Five Gulf Racing Inspired Watches For Around $500

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.

This story was updated on 12/15/2025

Bulova Racer Chronograph

With a classic 60s style, Model 98B432 is a Silver-tone stainless steel with a textured light blue with orange dial and white racing pattern chapter ring. The 3-link stainless steel bracelet with clasp is comfortable and easy to wear. It also looks great on a NATO Strap. 5-hand chronograph layout with subdials displaying chronograph minutes and a 24-hour time indicator. A date window is positioned at 6 o’clock for added practicality. The bold orange chronograph seconds hand ensures clear legibility, while applied silver-tone markers and beveled hands, filled with luminescent material, provide visibility in low-light conditions.

$556 SHOP HERE

Timex Marlin Hand-Wound California Dial 34mm

A classic hand-wound mechanical movement with a Gulf Racing inspired NATO strap, I would prefer all Arabic or all Roman for 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 (discontinued) SHOP HERE

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 SHOP HERE

Hemel The Snelway

The Snelway comes in at 40 mm wide and 11 mm thick, with a “no lug” puck-style case that lets the strap attach underneath the round case body rather than with traditional protruding lugs. Powered by a Seiko VH31 quartz movement. Leather with signed buckle

$199 SHOP HERE

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.

$550 SHOP HERE

Maurice de Mauriac Straps

If you already have a great watch but just wanted to add some Gulf Racing Inspired 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.

$70 SHOP HERE

Quick Facts: Gulf Racing Inspired Watches Under $500

• Theme: Affordable watches styled with the classic Gulf Racing blue and orange motorsport colors — inspired by legendary racing liveries.
• Purpose of article: Highlight five budget-friendly Gulf-inspired watches that capture motorsport aesthetic without high price tags.
• Featured watches:
  • Bulova Racer Chronograph — retro racing look with Gulf colors, chronograph layout.
  • Timex Marlin Hand-Wound California Dial 34 mm — classic mechanical watch with Gulf-style NATO strap.
  • Straton Daily Driver Chronograph 44 mm — motorsport-inspired chronograph with subtle Gulf nods.
  • Hemel The Snelway — vintage-inspired design in Gulf palette.
  • Roebuck Diviso Automatic 42 mm — micro brand automatic with Gulf-style accents.
• Style cue: Classic light blue and bold orange colors — racing heritage nod without needing official licensing.
• Optional add-ons: Gulf Racing–inspired NATO straps from Maurice de Mauriac for any watch.
• Page popularity: Over 225,000 views since publication.

FAQ

What makes a watch “Gulf-inspired”?
A Gulf-inspired watch uses the iconic blue and orange racing color theme associated with Gulf Oil motorsport liveries, especially from endurance racing.

Which watches are featured in this article?
The article showcases five affordable Gulf-inspired watches: Bulova Racer Chronograph, Timex Marlin with Gulf-style NATO strap, Straton Daily Driver Chronograph, Hemel The Snelway, and Roebuck Diviso Automatic.

Are these watches affordable?
Yes. All featured watches are priced around or under $500, making them accessible Gulf style alternatives.

Do these watches have official Gulf branding?
The featured watches are styled with Gulf-like colors; they do not necessarily carry official Gulf logos or partnerships.

Can I use a Gulf-style strap on any watch?
Yes. You can add a Gulf style NATO strap or similar accessory from brands like Maurice de Mauriac to any watch for a racing-inspired look.