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The best Formula 1 watches: These are the racing timepieces anyone would covet

Want a watch designed by Lewis Hamilton?

TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph
TAG Heuer / TAG Heuer

Formula 1 is as much about glamor and glitz as it is about cutting-edge engineering and lightning-fast lap times, so naturally, fans will need a watch that fits the occasion. Luckily, there’s a lot of choice in that department. The abundance of Formula 1 watches includes timepieces designed in collaboration with some of the greatest drivers of all time, chronographs with long and storied histories, and very expensive racing watches that just look cool.

The variety means it’s possible to find something unique, and there are also standout pieces of wristwear at every price point — whether you have a few hundred dollars to spare or are looking to part with six figures. To help you choose, we’ve put together a shortlist of five standout examples of the “F1 Watch.” They aren’t all round, and they aren’t all accessible — in fact, one is so rare you’ll probably only see it in two places. It was on the wrist of the seven-time world title-winning driver who helped design it, and about four down on this list.

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Tag Heuer F1

Tag Heuer F1 RedBull edition
Tag Heuer

Before it was TAG Heuer, the company was just Heuer—a Swiss watchmaker with a history dating back to the 1800s. Heuer sponsored Ferrari’s F1 team during the 1960s and 1970s. TAG, a holding company, owned 50% of the McLaren team that took back-to-back world titles in 1984 and 1985. It was also responsible for funding the development of the Porsche 1.5 liter turbo engine, which powered McLaren’s championship cars to victory.

It’s this lineage that led to the TAG Heuer F1 — a watch that is inextricably tied to the pinnacle of motorsport. Vintage Tag Heuer F1s can be yours for a few hundred dollars — and early models are some of the most unique and expressive watches TAG Heuer has ever produced. However, they aren’t as high-end as the modern versions. Early F1s had quartz movements and plastic bezels, which wore pretty badly. Current F1s are decidedly more premium, with automatic movements and ceramic bezels — but the timepieces do lose some of that cheerful charm they had back in the 1980s.

Whatever you opt for, the F1 is a timepiece that is deeply intertwined with its racing namesake. It won’t look out of place on the Grandstand.

Tag Heuer Monaco

TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Night Driver
TAG Heuer / TAG Heuer

When it comes to high-end racing watches, the Tag Heuer Monaco is one of the more unique options you can choose. To start with, most Monacos are square. Then there’s the retro designs available — with the Gulf editions being particularly capable of pulling you back to motorsport’s golden age.

If you want to keep things current and rock something that’s showing up on a driver’s wrist this season, consider the Tag Heuer Monaco Chronograph Skeleton. It was spotted on world champion Max Verstappen’s wrist pretty frequently following its launch before May’s Monaco Grand Prix. If you want to be as current as possible, you should probably wait for the launch of this year’s edition — which will likely find its way onto “Mad Max’s” wrist as well.

Girard-Perregaux Aston Martin Neo Bridges

Girard-Perregaux Aston Martin Neo Bridges
Girard-Perregaux

Retailing at $37,700, Girard-Perregaux’s Aston Martin Neo Bridges isn’t the most expensive timepiece on this list, but it’s not exactly the cheapest either. For your money, you’ll get an exquisite timepiece that makes several clear nods toward the iconic British luxury sports car manufacturer and its racing teams. This includes a DLC-coated titanium case covering a high-performance Calibre GP08400-2164 movement. The coloring changes with the light, reflecting the high-end paint jobs you’ll find on Astons, branding on the watch’s parts, and other luxury touches that parallel the luxury you’ll find inside the likes of Vantage.

Girard-Perregaux announced its official partnership with Aston Martin back in 2021, and this watch is one of the things that came out of said partnership. The Aston Martin Neo Bridges is part of Girard-Perregaux’s “Bridges Collection,” which includes a number of rare and collectible timepieces including a watch made with pieces of meteorite.

IWC Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph

The watch IWC designed with Lewis Hamilton
IWC

The IWC Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph is a stunning platinum-clad watch with a standout green dial and strap to match. The automatic timepiece comes with a chronograph function, but to be honest, it’s more about looks than functionality.

