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For most of us, collecting a few classic cars is a dream—a poster on the wall, a fantasy drive through Monaco, maybe a vintage 911 tucked away in the garage. For Bernie Ecclestone, that dream turned into a lasting legacy. Over the past 50 years, the former Formula One boss has quietly assembled what’s widely regarded as the finest collection of Grand Prix and F1 cars ever put together—a garage of 69 race-winning legends, each with its own story, victory, or scandal to tell.
Now, at 94, Ecclestone is letting go. This isn’t some billionaire’s fire sale. It’s a deeply personal decision to unload the weight of a lifetime’s racing memories—on his own terms. In a recent media statement, Ecclestone said, “After collecting and owning them for so long, I would like to know where they have gone and not leave them for my wife to deal with should I not be around.” It’s a classic Bernie move: strategic, calculated, but also—dare we say—sentimental.
Key Highlights:
Bernie Ecclestone, 94, is selling 69 vintage F1 cars from what’s considered the greatest race car collection ever assembled.
The entire collection was sold privately to Red Bull heir Mark Mateschitz to Preserve Its Integrity and Eventually Open It to the public.
Automotive dealer Tom Hartley Jnr is managing the sale, calling it “The most important race car collection in the world.”
Iconic cars include Schumacher’s Ferraris, the banned Brabham BT46B fan car, and Stirling Moss’s Vanwall VW10.
The task of finding a suitable new home for these priceless machines has been entrusted to none other than Tom Hartley Jr., one of the most respected names in high-end automotive trading. And Hartley isn’t shy about emphasizing the importance of what he’s selling. “There has never been, and probably never will be, a collection like this ever offered for sale again,” he says. “It consists of the greatest cars of their time, many of which have not been seen for decades and are totally unique.”
These aren’t just dusty relics hidden under tarps; they are living legends—machines that once dominated Monza’s straights, glided through Spa’s curves, and ruled Monaco’s streets. From the infamous Brabham BT46B “fan car,” which won its only race before being banned, to championship-winning Ferraris driven by icons like Michael Schumacher, Niki Lauda, and Mike Hawthorn, this collection is more than just cars. It stands as motorsport’s Mount Olympus.
Also included are the Vanwall VW10, driven by Stirling Moss during Britain’s first Constructors’ Championship victory in 1958. Additionally, the Brabham BT52, a turbocharged legend that helped Nelson Piquet win the 1983 world championship. Some of these cars have not been seen in decades, let alone available for purchase.
Bernie Ecclestone F1 collection | Image: Tom Hartley Jnr
Hartley, fully aware of the responsibility, stated in his promotional video, “I feel very privileged that Bernie has entrusted the sale of his cars to my Tom Hartley Jnr business… However, there has never been a collection like this one offered for sale, and no one in the world has a race car collection that comes close to Bernie’s.”
The asking prices? Not publicly available. But as Hartley bluntly said, “Buyers shouldn’t expect any deals.” These are the kinds of cars that don’t come with price tags—they come with stories, scars, and legacies.
That legacy will now continue—thanks to Mark Mateschitz, son of the late Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz. The younger Mateschitz has purchased the entire 69-car collection. No cherry-picking. No broken-up lots. Just one seamless transfer of history from one F1 titan to the heir of another.
In an interview, Ecclestone confirmed his trust in the handover: “They’ve gone to a good home… I wouldn’t have sold them unless I knew where they were going to end up.” And it will be a great home. Mateschitz has already suggested that the cars will eventually be accessible to the public—probably in a museum or exhibition in Austria. This gives fans, enthusiasts, and future drivers the opportunity to see these mechanical marvels up close, instead of them being stored away in some billionaire’s warehouse.
Bernie Ecclestone F1 collection | Image: Tom Hartley Jnr
And thank goodness for that. With the recent leaks revealing the Sultan of Brunei’s car collection languishing in storage containers, the last thing anyone wants is for these irreplaceable engineering marvels to decay in silence. These are the kinds of machines that deserve to be displayed, admired, and—if we’re fortunate—occasionally brought back to life on a proper racetrack.
This story, in many ways, closes a chapter on one of motorsport’s most influential figures. Bernie Ecclestone didn’t just collect cars—he collected moments. These weren’t investments to him; they were personal. Milestones. Markers of change, of triumph, of evolution. Now, with one sweeping move, he has passed the torch.
