Behind the wheel, there are times that require intense concentration and your hands firmly at ten and two. If you’re a race car driver, you might not even want to turn your wrist to check the time. It’s this specific situation that justifies the somewhat odd-looking but very purposeful design of what’s known as a driver’s watch, and which has led to some of the funkiest watch designs ever made.

Chronographs made for motorsports timing and watches with racing themes for car enthusiasts are plentiful, but most don’t qualify as “driver’s watches” in the stricter sense. What defines this niche genre is a dial that, in some way or another, is oriented to face the wearer while his or her hands remain on the steering wheel. However, there are multiple approaches to accomplishing this:

The first is via a watch with a rotated dial orientation, so that the 12 o’clock marker is where 1:30 or 3 o’clock would normally be — resulting in a quirky asymmetric look compared to that of most watches. Taking the concept even further, however, there are driver’s watches in which, rather than being parallel to the case, the dial’s plane is actually tilted up at the 12 o’clock side for easier viewing. There are even watches with the dial situated more or less parallel to the side of the wrist.

Despite their seemingly eccentric design, these watches’ offbeat looks makes them purposeful and interesting. Driver’s watches were more common decades ago, and some were intended to be worn under the wrist (an example is the Omega Chronostop). They are rare today, but there have been reissues as part of the general trend of vintage-inspired styles, and some brands even offer a modern take on this largely forgotten concept. Take a look at some below.

Seiko x Giugiaro Speed Master

Courtesy

The Seiko x Giugiaro collab watches are all automotive-themed, and over the years many have used the driver’s watch concept. They’re some of the funkiest ever from Seiko (and that’s saying something), but somehow very cool, and this most recently reissued Speed Master model from 2018 is a good example.

Diameter: 39.4mm
Movement: Quartz
Price: ~$370
Manufacturer info: seikowatches.com

SHOP NOW SHOP PRE-OWNED

Bolido Pure

Courtesy

You probably wouldn’t know from looking at a Bolido watch head-on that its case is thicker toward 12 o’clock and that its dial tilts down toward the wearer. Bolido is a young, independent brand specializing in watches of this style, and offers one of the few such examples that are relatively affordable considering their Swiss Made designation and automatic movements.

Diameter: 43mm+
Movement: STP 1-11 automatic
Price: $745+
Manufacturer info: bolido.rocks

SHOP NOW

The Longines Avigation Watch Type A-7 1935

Courtesy

Based on a watch made for the military in the 1930s, the Longines Avigation Watch Type A-7 1935 has a tilted dial for the same reason that your standard driver’s watch has one: to make it easy to read with hands on controls. It’s meant for pilots rather than automobiles, but we’ll let it slide for our purposes cause it’s neat.

Diameter: 41mm
Movement: ETA A08.261 automatic
Price: $3,500
Manufacturer info: longines.com

SHOP NOW SHOP PRE-OWNED

Sinn R500 Bullhead Chronograph

Courtesy

Like the Bolido watch above, the Sinn R500 dial slopes toward the user. As a chronograph with crown and pushers at 12 o’clock, however, it takes on an established form referred to as a “bullhead.” Bullhead chronographs were once more popular, though some brands like Omega continue to produce modern versions.

Diameter: 42mm
Movement: Valjoux 7750 automatic
Price: $4,380
Manufacturer info: sinn.de

SHOP NOW

Azimuth Gran Turismo

Courtesy

A modern mechanical watch with this level of avant-garde design and the engineering it entails is typically quite a high-end proposition. That’s where independent brand Azimuth stands out, however, offering funky horological concepts at relatively affordable prices. The Gran Turismo offers their own take on the driver’s watch, with a dial that faces the wearer from the side of the wrist.

Diameter: 50mm
Movement: ETA 2671 automatic
Price: ~$5,000
Manufacturer info: azimuthwatch.com

SHOP NOW SHOP PRE-OWNED

Cartier Tank Asymétrique

Courtesy

The Cartier Asymmetrique probably wasn’t designed for driving, and was more likely intended as a playfully quirky take on the Tank’s conservative elegance. But its dial rotated 30 degrees perhaps qualifies it as a driver’s watch, and the Arabic numerals replacing the Parisian brand’s signature Roman numerals might even be interpreted as (relatively) sporty.

Diameter: 26.22mm
Movement: Cartier MC 1917 manual
Price: $27,500+
Manufacturer info: cartier.com

SHOP NOW SHOP PRE-OWNED

Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921

Courtesy

The prestigious watchmaker Vacheron Constantin reinterpreted a driving watch it made back in 1921 — back when many cars themselves still looked like buggies without horses. (Checking your watch while driving might have been as dangerous as texting is now.) Its simple elegance contrasts interestingly with its cockeyed orientation, and inside it’s powered by a highly refined and extensively hand-finished in-house movement.