A special edition of the IWC Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph has been spotted on the wrist of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton on more than one occasion. This isn’t a surprise as the green wristwatch is one of several Hamilton designed alongside the prestigious watchmaker. So, if you want part of Hamilton’s thought process on your wrist while you’re watching him blast around the track, this is your obvious choice. However, as the watch is limited to just 44 pieces, Hamilton’s wrist may be the only place you see one.

Rolex Daytona

A Rolex Daytona on a wrist
Luke Miller / Pexels

It’s name technically alludes to the wrong sport, but when it comes to racing watches then the is the one you’re most likely to find spraying champagne everywhere from the top spot on the podium.

Daytonas vary greatly in price, with standard models currently available used from around $20,000 at the time of writing. This is a major drop from the peaks of the last few years when you couldn’t get a Daytona for less than the price of a mid-range SUV. If you want a new Daytona, you’ll likely need a good relationship and long history with an authorized Rolex seller. More elaborate examples of the watch can push into six figures. If you really want to go for it, avoid the bling and opt

Dave McQuilling
Dave has spent pretty much his entire career as a journalist; this has included jobs at newspapers, TV stations, on the…
Casio brings back its impossibly small ring watch
Second chance: Casio's miniature ring watch returns to American market
Casio Ring Watch CRW001-1

Casio announced the US restock of its Ring Watch CRW001-1 on July 1st, bringing back the small timepiece that sold out quickly after it came out in America in late 2024. The restock follows successful lottery sales in the UK and Japan, showing that people around the world want this digital watch that goes on a finger.
The Ring Watch CRW001-1 shows Casio's bold way of looking at wearable technology—it shrinks standard digital watch functions into a ring that measures only 25.2mm across and weighs 16 grams. Even though it is small, the timepiece keeps necessary features, including support for two time zones, a stopwatch that measures 1/100th of a second, and hourly flash alerts.
Casio US confirmed the July 1st restock on Instagram, saying the watch would only be available through the brand's online store, not in physical shops. Compared to the lottery systems in other places, American customers will buy the watch in the order they arrive—this might cause a lot of competition among people who collect things and those who like technology.
The small digital screen has a backlight so you can see it in different light. The stainless steel build makes it sturdy, even though it is small. The ring fits size 22 fingers (US 10.5, EU U), and you can adjust it down to size 19 (19mm inner diameter) or size 16 (18mm inner diameter).
The engineering needed to put normal digital watch parts into a ring shape shows how well they made it. The 1/100th second stopwatch is as exact as bigger Casio watches. Travelers who want to check the time without others knowing will like the two-time zone feature.
Casio did not say the exact restock time but told interested customers to sign up for email notifications about when it would be ready. That way may help manage the internet traffic while making sure serious buyers learn about buying chances in time.
The Ring Watch's appeal shows more people are interested in other types of wearable devices, not just ones worn on the wrist. Casio's good result with this unusual approach shows that people want new watch designs that question common ideas about what a watch should look like.
The quick sellout after the US launch, along with international lottery systems, suggests that collectors are very interested and that the watch might sell for more later. Casio has not said anything about more restocks in other places after the July 1st US availability, keeping the watch special.
This restock gives American buyers a second chance to get one of the most noticeable wearable technology releases of the year, bringing together Casio's history with digital watches and its push to make things very small.

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Gaming meets horology in Hamilton’s Death Stranding 2 timepiece
Hamilton's Kojima collaboration creates futuristic death stranding 2 timepiece
Hamilton Death Stranding 2 watch

