertake to set a new record, you're going to need the right machine to measure it by.

For just such a venture there's the Nordschleife Chronograph. The German-made timepiece packs the usual time-of-day hands along with the split-second timing dials into a jumbo 43-millimeter stainless steel case with mineral crystal lens, black dial and leather strap.

The purveyors of all manner of merchandise related to the Green Hell also offer an innovative 24-hour wristwatch that displays the time over the course of a full day, instead of the half-day displays of conventional timepieces. Perfect for tracking endurance racing around the legendary circuit or keeping your head on straight when flying to Eiffel from overseas.

Arguably the best part, though, is that unlike some of the exclusive timepieces we've covered in the past with their very car-like five-figure price tags, these quartz-movement Nordschleife watches come in at 129 and 85 euros for the chronograph and 24-hour watch, respectively, which means more change for lap tokens and fresh tires.

[Source: Norschleife via Fourtitude]

Norschleife watches measure the time that counts originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>NürburgringNürburgring nordschleifenorschleifeNurburgringNurburgring nordschleifetimepiecewatchwristwatchTue, 09 Nov 2010 07:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19706240/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/09/norschleife-watches-measure-the-time-that-counts/19706240/article-detail.xml 19706240 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/nordschleife-24h-and-chrono_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/nordschleife-24h-and-chrono.jpg <![CDATA[Jaeger-LeCoultre unlocks the Aston Martin DB9 with new AMVOX2 Transponder]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/01/jaeger-lecoultre-unlocks-the-aston-martin-db9-with-new-amvox2-tr/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/01/jaeger-lecoultre-unlocks-the-aston-martin-db9-with-new-amvox2-tr/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/01/jaeger-lecoultre-unlocks-the-aston-martin-db9-with-new-amvox2-tr/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX2 DB9 Transponder - Click above for high-res image

Getting into your car is getting slicker all the time. Remember when you used to have to physically put your key in the door to get inside? Most undignified. Keyless entry remotes were followed by automatic proximity transmitters that unlock the doors for you when you walk up to the car. But even that requires a superfluous keychain dongle. Swiss watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre has the answer, but only if you happen to drive an Aston Martin. And have nearly $25k to spare.

Following the transponder wristwatches unveiled for the DBS and Rapide, JLC has now announced the AMVOX2 DB9 Transponder. It features a touch-sensitive sapphire crystal face: touch the glass where it says "open" and it unlocks the doors. Press where it says "close" and it locks 'em. Press both at the same time and the doors stay locked, but it will help you find your car by turning on the headlamps. Nice trick, all enabled by a micro-transmitter built in to the titanium timepiece. Details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Jaeger-LeCoultre unlocks the Aston Martin DB9 with new AMVOX2 Transponder

Jaeger-LeCoultre unlocks the Aston Martin DB9 with new AMVOX2 Transponder originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amvoxAMVOX2astonaston db9aston martinaston martin db9db9jaeger-lecoultreJaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX2 DB9 TranspondertimepiecewatchMon, 01 Nov 2010 17:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19697997/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/01/jaeger-lecoultre-unlocks-the-aston-martin-db9-with-new-amvox2-tr/19697997/article-detail.xml 19697997 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/web630-amvox2-db9transponder_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/web630-amvox2-db9transponder.jpg <![CDATA[Spyker times its arrival with custom watch collection]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/22/spyker-times-its-arrival-with-custom-watch-collection/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/22/spyker-times-its-arrival-with-custom-watch-collection/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/22/spyker-times-its-arrival-with-custom-watch-collection/#commentsFiled under: ,


Spyker Timepieces - Click above for high-res image gallery

Supercars? Check. High-end sport-ute? On its way. F1 team? Been there. Le Mans program? Done that. Picking up the pieces of a fallen giant to take up position as an automaker to be reckoned with? Come on, something new here. Spyker's paid its dues and earned its place in the automotive industry. There's just one thing it needs: watches. Because after all, what's an exotic automaker without 'em?

