Racing Chronographs and Motorsport Watches

Racing and chronographs are natural partners. A driver or pit crew needs to time laps, and a watch that can measure elapsed time at a glance is a handy tool.

A racing chronograph usually has a high-contrast dial, with clear subdials for minutes and seconds, and a tachymeter scale on the bezel or dial to measure average speed over a known distance. The look has become a style in itself, with bold colours and perforated or rally-style straps.

Heuer's Monaco, launched in 1969 with a square case and an automatic chronograph movement, became iconic when Steve McQueen wore one in the 1971 film Le Mans. The Rolex Cosmograph, later known as the Daytona, was linked with the Daytona racetrack in the 1960s and became one of the most sought-after sports watches.

Many brands partner with racing teams or circuits and produce limited editions in their colours. Some of these are well made watches in their own right, while others are mostly branding, so judge the watch on its movement, build and design, not only the logo.

For daily wear, look for a legible dial, a comfortable case size and chronograph pushers that are easy to operate. Check whether the chronograph is a mechanical, automatic or quartz movement, as that affects price, thickness and servicing.

If you want one, a quartz chronograph is practical and accurate, while a mechanical one offers more charm and engineering. Either way, a racing chronograph brings a sense of speed to a collection.