Diameter: 40mm
Movement: Vacheron Constantin 4400 AS
Price: $35,900
Manufacturer info: vacheron-constantin.com

SHOP NOW SHOP PRE-OWNED

MB&F HM5

Courtesy

The independent Swiss company MB&F is known for totally off-the-wall designs that often don’t even look like wristwatches — indeed, they are better understood as mechanical art. Among most modern watches, the wedge-shaped HM5 might fit that description, but in fact it has precedents among vintage watches. Many brands, including prominent Swiss names, made this type of driver’s watch in the 1960s and ’70s. A good number had LED displays, but some were even mechanical like the HM5 with its specially developed, high-end movement.

Diameter: 49mm
Movement: MB&F automatic
Price: $63,000
Manufacturer info: mbandf.com

SHOP NOW SHOP PRE-OWNED

Editor’s Picks: Best Deals Today

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08D7WJFMN?linkCode=ogi" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="CamelBak" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="CamelBak" data-desturl="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08D7WJFMN?linkCode=ogi" data-id="" data-order="1" data-vars-ga-product-price="$37.30" data-vars-ga-product-id="1c8c547b-13e5-4f16-a5b8-53531000bfd3" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08D7WJFMN" aria-label="$37 $50 CamelBak MultiBev Water Bottle & Travel Cup” data-affiliate=”true”>

CamelBak MultiBev Water Bottle & Travel Cup

CamelBak amazon.com

$13 OFF (25%)

The MultiBev is one of the most versatile pieces in your cupboard — it is both a water bottle and a travel cup, giving you multiple options for beverages all at once. Plus, the cap has a spot to stash a tea bag or a snack. 

READ ABOUT THE BEST TRAVEL MUGS

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0093162RM?linkCode=ogi" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="Philips SmartSleep" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="Philips SmartSleep" data-desturl="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0093162RM?linkCode=ogi" data-id="" data-order="2" data-vars-ga-product-price="$79.95" data-vars-ga-product-id="f2ba8df6-3d85-4867-9ce0-d5471d9fa3cd" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0093162RM" aria-label="$80 $100 Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light” data-affiliate=”true”>

Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light

Philips SmartSleep amazon.com

$20 OFF (20%)

If you have trouble waking up, especially in the winter, getting an artificial light to simulate sunrise is a great option. This alarm clock features nature sounds to wake you up, tap snooze and an auto-dimming display. 

READ ABOUT THE BEST SMART ALARM CLOCKS

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=31959X896062&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rhone.com%2Fproducts%2Freign-short-sleeve-sale-3%3Fvariant%3D37940537917632%26color%3D51&xcust=deal-gallery" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://go.skimresources.com?id=31959X896062&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rhone.com%2Fproducts%2Freign-short-sleeve-sale-3%3Fvariant%3D37940537917632%26color%3D51&xcust=deal-gallery" data-id="" data-order="3" data-vars-ga-product-price="$48.00" data-vars-ga-product-id="a027e363-0422-47b6-8156-7abe5a220d03" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://go.skimresources.com?id=31959X896062&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rhone.com%2Fproducts%2Freign-short-sleeve-sale-3%3Fvariant%3D37940537917632%26color%3D51&xcust=deal-gallery" aria-label="$48 $68 Rhone Reign Short Sleeve ” data-affiliate=”true”>

Rhone Reign Short Sleeve

Rhone

$20 OFF (30%)

Rhone makes some of our favorite workout clothes out there thanks to its innovative fabric technologies and quality construction. This raglan tee is in our top 10 workout shirts — our tester said it is “light, comfortable and always fresh no matter how many times I wear it without washing it.”

READ ABOUT THE 10 BEST WORKOUT SHIRTS

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01728NLRG?linkCode=ogi" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="Coway" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="Coway" data-desturl="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01728NLRG?linkCode=ogi" data-id="" data-order="4" data-vars-ga-product-price="$199.99" data-vars-ga-product-id="300a5b4f-2762-46bb-8b1d-f08733047168" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01728NLRG" aria-label="$200 $230 Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Air Purifier” data-affiliate=”true”>

Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Air Purifier

Coway amazon.com

$30 OFF (13%)

This is our Just Get This pick for air purifiers, meaning that if you aren’t sure what to get, get this one. It offers some of the best air purification for units its size and its app can connect to Alexa, allowing you to change the fan speed or automatically order new filters. 