Hamilton takes its first step into gaming by working with Kojima Productions to make a special watch for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. This work shows a change from the brand's well-known movie projects, such as Interstellar, Dune: Part Two, and Indiana Jones—it represents Hamilton's initial move into interactive entertainment.
The partnership joins Hamilton with game designer Hideo Kojima, whose studio works under the motto "From Sapiens to Ludens" while reshaping interactive entertainment. Death Stranding 2 continues the science fiction story of Sam—this story happens in a post-apocalyptic place where life and death mix through emotional plots, exploration, and strange pictures.
"Hamilton was a perfect choice as a partner to design and create a product set in the near future. Please take this watch in your hands and experience the product that connects the world of the game and the real world," explains Hideo Kojima, emphasizing the bridge between virtual and physical experiences.
The American Classic Boulton Death Stranding 2 Limited Edition displays a titanium case build with black PVD treatment that draws from Hamilton's original Boulton plan. The light, rust-proof structure shows smooth, curving lines that copy the game's distinct look while holding up well.
Seven sapphire crystals form the watch's most noticeable part. One main crystal sits in the middle, and six others pair along the case, this setup creates shifting light and a science fiction feel. The crystal layout shows the game's strange design ideas while helping people read the time.
The simple dial plan shows future plainness through grey hour markers, a bright orange seconds hand, and looped open hands that reflect the sapphire crystal pattern. A matching black PVD titanium bracelet finishes the rough, technical look suitable for post-apocalyptic journeys.
The watch includes a three-hand automatic movement with 25 jewels and an 80-hour power reserve. A Nivachron™ balance spring offers resistance to magnetism, shock, and temperature changes—these are necessary traits for surviving tough places, both virtual and real.
Art director Yoji Shinkawa worked on the design, combining Hamilton's movie history with the game's future setting. This work shows how classic Swiss watchmaking can adapt to current entertainment forms while keeping its technical quality.
The company produced 2,000 individually numbered watches. Each watch comes with special game-themed packaging that adds to its collector appeal. The work shows Hamilton's growth past traditional cinema projects into the growing gaming entertainment area.
This release puts Hamilton at the front of watch-gaming projects while honoring both brands' dedication to creative storytelling through their respective crafts.

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Grand Seiko’s claw-inspired watch costs $16,400
Angular evolution: Grand seiko's tokyo lion tentagraph features brilliant hard titanium construction
Grand Seiko Tokyo Lion

Grand Seiko added a watch to its Tokyo Lion collection— the Sport Collection Tokyo Lion Tentagraph. This watch comes with the brand's first mechanical chronograph movement and holds to the angular design that has set the series apart since 2019. The watch costs $16,400 and will be available in August 2025. This 43mm watch shows a clear step forward for the collection.
The lion sign stays important to Grand Seiko's identity—it stands for how easy a watch is to read, how long it lasts, how comfortable it feels, and how good it looks. This symbol has been part of the brand's history since 1960. The Tokyo Lion collection turns this symbol into a bold, angular shape that copies a lion's paw through its geometric form and surface finishes.
The newest Tentagraph watch shows more of the feline idea. Its surfaces have hairline finishes that look like claws, and this design brings out cat-like shapes across the case. The watch measures 43mm across and 15.6mm thick—these large sizes catch the eye right away. The watch feels good to wear because of how it is shaped to the body.
Grand Seiko uses Brilliant Hard Titanium in the Sports Collection for the first time. This metal is twice as hard as regular stainless steel. The alloy looks brighter than common titanium and also resists rust and scratches better, which is needed for sports watches.
The chronograph buttons have a new shape—this change makes them easier to use when someone is active. The three small dials at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock look three-dimensional. A Lumibrite coating on them makes sure a person can read them in all light, from bright day to full dark.
A brown silicon rubber strap comes with the watch, it has a lion's paw design on the back that adds a subtle design touch. The strap bends easily, so it feels good to wear. The case back has a slight curve. These details make the watch comfortable to wear in many places, and the watch also holds out against water down to 200 meters.
The Tentagraph Caliber 9SC5 is the main technical feature. It has a chronograph part that works at 5Hz. This fast-moving part runs for 72 hours on one charge and also protects against magnetic fields up to 4,800 A/m—these are important features for a modern sports watch.
The chronograph functions add to the Tokyo Lion's sports appeal while keeping the collection's specific look. Grand Seiko's mechanical skill joins with its angular design idea, forming watches that go against how people usually think about sports watches.
People can get the watch in August 2025. It will be on Grand Seiko's website and at stores that sell its watches, this makes it easy for people around the world to buy good Japanese mechanical watches. The $16,400 price shows the better materials, the in-house movement, and the special design that set Grand Seiko's sports watches apart.
This Tentagraph shows Grand Seiko's continued step forward in expensive sports watches. It shows how old Japanese craftsmanship can take on modern design styles while keeping its technical lead and wearing comfort for demanding uses.

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