The best driving watches of 2026 celebrate the romance of the open road

The relationship between watches and cars has traditionally been measured in fractions of a second. Think racing chronographs, tachymeter scales, partnerships with Formula 1 teams, and watches created to commemorate victories on some of the world’s most famous circuits.

There is, however, another kind of motoring that has nothing to do with crossing the finish line first. It is driving simply for its own pleasure. Imagine the road stretching into the distance, a great machine beneath you, and a destination far enough away to make the journey worthwhile.

Several new watches this year tap into that indelible feeling of freedom and fascination. They range from a century-old design that early motorists discovered could actually make telling the time at the wheel easier, to watches inspired by classic dashboards, steering wheels and automotive interiors.

The ultimate gentleman driver’s watch: Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921

In 1919, when wristwatches were still beginning to supersede pocket watches, Vacheron Constantin produced several unconventional pieces with cushion-shaped cases and dials offset by 45 degrees. Another small series followed in 1921 for the US market, giving rise to the design now known as the Historiques American 1921.

The layout proved particularly useful to motorists. With the wrist positioned on a steering wheel, the diagonal display made it possible to glance at the time without rotating the arm as much as one would with a conventionally orientated watch.

Vacheron Constantin records that early examples were appreciated by driving enthusiasts, helping establish the creation as the ideal “gentleman driver’s watch”.

For 2026, that unmistakable design appears in 36.5mm and 40mm cases of pink gold. A grained silver-toned dial is contrasted by bright blue Arabic numerals and blued gold hands, while a patinated dark-blue calfskin strap adds to its vintage character.

Inside is the manually wound Calibre 4400 AS, itself rotated within the case to accommodate the unusual display. The 2.8mm-thick movement runs at 4Hz, delivers approximately 65 hours of power reserve, and helps keep the cases remarkably slender at 7.41mm and 8.06mm respectively. Both watches carry the Hallmark of Geneva.

The automobile translated onto a watch: Cartier Roadster

First introduced in 2002 and now making its comeback, the Cartier Roadster borrows its visual vocabulary from automotive engineering and bodywork.

The name itself evokes the love of the open road: A roadster is traditionally an open-top, two-seat sports car created for the sheer enjoyment of driving. With the roof down and relatively little separating driver from the asphalt, the experience is immediate and engaging.

Cartier translates some of that spirit into a watch that feels similarly sporty and expressive while retaining the refinement associated with the maison. The dial recalls a speedometer, while the conical crown and distinctive date magnifier evoke mechanical components and a headlight respectively. Rivets and screws further reinforce the machine-age character.

For its 2026 return, Cartier hasn’t simply recreated the original. More than 100 artisans were involved in refining the proportions, sharpening the lines, and improving the ergonomics while retaining its recognisable form. The collection now spans steel, yellow gold, and yellow gold and steel, with medium and large sizes.

The circular striated dial pattern, railway track and Roman numerals remain, although new stamping techniques give the decoration greater relief. Cartier even describes the dial as being “like a true dashboard”, while on the steel versions, blue or anthracite sword-shaped hands receive Super-LumiNova for improved legibility.

Large versions measure 47mm by 38mm and use the self-winding 1847 MC, while medium models measure 42.5 by 34.9mm and are powered by the automatic 1899 MC. Both offer 100m water resistance.

Cartier has also reworked the bracelet with shorter links and alternating polished and brushed surfaces, while its QuickSwitch system makes changing to the accompanying strap straightforward.

Grand touring on the wrist: Breitling Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Tribute to Aston Martin DB5

Which car can encapsulate the idea of grand touring like the legendary Aston Martin DB5? Introduced in 1963, it became an emblem of British automotive style and, thanks partly to James Bond, one of the most recognisable cars ever made.

There is also a neat horological connection. In Thunderball in 1965, Sean Connery’s James Bond wore a Breitling Top Time Ref. 2002 while driving the Aston Martin DB5, bringing two icons of the era together on-screen. The modified Top Time also became the first Q-modified watch in the Bond film series.

This year, the two names come together again in the Breitling Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Tribute to Aston Martin DB5, a trio of limited editions inspired as much by the car’s interior as its performance.

The cushion-shaped case, grooved corners and mushroom pushers reference Breitling’s 1960s chronographs, while “squircle” sub-dials resemble the shape of classic dashboard gauges. More unusual is a wooden inner ring inspired by the DB5’s steering wheel, accompanied by a hand-coloured gradient leather strap referencing the rich tones of automotive upholstery.

Three 41mm versions are available. The stainless steel model with a silver dial is limited to 1,022 pieces; steel with a platinum bezel and black lacquered dial to 315; and a red gold model with a natural onyx dial to 250. The latter also marks Breitling’s first use of onyx for a dial.

All three contain the COSC-certified Breitling Manufacture Calibre 01, an automatic chronograph movement with a column wheel, vertical clutch and approximately 70 hours of power reserve. The sapphire caseback reveals an Aston Martin-engraved rotor.

Built for the long haul: Chopard Mille Miglia GTS Power Control Grigio-Blu

Chopard presents this interesting crossover between the worlds of competition and invigorating road-going motoring.

The Swiss maison’s connection with the Mille Miglia dates to 1988, when it became World Sponsor and Official Timekeeper of the Italian event. Co-president Karl-Friedrich Scheufele has personally participated every year since 1989, and automotive details have subsequently become deeply embedded in the design language of the Mille Miglia watch family.

The Mille Miglia GTS Power Control Grigio-Blu – 2026 Racing Edition draws from that heritage, but notably isn’t a chronograph. Instead, its emphasis on legibility, endurance and useful information gives it the character of a watch intended to accompany the driver over distance.

Its 43mm case is made from Chopard’s Lucent Steel and paired with short ergonomic lugs. The screw-down crown is engraved with a steering wheel, while 100m water resistance adds everyday practicality.

The dashboard influence becomes even more obvious on the dial. Its grained blue-grey, or Grigio-Blu, surface takes inspiration from both racing-car instrumentation and the asphalt beneath the tyres. Large typography and broad faceted hands prioritise instant legibility, while the power-reserve indicator between 8 and 10 o’clock is styled like a car’s fuel gauge.

Instead of telling you how quickly you’ve completed a lap, this watch is made to indicate how much longer the engine can keep running. That engine is Chopard’s in-house, self-winding Calibre 01.08-C. COSC-certified and operating at 4Hz, it provides 60 hours of power reserve and a stop-seconds function for precise setting.

Even the strap continues the theme. Technical black textile is backed with rubber for comfort and durability, with a tyre-tread pattern hidden against the wrist. This model is limited to 250 numbered pieces.