READ ABOUT THE BEST AIR PURIFIERS OF 2021

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=31959X896062&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenorthface.com%2Fshop%2Fseasonal-retro-denali-jacket-nf0a4qyk-c1&xcust=deal-gallery" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://go.skimresources.com?id=31959X896062&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenorthface.com%2Fshop%2Fseasonal-retro-denali-jacket-nf0a4qyk-c1&xcust=deal-gallery" data-id="" data-order="5" data-vars-ga-product-price="$154.00" data-vars-ga-product-id="21ed497e-8327-42b5-9a85-504a79690bba" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://go.skimresources.com?id=31959X896062&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenorthface.com%2Fshop%2Fseasonal-retro-denali-jacket-nf0a4qyk-c1&xcust=deal-gallery" aria-label="$154 $220 The North Face Retro Denali Jacket” data-affiliate=”true”>

The North Face Retro Denali Jacket

skimresources.com

$66 OFF (30%)

This is one of The North Face’s most iconic silhouettes. Supremely warm, this jacket comes in four retro colorways and has a relaxed cut that is both street-ready and mountain-ready. 

READ ABOUT THE BEST PANTS FOR WINTER HIKES

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0829RYP8V?linkCode=ogi" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="LG" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="LG" data-desturl="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0829RYP8V?linkCode=ogi" data-id="" data-order="6" data-vars-ga-product-price="$1,396.99" data-vars-ga-product-id="5817b18b-c707-4666-8c28-0c84b1c3614f" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0829RYP8V" aria-label="$1,397 $2000 LG OLED CX 55-inch Smart TV” data-affiliate=”true”>

LG OLED CX 55-inch Smart TV

LG amazon.com

$603 OFF (30%)

This OLED smart TV from LG has built-in Alexa, an ultra fast a9 Gen 3 AI 4K processor and emits some of the crispest blacks and colors you’ve ever seen on a television. Right now is the time to buy as brands prepare to roll out the newer models. 

READ ABOUT THE BEST 4K TVS UNDER $1,000

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=el&merchant_id=b5770911-39dc-46ac-ba0f-b49dbb30c5c7&website_id=06dec447-c4dc-4973-bef3-73ac561bb3e3&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.backcountry.com%2Fhydro-flask-32oz-wide-mouth-trail-lightweight-water-bottle-with-flex-cap" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=el&merchant_id=b5770911-39dc-46ac-ba0f-b49dbb30c5c7&website_id=06dec447-c4dc-4973-bef3-73ac561bb3e3&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.backcountry.com%2Fhydro-flask-32oz-wide-mouth-trail-lightweight-water-bottle-with-flex-cap" data-id="" data-order="7" data-vars-ga-product-price="$49.95" data-vars-ga-product-id="43e58430-226c-499d-adb9-05c3e47b4d50" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=el&merchant_id=b5770911-39dc-46ac-ba0f-b49dbb30c5c7&website_id=06dec447-c4dc-4973-bef3-73ac561bb3e3&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.backcountry.com%2Fhydro-flask-32oz-wide-mouth-trail-lightweight-water-bottle-with-flex-cap" aria-label="$40 $50 Hydro Flask 32oz Wide Mouth Trail Lightweight Water Bottle”>

Hydro Flask 32oz Wide Mouth Trail Lightweight Water Bottle

avantlink.com

$10 OFF (20%)

Hydro Flask has taken its insulation tech and made it lighter without sacrificing performance, which, in almost any case, is a win. This bottle can keep things cold for an entire day and has a cap that stands up to daily use. 

READ ABOUT THE BEST WATER BOTTLES

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=31959X896062&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fhellotushy.com%2Fproducts%2Fclassic-affordable-bidet&xcust=deal-gallery" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://go.skimresources.com?id=31959X896062&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fhellotushy.com%2Fproducts%2Fclassic-affordable-bidet&xcust=deal-gallery" data-id="" data-order="8" data-vars-ga-product-price="$99.00" data-vars-ga-product-id="002c3429-3e88-4952-bd21-236a4f67d3f3" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://go.skimresources.com?id=31959X896062&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fhellotushy.com%2Fproducts%2Fclassic-affordable-bidet&xcust=deal-gallery" aria-label="$99 $129 TUSHY Classic 3.0″ data-affiliate=”true”>

TUSHY Classic 3.0

skimresources.com

$30 OFF (23%)

You may be skeptical about bidets, but it is the best thing you can do for your bum. Seriously, once you start using it, you’ll never go back to wiping with plain old toilet paper.

READ WHY YOU SHOULD BUY A BIDET

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L5NP6NG?linkCode=ogi" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="Apple" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="Apple" data-desturl="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L5NP6NG?linkCode=ogi" data-id="" data-order="9" data-vars-ga-product-price="$34.00" data-vars-ga-product-id="46e057c6-4e5b-4ba1-a1ef-d3a700f20000" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L5NP6NG" aria-label="$34 $39 Apple MagSafe Charger” data-affiliate=”true”>

Apple MagSafe Charger

Apple amazon.com

$5 OFF (13%)

MagSafe is the future of charging, so pick one up while its on sale. It can charge any iPhone 8 or later, as well as AirPods models with a wireless charging case. It also charges faster than wired chargers and older wireless chargers. 

