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automotive-inspired timepiece designs in our designboom picks
Ahead of the Watches and Wonders 2025, designboom picks seven automotive-inspired timepiece designs. They borrow the look from a range of automobile parts, be it from the spokes or the speedometers and gauges on the dashboard. The screws, lids, and cogs around the engines become a well of design inspirations too for these automotive-inspired timepiece designs. They appear as parts of the watches’ dials. At times, viewers can even see them through the transparent glass on both ends of the accessories. Below, we explore these seven modess before the Watches and Wonders 2025 begins, which runs between Apr 1st and 7th in Geneva, Switzerland.
pininfarina Sintesi ‘hybrid’ Smartwatch
The Pininfarina Sintesi Smartwatch draws inspiration from the dual gauge on the dashboard. It features a 316L stainless steel case and bezel, a single pane of scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass, and an interchangeable leather strap. The automotive-inspired timepiece design has advanced sensors to track vital health metrics, including sleep patterns and fitness data. There’s a companion app, compatible with Android and iOS, that records and analyzes health data. It also allows the wearer to monitor their health as the watch detects changes in their well-being.
Pininfarina Sintesi Smartwatch | image courtesy of Pininfarina
Diesel Chronograph Quartz Watch
The four timekeeping functions of the Diesel Chronograph Quartz watch recall the speedometers and gauges at the driver’s view. The automotive-inspired timepiece design features a stainless steel case and a leather strap with an adjustable buckle closure. It comes with an analog display with three hands, a chronograph with three sub-dials and a date display, a digital display, another analog display with a minute track, and a two-hand analog display. The structured dial enhances readability, while the quartz movement ensures precise timekeeping across all displays. The watch is water-resistant up to 30 meters, providing durability for daily wear.
Diesel Chronograph Quartz Watch | image courtesy of Diesel
TIME100 Chronograph, Multifunctional Watch
A sports-car look is what the TIME100 Chronograph, Multifunctional Watch goes for. It has a skeleton tonneau case and a square face for a modern, industrial aesthetic. The adjustable silicone strap helps with a comfortable fit, as well. The automotive-inspired timepiece design includes sub-dials for chronograph and calendar functions. The luminous hands and markers are for visibility in low-light conditions. The watch is water-resistant up to 30 meters, suitable for light splashes and everyday wear. The large punk-inspired style and structured details give it a distinctive, edgy look.
TIME100 Chronograph, Multifunctional Watch | image courtesy of TIME100
FORSINING Skeleton Watch with Triangular Dial
The standout look of the FORSINING Skeleton Watch is its triangular shield dial, which resembles a car manufacturer’s logo or emblem. The automotive-inspired timepiece design comes with a gold lining around the case, and the dial showcases the inner workings of the accessory. Then, the timepiece comes with an automatic self-winding mechanical movement. It then operates without a battery. Its luminous hands and dial markers make them visible in low-light conditions. The retro-inspired design recall the look of automobiles in the past.
FORSINING Skeleton Watch | image courtesy of FORSINING
OLEVS Skeleton Quartz Racing Car Watch
With the OLEVS Skeleton Quartz Racing Car watch, sports car wheels become the design inspiration. The spokes appear on the automotive-inspired timepiece design’s dial, complete with brake pads and calipers. When worn, the dial rotates like a spinning wheel and just like a car tire. The stainless steel bracelet offers durability with scratch and wear resistance. There’s also a hidden single-folding clasp for added security, while an included watch setter allows for easy strap adjustment. With a 3ATM water resistance rating, the watch can withstand daily splashes and rain.
OLEVS Skeleton Quartz Racing Car Watch | image courtesy of OLEVS
Maserati Watch Potenza Collection
The Maserati Limited Edition watch from the POTENZA collection has a 42 mm rose gold stainless steel case. Then, the natural black leather strap with a pin buckle ensures a comfortable fit. The black dial, protected by mineral glass, flaunts the Maserati logo engraved on the lug and the Trident emblem at the center. Powered by a quartz movement, the automotive-inspired timepiece design includes time and date functions and is water-resistant up to 10 ATM. The POTENZA collection includes models with both quartz and automatic movements, available in 42 mm and 45 mm cases. Strap options range from punched leather with contrasting stitching to steel bracelets and rubber bands.
Maserati Watch Potenza Collection | image courtesy of Maserati
CIGA Design Automatic Mechanical Watch
The transparent casing of the CIGA Design C watch lets the wearer see every component of its mechanical movement from front to back. The automotive-inspired timepiece design recalls the wheels and cogs of cars and their parts. The accessory is constructed from 316L marine-grade stainless steel and comes with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Its movement is supported by flexible inserts instead of traditional fixings for shock absorption. It has a 40-hour power reserve, a 19-jewel automatic caliber, and a movement frequency of 21,600 beats per hour.
CIGA Design Automatic Mechanical Watch | image courtesy of CIGA Design
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