It’s not every day that the most important Formula 1 car collection ever assembled changes hands. It’s even rarer that it does so with such intention, grace, and respect for what these machines mean—not just to motorsport, but to those who lived and breathed it.
When the public finally gets to walk through the next iteration of this collection—wherever it ends up—it won’t feel like stepping into a museum. It’ll feel like walking through the DNA of Formula 1 itself.
Elias Albay is the Founder and Director of Many Men Magazine, a Toronto-based digital publication dedicated to promoting modern masculinity through style, culture, and self-improvement. What started as a personal turning point became a purposeful platform. — born from Elias’ desire to create something meaningful after completing his studies and finding no career path that truly matched his ambitions. With a background in Civil Engineering from York University and experience in Commercial Flight Operations at CAE, he applied skills, and resilience from both fields to forge a new path.
Our team of editors and experts thoughtfully chooses each product. If you decide to buy through one of our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more. Want to know how we test products? Click here for more details.
It’s another Tuesday, and we have an impressive selection of timepieces to discuss. However, this week is particularly special. We’re exploring a collection of watches that challenge conventions—some breathe new life into classic designs, while others completely redefine high horology. Consider it a masterclass in precision, creativity, and artistry, with each piece telling its own distinct story.
Certain watches draw attention with striking designs, while others radiate elegance through refined craftsmanship and technical expertise. Whether celebrating significant anniversaries that honour tradition or featuring cutting-edge complications that appear ahead of their time, this collection showcases remarkable ingenuity. Additionally, let us acknowledge the independent watchmakers who continually disrupt the industry, demonstrating that true artistry knows no bounds.
This week, we explore timepieces that set new standards—watches that fuse tradition with innovative mechanics, partnerships that combine performance with luxury, and expertly crafted masterpieces that challenge the boundaries of human craftsmanship. If you appreciate detailed skeletonized movements, striking collaborations, or artisanal quality, you’re in for a delight.
Absolutely, each of these watches carries a unique story. You’ll definitely want to catch every detail. Are you prepared to discover the best in watchmaking this week? Let’s dive in.
Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Skeleton 39 | Image: Maurice Lacroix
Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Skeleton 39
Brand: Maurice Lacroix
Model: Aikon Automatic Skeleton 39
Reference: AI6007-SS002-030-1
Diameter: 39mm
Thickness: 11mm
Material: Stainless Steel
Dial Color: Blue Dial
Calibre: ML115 (Automatic)
Power Reserve: 38 Hours
Water Resistance: 20 bar (200 meters, 650 feet)
Price: USD $3,990
When it comes to balancing contemporary design with high-level craftsmanship, Maurice Lacroix knows exactly what it’s doing. The Aikon Automatic Skeleton 39 isn’t just another sporty-luxe timepiece; it’s an open invitation to witness the beauty of mechanics in motion. This watch doesn’t hide behind a traditional dial; instead, it proudly showcases its inner workings, allowing you to admire the intricate dance of gears, levers, and springs with every flick of the wrist.
Measuring 39mm, it finds the perfect balance—small enough for elegant wear yet substantial enough to stand out. Made from stainless steel, it embodies the signature Aikon style: defined lines, sleek and brushed finishes, along with the iconic six-arm bezel that lends a unique architectural flair. However, the real highlight? The fully skeletonized dial, where negative space integrates into the design itself. The combination of grey and silver shades creates a raw, industrial look, emphasizing that this watch is crafted for those who truly value mechanical artistry in its most authentic form.
Powering this visual spectacle is the ML115 calibre, an automatic movement based on the reliable Sellita SW200-1 but significantly modified to align with Maurice Lacroix’s design philosophy. With a 38-hour power reserve, it’s ready to keep pace with your daily routine—whether you’re suited up for business or keeping things casual. And with robust 20-bar water resistance (200 meters, 656 feet), it’s not just a pretty face; it’s engineered to handle more than a splash of adventure.
For less than $4,000, you acquire a luxury sports watch that does more than display time—it narrates a story. This piece draws admiration, sparks discussions, and serves as a reminder that what lies beneath is often as significant as what is visible.
