If you’re a motorsport enthusiast with a penchant for precision timing, you’re in for a treat. Late last year, Dutch indie watchmaker Hubert Pellikaan introduced the world to his first-ever chronograph, the Lorentz Speed of Sound. Known for his robust and highly legible watch designs, Hubert’s “form follows function” philosophy shines through in this timepiece. The clever arrangement of indices and markings allows you to measure elapsed time down to 1/8th of a second, a rarity in chronographs.
Fast forward almost a year, and we have the second edition that’s sure to captivate car and racing aficionados – the Speed of Sound Racing.
At first glance, you might think nothing has changed. The Speed of Sound Racing still features the substantial 45mm stainless steel case that made its debut a year ago. Its rock-solid exterior is accentuated by a fully brushed finish, giving the watch a distinctive presence on your wrist. Standing tall at 15.4mm, this chronograph defies the trend towards smaller sizes, appealing to those who appreciate a substantial sports watch.
The watch’s imposing appearance is further emphasized by the large knurled crown, flanked by sturdy pump-style chronograph pushers. Both the front and the back of the watch are protected by sapphire crystal, ensuring durability and scratch resistance.
The hallmark of the Speed of Sound series is its dial layout, and the Racing edition takes it up a notch with the addition of fluorescent orange accents to the otherwise monochromatic display. This vibrant touch doesn’t compromise the watch’s legibility; it simply adds a playful element. The striking color is limited to the chronograph hands, leaving the rest of the dial untouched.
The clever seconds track along the outer edge of the dial still features markings for 1/2 and 1/4th of seconds, allowing you to measure time down to 1/8th of a second with ease. If the central chronograph second hand lands between two of the 1/4th of a second markers, you know you’ve stopped it at 1/8th of a second. It’s that simple.
Under the hood, the Speed of Sound Racing houses the reliable Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph movement. Hubert makes subtle modifications, reducing the movement from three to two indications and eliminating the date feature. The movement maintains its familiar 28,800 vibrations per hour (vph) frequency and offers an impressive 43 hours of power reserve. The finished rotor, visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, adds a touch of aesthetics to this robust movement.
Pellikaan Timing offers three strap options to complement the Speed of Sound Racing. The first is a NATO strap available in various colors, with the iconic Gulf Oil blue-and-orange combination perfectly suiting the racing theme. Alternatively, you can choose a smooth black or blue leather strap, both equipped with a steel pin buckle. If you prefer a more refined look, there’s the option of a black alligator leather strap. Prices start at EUR 1,500 for NATO straps, EUR 1,580 for black or brown leather straps, and EUR 1,700 for the black alligator strap.
The Speed of Sound Racing is now available for order, with deliveries scheduled to begin on December 1st, 2023. To learn more about this exceptional timepiece and place your order, visit Pellikaantiming.nl.