Faint sarcasm aside, Spyker's line of timepieces looks better than most. Previewed back in April and unveiled at Le Mans this year, the Dutch automaker's range of wristwatches incorporate the special touches that make their cars so delectable. Details like a bezel emblazoned with the same corporate Latin motto that adorns their cars: Nulla Tenaci Invia Est Via - For the tenacious, no road is impassable. (Has a nice ring to it, don't it?) The crown is adorned with the company's propeller badge. The chronograph push-buttons look like a C8's exhaust pipes. And the strap is made from the same quilter Royal Dutch Hulshof leather, hand-stitched in France, as the cars' interior, available in Dutch Orange, Black Anthracite or Blanc de Blanc.

They're crafted by Switzerland's Expression d'Artistes International, the Spyker wristwatches are powered by Valijoux 7750 automatic movements. And of course they come with a suitably Spyker-like price tag, ranging from $9,750 to $30,500. Hey, nobody said resuscitating Saab would be cheap, let alone all the other stuff. Details in the press release after the jump and photos in the gallery below.


Gallery: Spyker Timepieces


[Source: Spyker]

Continue reading Spyker times its arrival with custom watch collection

Spyker times its arrival with custom watch collection originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Expression dArtistes Internationalspykerspyker timespyker timepiecestimepiecetimepieceswatchwatchesFri, 22 Oct 2010 07:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19681785/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/22/spyker-times-its-arrival-with-custom-watch-collection/19681785/article-detail.xml 19681785 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/web630-spykersteel_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/web630-spykersteel.jpg <![CDATA[Audemars Piguet honors Jarno Trulli with his own chronograph]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/20/audemars-piguet-honors-jarno-trulli-with-his-own-chronograph/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/20/audemars-piguet-honors-jarno-trulli-with-his-own-chronograph/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/20/audemars-piguet-honors-jarno-trulli-with-his-own-chronograph/#commentsFiled under:


Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Jarno Trulli Chronograph - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audemars Piguet has a long history of sponsoring F1 drivers. Rubens Barrichello and Juan Pablo Montoya - race-winning drivers for top teams both - have acted as the brand's ambassadors. As has Jarno Trulli. But the Swiss watchmaker has chosen a heck of a year to honor the Italian driver with his own timepiece.

A former Formula Three national champion, Trulli's been in F1 since 1997. Although he's only won one Formula One grand prix, there are only 102 people in the whole world - living or dead - who could say that. Jarno's also landed on pole position four times, the podium 11 times and scored over 246 points in his career so far. And that's nothing to cough at. But this season has by far been his worst yet.

After several seasons driving for such teams as Minardi, Prost, Jordan, Renault and Toyota, this year he's driving for the struggling newcomers at Lotus Racing. As a result, he was unable to start one race, unable to finish another six, and of those he has finished, he's been unable to score a single championship point this year. Some season to mark with a commemorative special edition, but does that make this timepiece any less of a jewel? Hardly.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Jarno Trulli Chronograph, though long-winded in name, is about as slick as they come. It's got a forged carbon-fiber case, a ceramic bezel, titanium fixtures, red luminous indices and hands... the works. Inside is a 59-jewel automatic movement with no fewer than 365 parts, a 60-hour power reserve and a 22-carat gold oscillating weight that's been covered in anthracite to numb the bling factor. In other words, as dark a horse as the driver it's named after. Only 500 examples will be made, offered initially at the company's boutique in Tokyo where it was launched during this year's Japanese Grand Prix before it goes global.


Gallery: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Jarno Trulli Chronograph


[Source: Audemars Piguet]

Audemars Piguet honors Jarno Trulli with his own chronograph originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audemars piguetAudemars Piguet Royal Oak OffshoreAudemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Jarno Trulli Chronographjarno trullitimepiecewatchWed, 20 Oct 2010 07:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19678016/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/20/audemars-piguet-honors-jarno-trulli-with-his-own-chronograph/19678016/article-detail.xml 19678016 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/audemars-piguet-jarnotrulli630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/audemars-piguet-jarnotrulli630.jpg -1 2