IWC Schaffhausen Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS | Image: IWC Schaffhausen
IWC Schaffhausen Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS
Brand: IWC Schaffhausen
Model: Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team
Reference: IW328210
Diameter: 40mm
Thickness: 10.8mm
Material: Grade 5 Titanium
Dial Color: Black with PETRONAS Green Accents
Calibre: IWC 32111 (Automatic)
Power Reserve: 120 Hours
Water Resistance: 10 bar (100 meters, 330 feet)
Price: USD $6,100
A watch imbued with motorsport heritage transcends its role as merely an accessory; it embodies speed, precision, and extraordinary engineering. IWC Schaffhausen, celebrated for its aviation timepieces, extends that same technical expertise to Formula 1 with the Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team edition. More than just a tribute to racing, this watch is designed like racing machinery, expertly calibrated for peak performance both on and off the track.
A highlight of this product is its Grade 5 titanium case, recognized for its association with high-performance engineering. This material is not only remarkably lightweight, ideal for anyone seeking a watch that is easy to wear, but it is also durable enough to withstand harsh conditions. With a case diameter of 40mm and a thickness of 10.8mm, it achieves an ideal blend of wrist presence and everyday comfort, rendering it a versatile accessory for both trackside adventures and urban environments.
What distinguishes this watch is its impressive power reserve. Featuring IWC’s 32111 calibre, it boasts an exceptional 120-hour power reserve—that’s five complete days of autonomy, so you won’t need to wind it every morning. Combine that with a 10-bar water resistance (100 meters, 328 feet), and you have a timepiece that’s as durable as the aerodynamics of an F1 car.
Next, consider the aesthetic allure. The black dial, highlighted by the iconic PETRONAS Green, provides a dynamic contrast that’s striking yet subtle. It embodies a sleek, bold, and effortlessly cool vibe—mirroring the spirit of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS team. The overall design is sporty and sophisticated, making it ideal for those who value motorsport and elegant watchmaking. Priced at USD $6,150, this IWC Pilot’s Watch is more than a commemorative timepiece—it’s a tribute to the relentless pursuit of precision and innovation. Whether you’re a die-hard F1 fan, an aviation enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates exceptional craftsmanship, this watch excels in every aspect.
When MB&F unveils a watch, it transcends mere timekeeping—it’s an audacious challenge to horological norms. The Legacy Machine Perpetual Longhorn and Legacy Machine Sequential Flyback Longhorn exemplify this spirit. With only 20 pieces each produced, these watches not only explore the limits of mechanical intricacy but also embody a bold, rebellious style.
Both models showcase a 44mm stainless steel case, representing a notable departure from MB&F’s usual preference for precious metals. The steel not only enhances wearability but also conveys a rugged, industrial aesthetic that beautifully complements the skeletonized black dials. Moreover, the “Longhorn” nickname pays tribute to the elongated, curved lugs that prominently extend from the case, creating a striking presence on the wrist.
The LM Perpetual Longhorn showcases MB&F’s partnership with renowned watchmaker Stephen McDonnell. His LM Perpetual movement innovatively redesigns the conventional perpetual calendar, addressing typical issues such as misalignment or jamming during date adjustments. The dial arrangement features an orchestra of suspended subdials hovering over a captivating mechanical scenery, where gears and levers are completely visible. While featuring an innovative design, this watch is also extremely functional. Its intuitive pushers facilitate easy adjustments, and with a 72-hour power reserve, there’s no need for daily winding. More than a perpetual calendar, it redefines the capabilities of such a complication.
On the other side of the spectrum is the LM Sequential Flyback Longhorn, a truly unique chronograph. Once more, Stephen McDonnell introduces revolutionary innovation with a dual chronograph system that elevates timing capabilities significantly. In contrast to conventional chronographs, this model enables independent or simultaneous operation of both counters, offering features like a lap timer, split-seconds, or even cumulative timing. What makes this piece even more impressive is the addition of a flyback function elevates this piece, making it MB&F’s most sophisticated chronograph. The movement resembles a breathtaking mechanical sculpture, with the exposed gears, wheels, and column wheels that glide beneath the domed sapphire crystal. Similarly to its Perpetual counterpart, it features a 72-hour power reserve for dependable functionality and boasts a water resistance of 100 feet, enhancing its durability.
