The Coolest Car and Watch Collaborations

Written by James Lamdin

There are very few segments of industry that still manufacture true mechanical devices, and in a world dominated by digital, finding the exceptions that still work as tools in modern daily life can be a rarity.

Automobiles and wristwatches are amongst the last holdouts, and fortunately neither industry has completely given in to the digital age. Sure, most cars on the road today are soulless plastic people movers, and most wristwatches are junk digitals. But for those consumers who still feel drawn to the purer age of mechanics, there are still traditional options with three pedals and crank windows; or a main spring and an escapement.

Both automobile and timepiece enthusiasts are drawn to quality products with history and heritage, which is why so many car guys also have a passion for timepieces – and vice versa. Surprisingly, when the two segments combine, the results are often less than fantastic. To help restore your faith in the notion that automobiles and horology can be tastefully intertwined, check out our list of 20 well executed watches that draw their inspiration from automobiles, racing, and car culture.

James Lamdin is a freelance automotive and watch journalist based in New York City. He is also the Founder of www.analogshift.com , an online boutique for a curated selection of exceptional vintage wristwatches.

Price: $3,000-$5,000

As the one-time Standard for accuracy in timekeeping of America's railroad system, Ball has been intimately involved with moving vehicles since the company was founded in 1891. Although a modern BMW has about as much in common with a steam locomotive as a hang glider does with a fighter jet, it is also safe to say that modern Ball watches have come a long way from the pocket watches of old. The two storied brands launched a collaborative partnership in the past year and offer a collection of five fine timepieces sure to find their way to the wrists of fans of the Ultimate Driving Machine everywhere.

Price: $TBA

Oris has a long history with legendary F1 Team Williams, and has produced a number of commemorative timepieces to mark their collaboration over the years, which sought after by Oris enthusiasts and racing fans alike. Their latest limited edition chronograph has just been announced, and we love the detailing on this one.

Price: $5,900-$9,3000

A timepiece collaboration with the most prestigious (and outlandish) of automobile brands could only be done justice by the most high-end and exclusive of watchmakers; which is exactly what they got when they partnered with Parmigiani Fleurier. These stunning timepieces feature an in-house automatic movement with flyback chronograph function and are available in limited quantities in 18k Rose or White gold, with or without diamonds. A word of advice: if you're rolling in a Bugatti, steer clear of the diamonds – you've already made your point.

Price: $8,100

In the world of automotive timepieces, the Monaco is arguably the most recognizable. Although it was originally designed for the racing enthusiast (the Autavia was geared towards the professional racer), it became considerably more popular after adorning the wrist of Michael Delaney (as portrayed by Steve McQueen) in 1971 film Le Mans. The popularity of the Monaco hasn't dwindled in the following years, and a slew of commemorative editions have recently been released by Tag Heuer. This version utilizes the famous Calibre 11 automatic movement with a left hand crown. The popular blue dial also receives a facelift on this special Steve McQueen edition with a racing-inspired stripe design.

Price: $24,400

JLC's collaboration with legendary British carmaker Aston Martin has been going strong for some time, and both brands are celebrating major milestones in 2013. Aston turns 100 this year, and Jaeger LeCoultre an astounding 180. As part of their line of co-branded timepieces, the AMVOX2 Transponder not only pairs distinctive automotive aesthetics with fine watchmaking, but also enables the wearer to lock and unlock their DB9, DBS, or Rapide by operating touch pad functions on the dial. Beats a gift shop keychain.

Price: $3,900-$4,150

Tudor, Rolex's less pricy little brother, has just returned to the U.S. Market after a decade-long absence. With them they are bringing a bevy of exciting new timepieces, including their Fastrider Chronograph, a special collaboration with superbike manufacturer Ducati. Inspired by the classic Daytona, the Fastrider is modernized with distinctive Tudor details and an unmissable red dial. In short, we dig it.

Price: $28,800-Plus

The Rolex Daytona really needs no introduction, except to say that the past year has seen a number of new models join the range lineup to celebrate the model's 50th birthday, including the brand's first platinum version. Rolex's motorsport lineage is legendary, and the Daytona (named after the International Speedway) is THE definitive icon for a racer's chronograph.

Price: $5,900

Despite the shared family name, Porsche Design operated for many years as an entirely different entity than Porsche Automobiles. Its new Flat 6 Chronograph is a step towards unification of the brands, as the motorsport-inspired timepiece takes its design cues from the iconic 911. Furthermore, its name pertains to the configuration of the automobile's rear-mounted, six-cylinder engine. Porschefiles everywhere rejoice!

Price: $10,005

Considerably more colorful than most of the Breitling for Bentley offerings of the past, the Supersports Chronograph takes its name and styling from the Continental Supersports, the fastest production Bentley model ever made. Offered with blue, orange, or black highlights set against a black dial, the Supersports features a central 60-Minute counter, 12-Hour counter, variable tachometer scale, and a date function. Each color is available in a limited run of 1,000 pieces.

Price: $13,400

Inspired design is one of Ralph Lauren's hallmarks, and in the case of this special automotive collection timepiece, his inspiration comes from one of the most gorgeous automobiles ever built - the Bugatti Type 57C Atlantic Coupe. One of only three such vehicles on the planet, we imagine old Ralph spends plenty of time in the cockpit marveling at the craftsmanship of the elm burlwood dash and gauge cluster on the pre-war beauty. This, of course, became his muse and provided the inspiration for this stunning timepiece, which utilizes a high-grade movement from IWC to power the time-only wristwatch.

Price: $3,7800

It's no surprise that dough-raking pro-athletes are fans of frosting their wrists with some pretty unmissable timepieces--and Formula I drivers are no exception. Manufactured as a special edition to celebrate the career of Italian driver Jarno Trulli, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore named in his honor is considerably less gaudy than most. Featuring a forged carbon case, titanium crown and pushers, and, of course, a self-winding movement with chronograph, it ranks pretty highly on our list of Offshore special editions.