Louis Chevrolet Speedway LC17 Watch

We’ve found over the years that, when it comes to finding some of the best new watches, Kickstarter should be your first port of call and so it has proven once again with the superb looking Speedway LC17 series of watches from Swiss watchmakers, Louis Chevrolet. This automotive inspired series of watches has definitely caught our eye here at The Coolector and you’ll be hard pressed to find a better looking timepiece at the price point. There are six dial colours to choose from during the Kickstarter campaign – brown, black, anthracite, blue, silver or green – so you’ll undoubtedly something that tallies with your style persuasion and the colour choice will be made at the end of the Kickstarter campaign.

Directly based on the automotive world, this fantastic looking timepiece openly displays its inspiration. The 1963 Corvette C2, the team’s principal aesthetic influence is ever-present in the design of this top quality timepiece: the colours of the LC17 come from the official bodywork of this iconic car, considered to be the first American roadster, so if you’re a fan of this model, the Speedway LC17 Watch from Louis Chevrolet is for you. As a reference to the speedways – the origin of the collection’s name- and on which the Corvettes were immortalised, the dials of these impressive watches are also stamped with an asphalt design for that extra automotive touch.

GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY

Available for as little as $730 (excl. VAT) during the Kickstarter campaign, the Speedway LC17 Watch represent superb value for money in our opinion here at Coolector HQ. There are plenty of neat little design flourishes to these watches which really set them apart from the crowd which includes a side plate engraved with Louis Chevrolet’s slogan “Never Give Up”. The number 8, with which the driver won many races, can be seen on the textured crown, purpose-built for drivers: it provides a better grip, even when wearing gloves.

The Louis Chevrolet Speedway LC17 Watch on Kickstarter (from $730) boasts a 316L stainless steel case that has been satin-finished and polished, while the bezels and appliques are mirror- polished for an astounding visual impact on the wrist. The diamond hands of this model are also luminescent, courtesy of the Superluminova GLC1 which delivers high quality readability even in low light conditions. The LC17 has a domed sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating on both sides and a back see-through crystal decorated with a Corvette C2 rim motif, making the eye-catching movement visible.

This is first in-house caliber to be featured in one of Louis Chevrolet’s models and it is based upon a 2824-2 calibre with 25 jewels. The LC3H.D.A is assembled, adjusted and decorated by the watchmaker in their workshops in the Swiss Jura. The final standout feature of this Kickstarter campaign from Louis Chevrolet is the patented strap-changing system developed their team. It is so impressive because in less than 10 seconds, it allows for an effortless and tool-free strap change. And to offer the possibility of matching the watch to all occasions, 3 straps (silicone, leather and steel mesh) are included as part of the price. After an automotive inspired timepiece in 2022? This one would be a top pick of ours.

Leo Davie