Miami became the meeting point for automotive culture and fine watchmaking during the weekend of November 6 to 8. The inaugural Time To Drive Car & Watch Festival, presented by 0260, brought together brands, collectors, and enthusiasts at Mana Wynwood and The Concours Club, celebrating two industries that share a passion for engineering, design, and precision.

Co-founded by Lex Borrero and Perri Dash, the festival aimed to go beyond a traditional exhibition, creating a space where automobiles and watches could connect through their history, innovation, and collecting culture. The event also featured conversations with prominent figures from both industries, brand experiences, and opportunities for international collector communities to come together.

A Space for Fine Watchmaking

One of the main attractions was The Collectors Club, a dedicated space bringing together 38 established and independent watch brands. Among them were Chopard, Zenith, Jacob & Co, MB&F, Ulysse Nardin, Hanhart, NORQAIN, offering a glimpse into the different approaches shaping contemporary watchmaking.

One of the standout presentations was the 0260 x BAIT x Hanhart collaboration, a reinterpretation of the 417 ES pilot chronograph inspired by the aesthetics of classic motorsport. Limited to 176 pieces, the collection was presented in two dial configurations, black and cream. This collaboration brings together German watchmaking heritage, contemporary collecting culture, and the visual codes of racing.

Chopard also chose the festival to unveil the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph American Racing Stripes, a limited edition of 50 pieces paying tribute to American motorsport. Its lacquered blue dial, featuring two white stripes and red accents, creates a visual connection with racing traditions. The watch features a 40.5 mm Lucent Steel case and a COSC-certified automatic movement with a 54-hour power reserve.

Meanwhile, Jacob & Co showcased the Bugatti Tourbillon, a timepiece that takes the relationship between watchmaking and automotive engineering into a distinctive mechanical dimension. Its most striking feature is an automaton inspired by a V16 engine, crafted from a single block of transparent sapphire crystal and accompanied by a 30-second flying tourbillon. The creation reflects the technical complexity and visual spectacle that characterize the Maison.

NORQAIN used the occasion to expand its Wild ONE collection with its first titanium models. The new Wild ONE Skeleton Titanium, available in 39 and 42 mm, and the Wild ONE Meteorite Titanium feature Grade 5 titanium top plates. The latter stands out in particular for its anthracite iron meteorite dial, whose natural pattern gives each example a unique appearance.

Another eye-catching creation came from Perrelet with the Turbine Casino Roulette, a limited edition of 100 pieces. The brand transforms its signature turbine architecture into a miniature roulette wheel, creating an interactive visual experience on the wrist. It is an original interpretation that combines Perrelet's mechanical design language with the playful spirit of casinos.

More Than Watches and Cars

The experience also placed the spotlight on collector communities, with groups such as Miami Watch Club and Vintage Vices taking part in the event. Panels, conversations, and gatherings brought together different voices from the industry, reinforcing the importance of the relationships between brands and enthusiasts.

The program also welcomed personalities such as Joe Kirk from Grand Seiko, Roman Sharf from Luxury Bazaar, and Adam Golden, founder of MENTA Watches. Their participation, together with live recordings of various podcasts, offered broader perspectives on collecting, the market, and the evolution of both industries.

Naturally, the automotive side played an important role, with 150 vehicles from Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW featured at WERKS: The German Concours, alongside exceptional models from Ferrari, Lamborghini, and other marques. The exhibitions highlighted how automotive design and engineering have evolved across different generations. There was also room for special projects, live demonstrations, and experiences connected to the history of motorsport.

A Community United by a Shared Passion

Time To Drive demonstrated that the connection between automobiles and watches goes far beyond aesthetics. Both worlds share a constant pursuit of precision, innovation, and technical excellence, but they are also shaped by a culture built around the people who collect and appreciate them. This relationship became particularly evident through the watch collaborations and timepieces that drew direct inspiration from automotive design and history.

With this inaugural edition in Miami, 0260 and its co-founders created an event that seeks to bring these communities even closer, opening new opportunities to celebrate the craftsmanship and stories that make both industries special. Time To Drive leaves behind a first edition that highlights the potential of bringing together two worlds that, despite serving different purposes, share the same fascination with exceptional machines.