Automotive-themed watches represent a fascinating intersection of engineering and style, often serving as a passion project for collectors. While this hobby can quickly become exorbitantly expensive, looking past the most famous luxury houses reveals a variety of entertaining alternatives. Several recent releases specifically honor Japanese automotive icons like the Mazda RX-7, the Honda Prelude, and the unique Honda Motocompo folding scooter.
Acquiring the ultra-exclusive Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona requires a specific achievement: winning the 24 Hours of Daytona race to receive the version with “winner” engraved on the back. For those not competing on the track, the alternative might be the ultra-thin Ferrari-themed Richard Mille RM UP-01, a timepiece that demands a budget of just under $2 million. While the crossover between automotive enthusiasm and horology often knows no bounds, there are options for enthusiasts who prefer to keep their spending grounded.
Fortunately, a wave of new auto-themed watches is emerging from Japan, offering distinct designs at significantly more accessible price points without sacrificing the special feeling of wearing a themed piece. Seiko’s latest chronograph draws direct inspiration from the celebrated anime series Initial D. While the show’s hero car is the plucky black-and-white Toyota Corolla, the series also dedicates significant screen time to other giants of the Japanese sports-car world.
One of the most prominent vehicles in the show is the mighty Mazda RX-7 twin-turbo, piloted by the reckless lead character Keisuki Takahashi. His bright yellow RX-7 offered a pitch-perfect match for his personality, delivering razor-edged handling that distinguished it from contemporaries like the Toyota Supra. Though this generation of RX-7 is known for being temperamental and difficult to maintain, the driving experience remains unparalleled, securing a lasting legacy among fans.
Capturing this spirit, the Seiko chronograph features a bright yellow face that immediately catches the eye. Beyond the color, the design includes subtle hidden details, such as subdials that are color-matched to the instrument panel of the actual car. Scheduled for release next January, the watch is a limited edition run of 1995 units, a number chosen as a nod to the first print issue of Initial D. Despite the exclusivity, it remains reasonably priced at $420.
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While the resurrection of the Honda Prelude nameplate sparked mixed reactions among enthusiasts, the accompanying merchandise offers a nostalgic treat. Citizen timed a reissue of their original 1980s Prelude-themed watch to coincide with the launch of the current model. Technically named the Citizen x Honda Ana-Digi Temp, this piece adopts a distinct super-’80s aesthetic.
The watch includes an onboard digital temperature reading that utilizes a sensor patterned after the new Prelude’s grille. While the two small subdials may offer less practicality than a standard dial, the overall design exudes a synthwave vibe that captures the era’s energy. Since this model has already been released in Japan for the equivalent of $290, interested buyers in other markets will need to monitor resellers on platforms like eBay to secure a unit.
Seiko offers another entry that celebrates 1980s Honda culture through a special edition of their compact Seiko 5 line. This model pays tribute to the Motocompo folding scooter, widely considered one of the coolest automotive accessories ever designed. The Motocompo was engineered to fold down and fit inside the trunk of the Honda City hatchback, providing a solution for the final leg of a commute from a parking garage to the office.
Although the scooter was not a commercial success during its original production run, it has since developed a devoted cult following. The corresponding watch incorporates specific Motocompo-style script and a bright yellow face, along with the silhouette of the scooter engraved on the case back. Perhaps the most distinctive feature is the packaging, which is designed to replicate the crate used to transport the original bike. The watch is set to go on sale next month with an expected price of around $460.
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