Civic Type R

Make
Honda
Segment
Hatchback

Automotive-inspired watches and timepieces are not rare. Earlier this month, Ferrari unveiled the world's thinnest watch that costs close to $2 million. Bugatti is no stranger to fastidiously crafted timepieces, and the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail inspired a timepiece that took 3,000 hours to make. What all these timepieces have in common is a link to an exotic brand and an equally exotic price tag, so we're happy to see that Seiko has come up with something that you don't need to sell your house and soul for. A collaboration with Honda, this Seiko Astron watch is inspired by none other than the recently revealed Civic Type R.

Like the Civic Type R's interior, the Astron watch has a sporty look and a mix of red and black elements. The strap itself is crafted from Ultra Suede and is inspired by the hot hatchback's upholstery, and the design as a whole is said to evoke Honda's racing spirit. The sapphire glass bezel features a tachymeter that can measure the time traveled over short distances and then convert that to the average speed from that time. Championship White, the signature shade that has been associated with sporty Hondas for decades, has been used in the construction of the watch. The dial base has a twin carbon-like pattern which is also inspired by the car.

Under the skin, the Astron is just as impressive. It has a radio wave correction function instead of GPS synchronization that negates the need to adjust the time and calendar. No battery changes are necessary since the Astron relies on solar charging. Both models in the range have titanium cases; one is silver and one is predominantly black. At 231,000 yen (just under $1,700 at current rates), the Seiko Astron watches are not exactly cheap, but they are affordable when compared to that $2 million Ferrari example. For diehard Honda Civic Type R fans, only 300 examples of each model of the Astron will be available, but it seems to only be available in Japan right now.