Carwatch
Heritage & Inspiration
At the turn of the last century, embracing motoring as the new method of transport, Alfred Dunhill converted his father's saddlery business into a major emporium catering for virtually every requirement of the motorist. He even coined the term ‘Motorities’ to describe the automotive accessories that he sold. In 1903, he filed a patent for ‘horological instruments’, paving the way for the launch of the first dunhill timepiece, the free-hanging Motorities dashboard clock, three years later. This inspirational timepiece for the pioneering motorist was the first step in more than a hundred years of inventive timekeeping.
High-tech and Innovative
The high-tech, two-part case of the Carwatch is made from either steel or an ultra-light combination of titanium and stage 2 ceramic. In profile, it resembles the lines of a futuristic ‘concept car’.
The front of the watch is highlighted by an engraved 'number plate.' This is interchangeable with a supplied blank designed to take the inscription of your choice, such as the registration of your favourite sports car.
Fitted with a Swiss self-winding mechanical movement, the ‘Carwatch’ has a six o'clock date aperture and comes with a calf strap with deployant clasp and a ‘tool kit’ similar to that supplied with vintage cars comprising a stainless steel bracelet and a stud-fastening, calf ‘driver's strap.’
dunhill Carwatch tool kit
Each ‘Carwatch’ is also supplied with spare screws for the number plate and a custom-made screwdriver.
Inspired by those that traditionally accompanied vintage cars, the dunhill tool kit comes in an aluminium piston head casing, which opens to reveal a canvas and leather roll. Complete with glass vials containing an additional blank number plate, interchangeable stainless steel bracelet or stud-fastening, calf ‘driver's strap’, screws and a custom made screwdriver, this is the perfect compliment for every aspiring mechanic or petrol head.
A driver´s watch
dunhill´s Carwatch takes a cue from the Edwardian driver´s watches which were designed to be worn on the side of the wrist rather than on the top. That way they could be seen without the wearer having to release his bucking steering wheel.
dunhill´s 21st century take on this idea is to create an innovative, shaped sapphire crystal glass with individually-sized numbers. This means the watch can be worn in the conventional way yet is still easy to read at a glance whether gripping a steering wheel or riding a motorcycle.