Blanchard Watch Co: Gentleman Racer

by Michael Satterfield - 09/05/2024

The watch world has been on fire for the last few years, with major brands like Rolex, Breitling, and Omega having to increase production with some popular models being sold out a year in advance. The timepiece bonanza has also launched countless micro brands, including Blanchard Watch Co. which released its first watch plans in 2019.

Founded by Robert Blanchard, a watch collector, and SCCA racing driver, the Gentleman Racer watch was inspired by his own time behind the wheel and classic racing chronographs of the past. The watch was designed to be functional for racing drivers and enthusiasts looking to keep track of their lap times. Part of this innovative design is the interchangeable bezels, which allow watch owners to change the bezel to keep time at some of the most iconic race tracks in the world. Changing the bezels is a process that requires tools, for those of us that are into analog watches it is an enjoyable exercise.

Offered in three colorways, black with white subdials, white with black subdials, and steel with black subdials, the Gentleman Racer reminds me of many of the classic watches in my collection. But for a watch at this price point, it is packing a lot of extras, including a beautifully made leather carry pouch with tools and a leather NATO strap with a racing extension so the watch can be worn over a driving suit. The standard strap is a classic black and grey nylon NATO strap.

The optional stainless steel bracelet has a nice design, is not chunky overall, and is finished to the same high standard as the watch case. Each watch includes one bezel of your choice, however, you can order additional bezels and the carry pouch has a space for each of them.

The four bezels are:

60 Minute Second-Time Zone Bezel with 30, 45, and 60 min markers.
6+ Hour Endurance Track Timing Bezel, which includes markers for Shanghai, Sebring, Silverstone, Fuji, and Lemans.
GT US Endurance Track Timing Bezel features makers of US tracks like Mid-Ohio, Long Beach, Laguna Seca, and others.
An all-black Tuxedo Bezel gives the watch a more "dress watch" appearance for a night out.

The watch wears very nicely, it has a nice weight, while I have never been a big fan of metal bracelets, once adjusted to my size, it is comfortable and feels well made. My preference is always a nylon NATO strap; however, I want to save the leather NATO strap to use with the racing extension for those rare occasions that I want to wear it over a racing suit or jacket. It is a nice touch and reminds me of the extra-long straps that would come on classic pilots' watches to go over their flight jackets.

The plungers, crown, bezels, and strap hardware all feel well-made and top quality. The face and red second hand are very easy to read even at a glance. It is a very nice size and reminds me a lot of the Tag Heuer Formula 1, which also is a quartz chronograph with a panda dial option. The Panda dial Tag Heuer with a stainless steel bracelet will set you back $1,650, while the Blanchard Gentleman Racer with the optional bracelet comes in at just $380. If you get the watch with the NATO strap, you are only looking at $325, which is $1,125 less than the least expensive Formula 1.

Now I know that price difference will make many watch enthusiasts question just how good the Blanchard can possibly be, but the materials and movement are on par with watches costing substantially more. 316L stainless case, a sapphire crystal, and a reliable Seiko VK64 Mecha Quartz movement make the Gentleman Racer one of the best values in the vintage-inspired racing chronographs.