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Got the Stay-at-Home Blues? Why Not Build Automotive-Inspired Watches?

We know it’s been a hard year. For some, even a lonely one. But what are we to do with all the time we’ve had on our hands lately? Well, while you were sitting in bed watching Netflix and eating popcorn, some folks out there have been building watches in their garage.
DIY Automotive-Inspired watches 12 photos
Photo: Rallynetics
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One of them is Michael Lee, and while you’ve been doing whatever it is you do in quarantine, he’s been busy reading, learning, testing, breaking, testing again, and finally creating an entire automotive-inspired watch line. Did I mention he did this in his own home? What’s your excuse? Never mind that question.

Now, what you’re about to see is a project three years in the making, so relax, you’re not that lazy. Apparently, Michael considers himself a “bored engineer interested in cars and watches.” With that in mind, he set out to create his own car-inspired watches. And what he ended up doing could very well be showcased in your local mall. Seriously, if you haven’t looked in the gallery yet, please do so, you probably won’t need this article after.

If you’ve checked out the goods, then you are now feeling the first emotions everyone feels when they see these watches. They’re simple, elegant, and clean. Plus, they look like tachometers!

Now, there are three models you can buy, but if you’ve got the tools, you can follow Lee’s instructions and build your own - just click here. If you don’t have the time or the tools, you can pick one up for just $200.

DIY Automotive\-Inspired watches
Photo: Rallynetics
So what do we get for this kind of money, even though it may not be much to some? Well, all three watches include the same internal specs. The main differences lie in the way the dials present themselves visually, but also the wrist strap.

Each watch starts with a CNC-machined stainless steel PVD-coated case and uses a Miyota Quartz movement, the same one created and used by Citizen. If you don’t know anything about these two names, get to work. Up next is the mineral glass crystal that's 2.5 mm thick. After numerous tests and calculations, the resulting design is water resistant up to 10 Bar.

With an anodized 7075-T6 aluminum crown construction, the whole thing just screams clean. This also brings to attention the start/stop ignition inspired design of said crown.

The first of the watches is known as the ‘Redline.’ Here, the wide block font sticks out to symbolize the modern age of cars. It also includes that boost gauge design reminiscent of turbocharged vehicles. The strap is a 22mm Seatbelt NATO design that helps strengthen the automotive feel.

DIY Automotive\-Inspired watches
Photo: Rallynetics
As for the ‘Race’ design, there seems to be something off, and there is. This watch is inspired by the rotating of dials some drivers practice in order to increase visibility of shift points. Absolutely unique. Why hasn’t anyone given this guy a contract yet?!

The final design is known as the ‘Retro.’ Just as the name would suggest, it’s a throwback design to 60s and 70s automotive aesthetics. Aside from the dial design, the strap is 100% leather.

What makes these watches so appealing, aside from the price, is the attention to detail that was put in place. Everything from the crystal and gasket, bezel, case body, crown, and case back is in the spirit of automotive design. And I can’t seem to get enough of those straps either.

My only lesson from all of this (aside from a giant boost of creative inertia), would be to do more stuff, whatever that may be for you. Then document it and share it with the world. Who knows where the next automotive designer is hiding.
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About the author: Cristian Curmei
Cristian Curmei profile photo

A bit of a nomad at heart (being born in Europe and raised in several places in the USA), Cristian is enamored with travel trailers, campers and bikes. He also tests and writes about urban means of transportation like scooters, mopeds and e-bikes (when he's not busy hosting our video stories and guides).
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