Rally Racing Watch Strap In 21st Century

Race cars and watches are very much alike as they both revolve around accuracy and precision with the use of their engine or caliber/movement. The idea of a race watch was initially brought up in the late 1800’s after the first “horseless carriage race”, which ended poorly due to the lack of timekeeping.

20mm or 22mm MiLTAT Italian Handmade Racer Vintage Blue Watch Strap, White Stitching 20D16PBU63R1B25

Since then, as racing became more and more popular, the importance of having an accurate timepiece became essential. During the early 1900’s, majority of racing events often took place in Florida, US.

22mm Rollball 316L Stainless Steel Watch Bracelet Straight End, Brushed V-Clasp SS221820B088S

This Rollball version II Rally Racing metal watch band slightly reduced the thickness and roundness design to evoke strong nostalgia, demo on Seiko SSC813P1 Speedtimer Solar Chronograph.

It just so happened that the very first successful race car driver at the time, kept on breaking records after records while wearing the famous “RX” brand watch. The “Crown” logo company decided to take a step further and to continue with the idea of creating a race watch, which we all know how that turned out.

Left: 22mm MiLTAT Genuine Calf Light Sandy Brown Nubuck Watch Strap, Beige Stitching 22P18PBU63S6Q11
Right: German made 20mm Rally Racing Brown Shrunken Cowhide Watch Band, Polished 20P16PBU63C1C50

The DAYT, which is probably one of the most iconic racing watches ever. Surprisingly, racing watch straps were not introduced until the seventies since race watches have been around since the early 1900’s.

22mm MiLTAT Italian Handmade Racer Vintage Green Watch Strap, L. Brown Stitching 22J18PBU63R1F25

The concept of racing straps was directly inspired by the perforations done on various parts on a race car. Based on the same idea, rally race straps was design to help with the condition for the driver during the long hours in a rally race.

22mm MiLTAT Rally Racing Black Strap 22B18PBU63C1A78

22mm MiLTAT Italian Handmade Racer 22O18PBU63R1B24

Rally racing watch straps are no longer chosen only because to help with improve racing conditions, it has become a fashionable style of watch straps that are commonly known to pair with chronograph watches.