Why Watches in Luxury Car Dashboards?

Have you ever wondered why some high-end cars have watches on their dashboards, especially in this age of digital timetelling? This fascinating combination of luxury cars and classy timepieces has an interesting story.

 

Photo source: Breitling

 

We all love driving in a limousine, feeling the power of the engine, enjoying the unmatched comfort, and then glancing at the dashboard - there's a beautiful watch, keeping perfect time and giving a completely different feel to the interior as we cruise along. It's not just a regular timepiece; it's designed to match the elegance and style of the car - a tailored accessory made specifically for the car model.

 

Photo source: Breitling

 

In this article, we'll uncover the reasons behind this unique pairing, explore the history of how it all began, and get a closer look at some amazing dashboard watches. Even if you're new to this concept, by the end of our journey, you'll have a clearer picture of why watches and car dashboards make such a perfect match. 

 

Photo source: Getty Images

 

The Makers: Who’s Behind The Watches for Car Dashboards?

 

You might be surprised to learn that some famous watch companies create these special dashboard clocks. Brands like IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and Breitling, known from the world of haute horlogerie, are the magicians behind the beautiful interior additions.

 

Photo source: IWC

 

Imagine a luxurious Bentley or a sophisticated Mercedes-Benz. The legends from the automotive and horological worlds have teamed up to create watches that perfectly match the style and elegance of their cars. For example, IWC worked with Mercedes-Benz to make a watch specifically for their AMG models, adding a touch class to the interior of the notorious German beasts.

 

Breitling, on the other hand, is known for making dashboard clocks specifically for Bentley. When you step into one of these cars, you're not just surrounded by utmost luxury, but will also find a high-end Breitling clock right on the dashboard, creating a one-of-a-kind experience whenever you drive the British epitome of comfort.

 

Photo source: Breitling

 

These partnerships bring together the best of both worlds: the precision of haute horlogerie and the luxury of the most famous car companies.

 

Different from Wristwatches: What Makes Them Special?

 

Dashboard watches from companies like IWC, although they come from the same brand that makes wristwatches, have a few unique features that make them instantly distinguishable. First, dashboard watches are usually bigger and bolder. When you look at them on the dashboard, you need them to catch your eye, so they're often more visible than wristwatches. They need to be clear and easy to read while you're driving.

 

Photo source: A Blog To Watch

 

Second, they're built to withstand the challenging environment of the car. Imagine the vibrations, the twists and turns on the road – a dashboard watch needs to handle all that without having any issues. 

 

Lastly, the design of the watch is tastefully tailored to the appearance of the interior, being the crown jewel of the whole masterpiece. Watchmakers take extra care to ensure the clock fits perfectly into the design, and the materials used match the interior - these little details set the “nice” interior from the stunning

 

So, when you compare a regular IWC wristwatch with one made for a car dashboard, you'll notice the differences. 

 

History: How Watches Found Their Way Inside Cars

 

The origin of dashboard watches can be traced back to the early 20th century when automobiles symbolized luxury. Around the 1920s, companies like Rolls-Royce started incorporating dashboard timepieces, setting the stage for a unique partnership.

 

We already mentioned the probably most iconic collaboration of watch and car manufacturers - Breitling and Bentley. In the 1930s, Breitling designed onboard chronographs exclusively for Bentley cars, creating a legacy of precise timekeeping on the road.

 

Photo source: Vacheron Constantin

 

In contemporary times, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Aston Martin shine as an exceptional duo. Their partnership has resulted in special edition watches crafted for select Aston Martin models, celebrating shared values of innovation and luxury.

 

 

Photo source: Jaeger-LeCoultre

These historical milestones have inspired other brands, transforming dashboards into showcases for artistic clocks. The fusion of watchmaking and car craftsmanship underscores the elegance that defines the luxury automobile industry.

 

Legendary Brands and Iconic Pairings: The Best of Car Horology

 

When it comes to the ultimate match between luxury cars and exquisite watches, several iconic brand collaborations stand out, each with a distinct touch that amplifies the elegance of the dashboard.

 

Bentley, the name itself oozes luxury with a dash of sportiness. They teamed up with Breitling, a watchmaker who knows a thing or two about creating classy timepieces with a touch of sporty flair. The result? A match made in heaven. In the Bentley Bentayga, you'll find a stunning tourbillon clock. Being the most expensive in-car watch ever sold, it has a gold case and diamond indices and even has its winder - no need for manual winding here.

 

Photo source: Rolls Royce

 

Bugatti, the brand that's all about high performance and style, didn't hold back either. When the Bugatti Veyron rolled out, so did the Parmigiani Bugatti Type 370. This watch was different, with a unique transverse movement that raised eyebrows. Even more interesting? Bugatti put a Parmigiani clock in the Galibier concept car, and the clock can be taken out and wearable as a wrist or pocket watch.

 

Maserati, the definition of Italian elegance, knows how to match its Quattroporte with an equally beautiful clock. The oval clock, also seen in the fourth-generation car from the '90s, gets a modern twist in the current design. A dark blue dial gives it that contemporary edge, perfectly in line with Maserati's style.

 

 

Photo source: Bugatti

Then there's Mercedes-AMG, the maker of those powerful German muscle cars. They've been in collaboration with IWC Schaffhausen, a watchmaker known for its tough, masculine designs, especially in the Ingenieur line. These days, you can find round IWC clocks in Mercedes-AMG cars. But what hasn't changed is the dial design – it's still functional and beautiful, just like the cars themselves.

 

And finally, we have the discreet elegance of Rolls-Royce. Their Black Badge Ghost saloon doesn't hold back when it comes to style. The clock on its dashboard, framed in chrome, adds a touch of boldness that's not typical for Rolls-Royce. But it seems people loved it because the Rolls-Royce Wraith also boasts a similarly striking clock. This time, the design complements the car's sportier personality, a marriage of class and attitude.

 

Photo source: Bovet

 

And there we have it, the captivating tale of watches and luxury cars intertwined. From Bentley to Bugatti, Maserati to Mercedes-AMG, each partnership paints a unique picture on the dashboard, a fusion of craftsmanship and style. It's a symphony of time and elegance, a harmonious journey where wristwatches meet wheels, leaving a lasting impression of opulence on the road. Until next time, keep your eyes on the dashboard, for there's a story of luxury waiting to be told.