A few months ago, a number of friends who know my love of watches and Honda cars sent me an article that was published on the car news website The Drive. It featured what appears to be a vintage novelty watch with Honda branding and a dial that looks like a motorcycle dashboard. I tried to find out more about it, but was unsuccessful.
Then, more recently, a friend of StrapHabit, Levon (of the Knife Nuts Podcast), told me that he had a surprise for me. Shortly after, the Honda Speedometer watch arrived! This was the second time that he's come through for me, after helping me find a Moonswatch White Snoopy Moonphase. I was excited to check it out and try to figure out exactly what this thing is.
First Impressions of the Honda Speedometer Watch
It turns out that the watch in the Drive article was not a vintage watch. Levon got it new from the website hondawatch.com. The packaging is high-quality and features Honda branding that looks correct (unlike the fake Casio Honda Type-R watch that I got on eBay).
Whatever it is, the speedometer watch is certainly fun. The small vintage size gives it character, as does the dial's three-dimensionality. It's sure to be a conversation starter.
Honda Speedometer Watch Details
Like my real Casio Honda Type-R watch, it has gauge-style indicator needles. Unlike that watch, however, they don't move. They are at least three-dimensional rather than printed, making the watch more fun to look at.
The high-beam, top-gear, and neutral indicators are also not functional but still look cool.
The speedometer display includes an "ED" zone as well as recommended upshift points for each of four gears. I'd like to know if this is modeled after a specific Honda motorcycle model. It looks to me like it's from the mid to late 80s.
The steel case is polished and coated in black. It picks up a lot of fingerprints, but matches the aesthetic.
The back of the watch features the Honda motorcycle wing logo. It says this watch was made in Japan and, supposedly, it is #5 of a limited edition of 20. Interestingly, the Instagram post linked in the Drive article also shows watch #5/20 with the same serial number as my watch. Is it possible that I received the exact watch from that post? I think not.
Wearing the Honda Speedometer Watch
Unlike the Autodromo Group B, or Porsche Design Chronograph, which are well-executed gauge-styled watches, the legibility takes a backseat to style on this watch. A tiny LCD display is recessed deep into the dial. It's tricky to read unless you have good eyes and good lighting.
It's actually easier to read in the dark if you use the shockingly bright green backlight (which could double as a dim flashlight).
If you're wearing it for style, however, it's comfortable. The 35mm size advertised seems not to include the pusher surrounds, but either way, it's compact. This does make it feel more like a kid's toy, but that's part of the appeal.
Honda Speedometer Watch Bracelet and Strap
The brushed black stainless steel bracelet features folded links and a flip lock clasp that reminds me of the bracelet on a Q Timex. 18mm lugs mean that StrapHabit TQ18 straps will fit, although I had to squeeze it pretty hard to get the spring bars to seat.
It also comes with a black resin strap and a tiny strap-changing tool for installing it.
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Honda Speedometer Watch Movement
The operation of this watch is similar to that of the Farr & Swit Retro Digital Mix Tape, albeit with an extra button and a much smaller display, lacking the day and date. It features a stopwatch, alarm, hourly chime, and the aforementioned backlight.
It is powered by a CR2032 battery, which was not included. Luckily I had a few at home, as it's a common battery size. A small screwdriver was included to remove the caseback and unscrew one screw securing the battery holder. I've read it described as a Casio movement but nothing on the watch or packaging indicates that.
Initially, not all of the functions worked, and I was unable to set the time. I disassembled and reassembled everything, and then it started working. There was a note inside the case about performing an AC reset, which I believe was the problem. The only current issue is that I can't figure out how to disable the daily alarm (the watch did not include a manual). For now, I set it for 2pm so that it won't wake anyone up when it goes off. I contacted the email address on the website, and someone has responded to my queries. Unfortunately, the most recent information provided to hold down 2 specific buttons hasn't worked.
Honda Speedometer Watch Conclusion
I've been unable to confirm that Honda endorsed this watch or what it is based on. Either way, it's quite fun to wear. It will certainly be a discussion piece among Honda fans. Now if only I could figure out how to turn the alarm off!
UPDATE:
The contact at Hondawatch.com sent me this photo. I did some research, and it seems to be a meter from a 2003-2007 Honda Dream EX5 scooter. I was way off thinking it's from the 80s, but it is based on a real design.
Honda Speedometer Watch Specifications:
Name: Honda Watch
Reference Number: N/A
MSRP: $250 (currently on sale for $139)
Width: 36.5mm
Height: 41.mm
Thickness: 11.6mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Water Resistance: 30m
Weight: 70g (with bracelet)
Movement: Digital quartz
Crystal: Unknown (likely acrylic)
Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel bracelet/resin strap