Racing Inspired Reverse Panda Chronographs
For some time now I've been stewing over what watch is "missing" from my collection. (Or put another way, which watch is next!). With a plethora of divers and daily's of various sorts, it's a chronograph I feel I'm missing most of all, be it automatic or manual wind. I'm currently quite enamoured with the reverse panda (apparently aka evil panda?) aesthetic, and as someone who raced cars for many years and never flew planes, a piece with an automotive flair seems most appropriate vs the pilot inspired options out there. So, I'm looking to the Watchcrunch hive-mind for ideas; given the parameters: non-quartz, reverse panda, racing inspired, pre-owned is fine, micro-brands are fine for the most part. What would you suggest/which are your favorites? For price point, I'd keep it bellow the current market for say a good condition broad arrow speedmaster reissue. Thanks in advance, looking forward to what folks come up with!
Watch enthusiast, occasional racecar driver and scuba diver, full time dad, wannabe photographer
Tons of options out there. Let’s start with one with genuine racing heritage, the Tag Autavia. Still hoping to add one of these one day and they are very reasonably priced on the preowned market. They also make a two register Viceroy addition
Speaking of two registers, how about the Hamilton Intramatic Chrono:
Next up a micro/independent brand, Norqain:
If you push the budget and your AD has one, you can pick up the Tudor.
Yema have the Speedgraf
I know it's not a true reverse panda ,bit it celebrates the isle of man TT race
baltic tricompax
nivada chronomaster
nezumi, sorry this one is mechaquartz but i think it looks good
Nothing does it like the Blachard Gentleman Racer, a true racing inspired chronograph. Has different bezels you can swap out representing US and European road racing. Check um out!!
Tons of options out there. Let’s start with one with genuine racing heritage, the Tag Autavia. Still hoping to add one of these one day and they are very reasonably priced on the preowned market. They also make a two register Viceroy addition
Speaking of two registers, how about the Hamilton Intramatic Chrono:
Next up a micro/independent brand, Norqain:
If you push the budget and your AD has one, you can pick up the Tudor.
An excellent selection! Of these the Autavia and Tudor tug the heartstrings most. For my 6.5" wrist though I think the Heuer is just too bulky. The Tudor for me is the standout I think, minus the screw down pushers it might just be perfect but then 200m water resistance is very useful. (I debate on and off about whether I like the snowflake hand).
Yema have the Speedgraf
I've seen this brand in ads everywhere, what's their build quality like and actual presence on the wrist? I'm yet to see one in the metal.
I know it's not a true reverse panda ,bit it celebrates the isle of man TT race
An interesting option! I'd love to go to the TT one day
I've seen this brand in ads everywhere, what's their build quality like and actual presence on the wrist? I'm yet to see one in the metal.
The only Yema I have is one of their digital ones. The LED Silver.
It’s very nice but doesn’t give me much if a clue to how the racing chronograph will be. Other people have said good things about their analogs and the Superman has had some good things said about it.
baltic tricompax
nivada chronomaster
nezumi, sorry this one is mechaquartz but i think it looks good
Was chatting with @Max about the Nezumi when he was in town. It's a neat watch for the price for sure. I waffle between liking it and finding the design a bit overstated. But, it stands out in the crowd for sure.
The Nivada, for some reason that broad spread of the subdials pushed to the edges doesn't work for me. Sort of like the speedmaster reduceds.
The Baltic - I just saw this come up in the past week or so. How's their build quality? Hints of zenith and navitimer in there.
Nothing does it like the Blachard Gentleman Racer, a true racing inspired chronograph. Has different bezels you can swap out representing US and European road racing. Check um out!!
I love the idea of the interchangeable bezel here! I don't see these on their website though. Still in development? I'd rather go mechanical/auto vs mechaquartz at this stage but perhaps if I handled one and felt the chrono engagement I'd change my mind.
The only Yema I have is one of their digital ones. The LED Silver.
It’s very nice but doesn’t give me much if a clue to how the racing chronograph will be. Other people have said good things about their analogs and the Superman has had some good things said about it.
Love it! It's like a daft punk helmet turned watch.
An excellent selection! Of these the Autavia and Tudor tug the heartstrings most. For my 6.5" wrist though I think the Heuer is just too bulky. The Tudor for me is the standout I think, minus the screw down pushers it might just be perfect but then 200m water resistance is very useful. (I debate on and off about whether I like the snowflake hand).
That’s the issue with most automatic chronos, chunkiness, but in truth they were supposed to be larger for visibility while racing, etc. On top of the fact integrated automatic chronographs are not cheap. The Hamilton, while also not thin, wears very well.
I love the idea of the interchangeable bezel here! I don't see these on their website though. Still in development? I'd rather go mechanical/auto vs mechaquartz at this stage but perhaps if I handled one and felt the chrono engagement I'd change my mind.
You get one of the 4 bezels with the watch, and of course they sell the other bezels separately at $55 a pop.
Love it! It's like a daft punk helmet turned watch.
That’s brilliant! Best description I’ve heard for it. 👏😂
Went over the the site and its on the fritz for reason!! Wonder if they shut down😕
Any thoughts on the Bell & Ross Bellytanker? Not a brand I've ever looked at before (not into the square watches) but their bronze reverse panda chrono certainly looks stunning in photos!