Five Gulf Racing Inspired Watches for Under $500

by Michael Satterfield - 01/10/2022

Back in 2018, I shared a popular post with a collection of Gulf Racing-inspired watches, many of them costing several thousands of dollars, and the few affordable options like the beautiful Seiko Recraft Series SSC667, have been discontinued and are selling for more than their original MSRP. Of course, you can still get the Tag Heuer Monaco Gulf Racing edition which has jumped to over $7,400, but if you don't want to spend thousands on a race-inspired watch I found five options that still get you that classic Gulf Racing style without breaking the bank. 

Bulova Caravelle Retro 40mm

With a classic 60s style, the Retro features a blue and orange bezel and NATO strap that offers a lot of racing style for the buck. Powered by a Japanese Quartz Miyota 2115 movement, it should be a solid everyday watch that even includes a date complication. As a Bulova fan, it is hard to not recommend the value of the Retro for such an incredible price. 

$125

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Timex Marlin Hand-Wound California Dial 34mm

A classic hand-wound mechanical movement with a Gulf-inspired NATO strap, I would prefer all Arabic or all Roman for the hours, but it is still a clean watch that could be worn for nearly any occasion, swap the strap out for a leather one and you could even get away with it for a more formal event. 

$199

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Straton Daily Driver Chronograph 44mm

Straton is a small enthusiast watch brand that has always had a great collection of retro motorsports-inspired watches and the Daily Driver is its take on a classic sports chronograph, the blue face with the orange strip is a subtle nod to Gulf Racing without being garish. Powered by a  Miyota 6S21 Japanese Quartz movement it will be reliable and cheap to keep running for years to come. 

$299

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Torgoen T25 GMT Night Pro 44mm

Torgoen is a brand I have personally owned and was very impressed with the quality and materials for the money. The cream dial with blue and orange hands looks great and matches the blue leather strap with orange stitching. A Swiss-made Ronda 515-24H Quartz movement is inside a well-made stainless-steel case. 

$345
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Roebuck Diviso Automatic 42mm

I had never heard of Roebuck Watch Company until I started looking for affordable watches in the Blue & Orange colorway and this handsome automatic popped up. The watch features a carbon fiber look bezel, Super-Luminova, a Sapphire Crystal, and a 22mm leather strap, all of which are impressive for a micro brand that has only been in business since 2015. For an extra $50 (retail of $549) you can get the Diviso Tread (pictured above) which comes with the limited edition tread pattern Italian leather strap.

$499

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Maurice de Mauriac Straps

If you already have a great watch but just wanted to add some Gulf Racing style, I suggest you visit Maurice de Mauriac who is known for high-quality NATO straps and offer some great Gulf Racing and Martini-inspired options. While they aren't the least expensive straps on the market (you can always find an inexpensive NATO strap on eBay) the Maurice de Mauriac straps are worthy of any watch you love and you can also order a matching key ring. Straps are offered in 20mm and 22mm.

$55

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