READ ABOUT THE BEST MAGSAFE ACCESSORIES FOR IPHONE 12

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=31959X896062&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dyson.com%2Fvacuum-cleaners%2Fuprights%2Fdyson-ball-animal-2-upright%2Fdyson-ball-animal-2-total-clean&xcust=deal-gallery" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="Dyson" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="Dyson" data-desturl="https://go.skimresources.com?id=31959X896062&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dyson.com%2Fvacuum-cleaners%2Fuprights%2Fdyson-ball-animal-2-upright%2Fdyson-ball-animal-2-total-clean&xcust=deal-gallery" data-id="" data-order="10" data-vars-ga-product-price="$499.99" data-vars-ga-product-id="1dc42990-ee28-4e41-86f5-370000660a3d" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://go.skimresources.com?id=31959X896062&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dyson.com%2Fvacuum-cleaners%2Fuprights%2Fdyson-ball-animal-2-upright%2Fdyson-ball-animal-2-total-clean&xcust=deal-gallery" aria-label="$500 $600 Dyson Ball Animal 2 ” data-affiliate=”true”>

Dyson Ball Animal 2

Dyson skimresources.com

$100 OFF (17%)

The Ball Animal 2 is the highest suction vacuum Dyson produces across all categories. It comes with full-machine HEPA filtration standard, a small head attachment to clean stairs and a bonus attachment meant specifically for untangling hair from your carpet or rug.

READ OUR DYSON GUIDE

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=31959X896062&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fhuckberry.com%2Fstore%2Ffilson%2Fcategory%2Fp%2F65500-down-cruiser-vest&xcust=deal-gallery" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="Filson" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="Filson" data-desturl="https://go.skimresources.com?id=31959X896062&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fhuckberry.com%2Fstore%2Ffilson%2Fcategory%2Fp%2F65500-down-cruiser-vest&xcust=deal-gallery" data-id="" data-order="11" data-vars-ga-product-price="$178.98" data-vars-ga-product-id="9805e9fc-6cc5-49d7-8a37-0bf1433e9566" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://go.skimresources.com?id=31959X896062&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fhuckberry.com%2Fstore%2Ffilson%2Fcategory%2Fp%2F65500-down-cruiser-vest&xcust=deal-gallery" aria-label="$179 $275 Filson Down Cruiser Vest” data-affiliate=”true”>

Filson Down Cruiser Vest

Filson skimresources.com

$96 OFF (35%)

After outfitting pioneers during the Gold Rush, Filson remained one of the Pacific Northwest’s go-to brands for all things outdoor. The brand has carried on nicely into its second century of business with pieces like this tough-as-nails vest that will get you through winter and shoulder season with ease. 

READ ABOUT THE BEST WAXED JACKETS TO BUY

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=31959X896062&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fhuckberry.com%2Fstore%2Ffinisterre%2Fcategory%2Fp%2F55050-nebulas&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gearpatrol.com%2Fwatches%2Fa35433917%2Fbest-drivers-watches%2F&xcust=%5Butm_source%7C%5Butm_campaign%7C%5Butm_medium%7C%5Bgclid%7C%5Bmsclkid%7C%5Bfbclid%7C%5Brefdomain%7C%5Bcontent_id%7C8ae0595a-ce44-462b-bb17-5c475a0a3abb%5Bcontent_product_id%7C5c147520-9b2a-450b-b12a-e80ae8c1d194%5Bproduct_retailer_id%7C" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="Finisterre" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="Finisterre" data-desturl="https://huckberry.com/store/finisterre/category/p/55050-nebulas" data-id="" data-order="12" data-vars-ga-product-price="$145.98" data-vars-ga-product-id="5c147520-9b2a-450b-b12a-e80ae8c1d194" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://huckberry.com/store/finisterre/category/p/55050-nebulas" aria-label="$145 $265 Finisterre Nebulas” data-affiliate=”true”>

Finisterre Nebulas

Finisterre huckberry.com

$120 OFF (45%)

The surf-obsessed team at England’s Finisterre knows the cold and the ocean, meaning you can expect excellence when it comes to insulation and also a fierce commitment to eco-conscious materials. This jacket is filled with earth-friendly insulation made from 100% recycled polyester and coated with a Fluorocarbon-free water repellent finish. 

READ ABOUT THE BEST SYNTHETIC DOWN JACKETS