Racing watches
Our 1960 Racing Chronograph collection is a tribute to the golden era of motorsport, a period when precision at the wrist was as consequential as mechanical excellence under the bonnet. The design is a balance between vintage aesthetics, 80’s Bauhaus design lines, and modern day technology, encapsulated in a 40mm sports chronograph complete with a tachymeter, scratch resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating and 316L surgical steel case.
Every watch ships free worldwide, includes a 2-year warranty, and comes with complimentary personal engraving.
Motorsport dial design
The visual language of the 1960 Racing Chronograph draws directly from the cockpit instruments and pit-lane stopwatches that defined an era of auto racing watches. High-contrast dial pairings, off-white with black, midnight blue, sky blue with green, and navy with white, reflect the legibility demands that racing environments imposed on every instrument a driver consulted at speed.
Sub-dials are arranged for immediate readability, echoing the layout of period dashboard gauges. The case profile is purposefully bold yet proportioned for daily wear, as fitting beneath a sports jacket as it is on race day. Copenhagen minimalism ensures these car-inspired watches read as considered timepieces rather than costume pieces.
Materials and construction
Durability is a non-negotiable quality in any watch inspired by motorsport. We source 316L surgical-grade stainless steel from Finland, corrosion-resistant, skin-safe, and built to absorb the mechanical stress of daily wear. Sapphire crystal, harder than mineral glass and scratch-resistant under normal conditions, protects the dial and preserves legibility over the long term. Our durable surgical-grade steel timepieces reflect this material commitment across the broader range.
Where some racing-inspired watches favour titanium for reduced weight, our steel construction prioritises long-term resilience and a premium hand-feel that improves with age. The quick-release strap system extends that versatility further, leather, metal, silicone, cordura, and NATO options are all compatible, each changeable without tools, reducing wear on any single strap and allowing the watch to suit different occasions without compromise.
How does a tachymeter work?
With a tachymeter, you can calculate the average speed based on how many seconds it takes a vehicle to travel a fixed distance, say 1 km or the like.
1) Start the chronograph by pushing the upper button
2) After the vehicle has traveled the distance, stop the chronograph with the same button.
3) Observe the position of the second hand and read the outer bezel. If stopped at 80, it took 45 seconds to travel 1 km, which comes down to an average speed of 80 kph.
4) Reset by pushing the lower button
Frequently asked questions
What makes a watch a racing chronograph?
A racing chronograph combines a standard timekeeping movement with a separate elapsed-time measurement function. The defining features are start/stop pushers on the case side, a central seconds hand that resets cleanly to zero, and sub-registers that track elapsed minutes and hours. In a motorsport context, these functions allowed drivers and pit crews to measure lap times, calculate average speeds, and manage race strategy, all from the wrist. Our 1960 Racing Chronograph carries these functional hallmarks in a design rooted in the aesthetic language of 1960s circuit racing.
What dial colours are available in the 1960 Racing Chronograph collection?
The 1960 Racing Chronograph is currently available in several high-contrast dial configurations: off-white and black, midnight blue, off-white, black and off-white, navy and white, and sky blue and green. These pairings are deliberately chosen for legibility, a priority inherited from the functional racing instruments that inspired the collection.
Can I engrave a racing chronograph as a gift?
Yes. We offer complimentary personal engraving on every watch, including the 1960 Racing Chronograph. This makes it a meaningful gift for motorsport enthusiasts, marking a birthday, anniversary, or milestone with a personalised message. Note that engraved watches are made-to-order and are not eligible for returns, so it is worth confirming the recipient's preference before ordering.
What materials are used in AV86 racing chronographs?
The case is constructed from 316L surgical-grade stainless steel sourced from Finland, chosen for its corrosion resistance, skin-safe properties, and long-term durability. The crystal is sapphire with an anti-reflective coating, providing scratch resistance and clear dial visibility in bright light. Straps are available in leather, metal, silicone, cordura, and NATO configurations, all compatible with our tool-free quick-release system.
What are the shipping and return terms for the 1960 Racing Chronograph?
We offer free worldwide shipping on all watches via FedEx or UPS, with express delivery in 3–5 days or standard delivery in 5–8 days. Returns and exchanges are accepted within 30 days on unworn items in original packaging, and a prepaid return label is provided.