Today I wanted to explore the intersection of timepieces and motorsports. The two cultures have a heritage that goes hand in hand. They are linked from the beginning, and those that find an interest in one, tend to have a fond appreciation for the other.
That’s why I started Time & Pace, a newsletter exploring this intersection and the new culture they create together. We’ll look at stories from the past, new releases, partnership news from around the world of motorsport, and more.
If this is a space you’re interested in, please come subscribe.
In today’s letter:
The intersection of watches and motorsport
Tweets of the week
Enjoy!
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Both watches and cars are mechanical marvels that have captivated enthusiasts worldwide. The intersection of watchmaking and motoring has given birth to legendary timepieces and celebrated partnerships in motorsports, driven by a shared passion for engineering, design, and performance. In this article, we delve into the fascinating world of watches, cars, and the connections they share.
Renowned watch brands like Rolex and Heuer have long-standing ties with motorsports, with sponsorships including prestigious events such as the Indy 500, Monaco Grand Prix, 24 Hours of Daytona, and 24 Hours of Le Mans.
These relationships only strengthen the bond between car and watch enthusiasts, who appreciate the mechanical engineering, artistry, and precision of automobiles and timepieces.
©worldTempus
Iconic watches that have emerged from these partnerships include the Rolex Daytona, designed for race car drivers and named after the Daytona International Speedway, and the Heuer Monaco, famously worn by actor and motorsports fanatic Steve McQueen during the making of the 1971 racing film, "Le Mans." These watches are celebrated not only for their design but also for the rich automotive history they represent.
The allure of watches and cars goes beyond their mechanical similarities. The attachment to these objects runs much deeper than mere functionality for many enthusiasts.
This is a passion I’ve shared with my friends for decades. We draw parallels between admiring the intricate inner workings of a high-end movement and the beauty of an air-cooled flat-six engine.
© Petersen Automotive Museum Archive
Watches and cars often become vessels for meaningful stories, with the act of tinkering and modifying these objects only to enhance the connection people feel with them. This attachment is not limited to high-end examples. Still, it extends to humble possessions like first watches and hand-me-down vehicles. As these objects accompany us through life, they mark significant moments and contribute to our personal histories.
Notably, the connection between watches and cars has not gone unnoticed by famous individuals such as Briggs Cunningham, a watch enthusiast, and Mario Andretti, a racing legend, alongside other celebrities like Spike Feresten and Phil Toledano. Some watch companies have even delved into making instrumentation for vehicles, further blurring the lines between the two industries.
Ultimately, the allure of cars and watches is multifaceted. While the mechanical marvels they represent are undeniably captivating, these objects also serve as emotional anchors, marking defining points in our lives. They become an extension of our identity, and our experiences with one often lead us to find joy in the other.
This week in Tweets
Tell me it's F1 Grand Prix week in Monaco without telling me it's F1 Grand Prix week in Monaco.
📸: yvangrubski/IG twitter.com/i/web/status/1…
— Vincenzo Landino (@vincenzolandino)
May 22, 2023
How to make the Monaco GP more exciting: Put all 20 current drivers in these Maserati’s 👀
🎥 @ACM_Media
— Vincenzo Landino (@vincenzolandino)
May 26, 2023
A Ferrari F40 on a yacht 🛥️
Monaco hits different.
— Vincenzo Landino (@vincenzolandino)
May 25, 2023
Could these two flag wavers be more on the opposite end of the enthusiasm spectrum? twitter.com/i/web/status/1…
— Vincenzo Landino (@vincenzolandino)
May 28, 2023
Spotted in Monaco: the 288-foot Olivia O. The inverted bow is like the Red Bull DRS — less hydrodynamic drag and more hull speed.
Owned by Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer.
Fun fact: it's shipbuilder Ulstein's first superyacht. They usually focus on oil industry vessels.
— Vincenzo Landino (@vincenzolandino)
May 27, 2023
Yesterday, we witnessed the FOURTH closest finish in Indy 500 history.
0.0974 seconds!!
That TAG Heuer branding is exquisite.
📸 @JennaRWatson
— Vincenzo Landino (@vincenzolandino)
May 29, 2023
Noticed something during this final season of Succession.
Tom went from rocking a ~$7k Cartier Santos to a ~$80k Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph with a Bleu Nuit Grand Tapisserie dial
Very interesting layer built into the main story… @succession
— Vincenzo Landino (@vincenzolandino)
May 29, 2023