A Selection of Fuel-Injected Watches, from Fairly Simple to Ultra-Complex

“Racing is life; anything that happens before or after is just waiting.” Famous words by Michael Delaney, Steve McQueen’s character in the legendary 1971 movie Le Mans. And while there’s far more to life than racing, to a Petrolhead, it does make absolute sense. It’s the thrill of fast-paced cars being pushed on winding roads or, better yet, on a racetrack. The adrenaline of accelerating hard out of a corner, shifting through the gears to hit top speed before inevitably needing to slow down for the next corner. Everything else disappears into the background, and for that single moment in time, all that matters is you, your machine and the asphalt ahead of you. Plus a watch, of course, let’s not forget about watches! With that image now firmly planted in your mind, here are five of the coolest fuel-injected watches that find more than just a little inspiration from two or four wheels, ranging from relatively simple to over-the-top complex.

Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon

Last week Bugatti unveiled the sensational new Tourbillon hypercar, a 1,800 horsepower beast powered by an 8.3 litre naturally aspirated V16 paired with electric motors and a battery pack.Given the partnership between the two companies, Jacob & Co. built a watch to match. The Bugatti Tourbillon watch takes direct inspiration from the shape of the Bugatti Tourbillon car, with a triple sub-dial layout mimicking the gauge cluster. However, the party piece is the automaton of the V16 engine! This incredibly complex piece is limited to 150 in this configuration, with 100 more to follow, all at a base price of USD 340,000.

For more information, please visit JacobandCo.com.

Quick Facts – 52mm x 44mm x 15mm – black PVD titanium case – 7 sapphire crystals – crown with integrated pusher at 6′ – 30m water-resistance – triple sub-dial layout – 30-second flying tourbillon, retrograde hour & minutes, twin power reserve, miniature V16 automaton – JCAM55 (made with Concepto) – 557 components – 21,600vph – 48h power reserve – interchangeable black rubber strap – limited to 150 pieces in this configuration, 250 pieces in total – USD 340,000

Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph

The Chopard Mille Miglia collection finds its ‘raison d’etre’ in the classic revival of one of the most legendary road racing events in history: the 1000 Miglia. Every year Chopard brings out new models inspired by the world of (vintage) motorsports, with this Mille Miglia Classic Chornograph being the latest entry. It takes the 40.5mm sized Lucent steel case and fits it with a handsome circularly brushed silvery-white dial with Panda-like sub-dials. The ETA A32.211 modular chronograph comes with COSC-issued chronometer certification. Worn on a perforated black leather strap with a steel folding buckle, it retails for EUR 10,100.

For more information, please visit Chopard.com.

Quick Facts – 40.5mm x 12.88mm – Lucent Steel case, brushed & polished – sapphire crystal front & back – 50m water-resistance – ‘La Gara’ black-and-white panda dial – ETA A32.211 automatic modular chronograph movement with COSC certification – 28,800vph – 54h power reserve – black rally-style calfskin strap with Lucent Steel buckle – ref. 168619-3005 – EUR 10,100

TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Porsche 963

The connection between TAG Heuer and racing is well-documented, and the brand continues to explore the automotive world for inspiration. The latest is the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Porsche 963, developed with Porsche and dedicated to the 963 race car that competes in top-tier endurance racing, such as the Le Mans 24 Hours. The case has both signature elements like the faceted lugs, but also more contemporary touches with the recessed section in the caseband and the way the black rubber strap is integrated. Powered by the calibre TH20-00, this 963-piece limited edition will set you back a cool CHF 9,000.

For more information, please visit TAGHeuer.com.

Quick Facts – 44mm x 15.1mm – stainless steel case, brushed & polished – grained & black PVD-coated recessed sections – fixed carbon tachymeter scale – sapphire crystal front & back – openworked dial with tri-compax layout – red chronograph hands – calibre TH20-00, in-house – automatic integrated chronograph – 28,800vph – 80h power reserve – integrated black rubber strap with folding clasp & micro-adjustability – limited to 953 individually numbered pieces – CHF 9,000

MB&F HM8 MK2 Blue Edition

On the more conventional side of things, the MB&F HM8 MK2 is a true driver’s watch with a vertical display of time, so you don’t have to take your hands off the wheel. The recently introduced HM8 MK2 Blue Edition pairs a titanium case with blue metallized CarbonMacrolon panels and takes its shape from cars like the Porsche 918 Spyder or the Abarth 750 Zagato with its double-bubble roof. Time is split between jumping hours on the left and running minutes on the right, enhanced by a specially machined magnifying lens. The top reveals the signature MB&F rotor that drives energy to the movement, and it’s worn on a white calfskin leather strap. Only 33 will be made at EUR 70,000 (excl.VAT).

For more information, please visit MBandF.com.

Quick Facts – 47mm x 41.5mm x 19mm – grade 5 titanium case, blue metallized CarbonMacrolon panels – multiple sapphire crystals – 30m water-resistant – lateral time indication with jumping hours & running minutes – integrated magnifying lens – in-house calibre with Girard-Perregaux base movement – 22k gold top-mounted rotor – 28,800vph – 42h power reserve – white calfskin strap, titanium tang buckle – limited edition of 33 pieces – EUR 70,000 (excl. VAT)

Tissot T-Race Moto GP 75th Anniversary

Shifting from four to two wheels, the Tissot T-Race Moto GP 75th Anniversary celebrates the high-paced world of MotoGP racing. Riders race around circuits across the world at breakneck speeds to determine who’s the very best of the best. The T-Race translates this into a steel case fitted with a brake disc-shaped fixed bezel and all sorts of racing-inspired details. Red accents on the deep blue semi-translucent dial highlight the most important elements. Inside, the Valjoux 05 series chronograph movement provides 60 hours of power. Worn on a blue rubber strap, it’s limited to 2,024 pieces and costs CHF 1,815.

For more information, please visit TissotWatches.com.

Quick Facts – 45mm x 14.79mm – stainless steel case – black PVD brake disc-style bezel – sapphire crystal front & back – 100m water-resistant – blue dial with tri-compax chronograph layout – MotoGP 75th anniversary logo – markers & hands with Super-LumiNova – Valjoux 05 series automatic chronograph – 28,800vph – 60h power reserve – cam actuated – textured blue rubber strap – special helmet presentation box – limited to 2,024 pieces – CHF 1,815