The LM Perpetual Longhorn and the LM Sequential Flyback Longhorn reflect MB&F’s innovative spirit, yet they express it through distinct approaches. One reimagines the perpetual calendar, while the other transforms the chronograph. However, both feature bold execution, avant-garde design, and impressive mechanics. Priced at USD $207,000 each, these are more than mere timepieces—they are artistic creations perfect for collectors who value the blend of engineering and creativity. While traditional watchmaking focuses on preserving heritage, MB&F aims to redefine it.
Sixty years is a long time in watchmaking, and when Oris celebrates such an anniversary, they do it with flair. The Divers Sixty-Five 60th Anniversary Edition pays homage to the brand’s inaugural dive watch from 1965. However, it’s more than just a reissue; this watch combines nostalgic appeal with contemporary dependability, ensuring it’s an everyday diver that is both stylish and practical.
With a diameter of 40mm and a thickness of only 11.5mm, this watch features ideal proportions for a modern dive watch, ensuring a comfortable fit while maintaining its functional tool-watch essence. The stainless steel case is both timeless and sturdy, and the black dial keeps the design looking sleek and easy to read. The large hour markers and hands, which are coated in luminous material, exude a pronounced retro charm, yet they offer excellent visibility whether you are diving or enjoying the last light of sunset.
The Oris Calibre 733-1 powers this anniversary edition, based on the Sellita SW200-1 movement, and offers a 41-hour power reserve—sufficient to keep things running smoothly between wears. While it may not be a hardcore saturation diver, the 10-bar water resistance (100 meters, 330 feet) ensures it’s more than capable of handling swimming, snorkelling, and everyday activities adventures.
What makes this edition special isn’t just its history—how it bridges the past and present. Priced at USD $2,500, it offers a vintage-inspired aesthetic without the fragility of an actual vintage watch. Whether you’re a longtime Oris enthusiast or simply seeking a well-built dive watch with a story to tell, the Divers Sixty-Five 60th Anniversary Edition is a testament to the fact that great design never goes out of style.
Greubel Forsey Hand Made 2 | Image: Greubel Forsey
Greubel Forsey Hand Made 2
Brand: Greubel Forsey
Model: Hand Made 2
Diameter: 41 mm
Thickness: 12.8 mm
Material: White Gold
Dial Color: Silver, Hand-Finished with Open Worked Sections
Calibre: Hand-Wound Tourbillon Movement (Entirely Handmade)
Power Reserve: 72 Hours
Water Resistance: 3 bar (30 meters, 100 feet)
Price: USD $703,000
Some watches stand out as true masterpieces. The Greubel Forsey Hand Made 2 is one such creation—a timepiece shaped not merely made, embodying an extraordinary attention to detail. In an age dominated by automation and mass production, this watch is exceptional, boasting over 95% of its parts meticulously handcrafted, including the bridges, screws, and even the hairspring. What does this mean for craftsmanship? It takes around 6,000 hours—almost three years—to complete just one watch.
With a diameter of 41mm and a thickness of just 12.8mm, the white gold case is both elegant and substantial, encasing a dial that transports you to another realm. The meticulously hand-finished silver dial, featuring its detailed open-worked sections, showcases the captivating movement of the hand-wound tourbillon—a mechanical wonder that embodies the essence of this remarkable watch. Every bridge, bevel, and polished edge is crafted with unparalleled precision, highlighting Greubel Forsey’s status as a leader in haute horology.
Beyond its artistry, the Hand Made 2 is no mere delicate artifact. With a 72-hour power reserve, it delivers exceptional performance, while the 3-bar water resistance (30 meters, 100 feet) ensures durability. But let’s be honest—this isn’t a watch that you take near water. It’s a piece of horological history, crafted for collectors who appreciate the true value of handcrafted pieces perfection.
Priced at USD $703,000, this isn’t just an ultra-high-end timepiece—it represents a commitment to the finest watchmaking traditions. The Greubel Forsey Hand Made 2 transcends trends, aiming to redefine craftsmanship itself. For lucky owners of this rare masterpiece, each moment becomes a treasure to appreciate.
Elias Albay is the Founder and Director of Many Men Magazine, a Toronto-based digital publication dedicated to promoting modern masculinity through style, culture, and self-improvement. What started as a personal turning point became a purposeful platform. — born from Elias’ desire to create something meaningful after completing his studies and finding no career path that truly matched his ambitions. With a background in Civil Engineering from York University and experience in Commercial Flight Operations at CAE, he applied skills, and resilience from both fields to forge a new path.
