Classic Cars and Luxury Watches: The Perfect Pair

In our corner of the world, watches are the prize to collect. We work with dedicated watch collectors from around the world, helping them find the perfect pieces to add to their collections. We have sourced elegant Patek Philippe timepieces and sturdy Rolex watches, sporty Richard Mille creations and limited edition Audemars Piguet watches. These paragons of engineering and artistry are treasured by serious collectors, who wear their watches for a lifetime and then pass them down to their children and grandchildren, ensuring a horological legacy for generations to come.

Other collectors, like those who focus their attention on classic cars, feel just the same way. The subjects of their collections are equally precious, treasured, and worthy of preservation. And in some cases, these collection-focused hobbies overlap.

In the case of heirloom watches and classic cars, collectors have much in common. Both value tradition as well as precision engineering and technological innovation. Both appreciate aesthetics, polishing their collectables until they are shining and ready to hit the (literal or proverbial) road. Both understand the value behind these one-of-a-kind creations.

In honor of Collector Car Appreciation Day, which is celebrated yearly on June 11, we are shining a light on the overlap between car collecting and watch collecting. Stay right here in the fast lane to find the perfect watch to complement your favorite classic car.

Both vintage automobiles and timeless watches might be considered “classic.” Of course, haters could come up with other terms: antiquated, dated, old, etcetera. But collectors see these pieces in a different light, recognizing the inherent value and beauty behind pieces that exude tradition from every angle. Both watch and classic car collectors recognize that new does not always equal better, and in fact, there is something to be said for cars and watches that have a story, that play an important role in history, and that have seen a bit of the world.

In America alone, there are over $1 trillion worth of classic cars registered and titled. Who owns all of these cars? The Hagerty Collector Car Enthusiast Report tells us that the average classic car collector is 56 years old, has a household income over $144,000 annually, and has spent 20 years in this hobby. That said, classic car collecting is gaining more and more popularity in younger markets and is booming in the Gen Z set as we speak.

The hobby of collecting luxury watches is also growing, with the Robb Report deeming our current era the “golden age of watch collecting.” While there is some debate over what makes someone qualify as a watch collector versus simply an enthusiast, we would argue that if you love watches, own more than two, and are interested in acquiring more, you have already started your collection on the right foot.

So, here is to the collectors, the enthusiasts, and the aspiring hopefuls. We hope you find exactly what you are looking for.

If you love classic cars, chances are you might just appreciate the world of horological artistry as well. Today, we will take a look at the timeless watches that pair perfectly with America’s favorite classic cars.

One of the most popular collector automobiles in the United States, the Chevrolet Corvette was an instant classic upon its release in 1953. Since then, it has been a staple of the classic car market. It truly ascended to fame in the 1960s, becoming one of the most popular sports cars ever. Interestingly, it made a mark on one community in particular: astronauts. One Chevrolet dealer in Florida offered a special promotion during the Mercury program that allowed NASA astronauts to lease a Corvette for just $1 per year. This deal was so popular that the dealership continued to offer it into the Apollo era.

If you appreciate the history and timelessness of the Chevy Corvette, you will love getting your hands on a watch with similarly all-American history: the OMEGA Speedmaster, of course. This classic timepiece remains the only watch that NASA cleared to accompany astronauts on missions to the moon, and it joined Buzz Aldrin for his steps on the lunar surface on July 16, 1969. Dubbed the “Moonwatch,” it has become one of the most collectible pieces available on the market today.

There is a reason that the Porsche 911 is one of the most collectible European sports cars. It showcases the perfect blend of performance, practicality, heritage, and innovation that has made Porsche a stalwart of the industry for decades. The 911 offers an ideal marriage of usability and thrill that sets it apart from its competitors, and it is a definitive icon in the world of classic cars. The model has been a collector favorite since the 1960s, and Porsche still makes this unimpeachable icon. In other words, you can choose from a range of production years as you select your dream Porsche 911.

Another much-loved European favorite? The Patek Philippe Nautilus, a 1970s classic that (like the 911) perfectly balances versatility and prestige. In the nearly 80 years since the Nautilus hit the market, it has appeared in many different iterations, but one thing remains constant: It never fails to impress with its craftsmanship, artistry, and timeless elegance. It seems to us like Porsche and Patek Philippe go hand in hand.

Perhaps the most classic all-American muscle car, the Ford Mustang hit the market in 1964. It was developed on a shoestring budget, and while the manufacturer anticipated a hefty 100,000 Mustangs sold in the first year, there were 22,000 sold in the first day alone. Since the model was first produced, it has been a favorite of “pony car” enthusiasts across America and abroad.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is the perfect watch for someone who loves the clean lines and rugged aesthetics of the Ford Mustang. The Royal Oak line was created in the early 1970s and offers a unique octagonal case size meant to evoke a diver’s helmet. With its exposed screws and sleek stainless steel body, a Royal Oak is perfect for both everyday wear and elite collections that honor the incredible horological tradition behind Swiss watches. Upgrade to the Chronograph model for an even more elevated experience.

Chevrolet’s iconic Camaro model was released in 1966 as a direct competitor to the Ford Mustang. If you have not seen a Camaro before, think again. You probably have set eyes on one, as the Camaro has been featured in several films, including Transformers, where it played the role of Bumblebee. The Camaro is one of the world’s most popular collector cars and is renowned around the world for its smooth drive, impressive horsepower, and ongoing technological innovations.

Anyone who loves elite cars will also fall head over heels for Richard Mille watches. Richard Mille has a longstanding relationship with Formula 1 racing and motorsports, and its watches are paragons of innovation and creativity. There are countless Richard Mille watches that fit the bill of collection-worthy mechanical marvels, but we are currently obsessed with this RM 11-02, which offers a skeletonized dial that gives the wearer a glimpse of the watch’s inner workings.

Manufactured from 1974 to 1990, the original Lamborghini Countach was influenced by Italian design house Bertone and is known for its eye-catching, wedge-like shape. The Countach first appeared as a concept car at the 1971 Geneva Auto Show, but heaps of praise made the Italian car company think again about mass production. Nowadays, the Countach has had a resurgence. Lamborghini is once again making this vehicle, with prices north of $2 million. However, it is the version of the late 1900s that truly has a place in the hearts of many collectors.

Are you a sucker for classic Italian cars like the Lamborghini Countach? If so, you might also love Italian watches like those from manufacturer Panerai. We love the memorable silhouette of the Panerai Radiomir, which is Panerai through and through. The chic, cushion-shaped bezel, black dial, and understated hour markers pair perfectly with the timeless leather strap. Now, this is a watch that is as sleek and classic as a Lamborghini.

Are you looking for a collection-worthy watch that compares to the classic cars dominating the market these days? If so, you are in the right place. At Avi & Co., we specialize in building a collection of globally renowned watches from manufacturers around the world. Come shop with us in Manhattan, Miami, or Aspen to get a taste of luxury on your very own wrist.

Make an appointment today.