The DMC-12 was manufactured in a purpose-built factory in Belfast, a city where political strife, sectarian violence, and unemployment were the norm, to garner the support of the UK government and generate funding.

Once the factory site was chosen, there was only 26 months to productionize the concept whilst building and outfitting the factory. The first DeLorean rolled off the line in January 1981.

The preceding years of media exposure and a dealer network of more than 340 locations in the USA led to no shortage of initial demand. But the recession of the early 1980s made the $25,000 DeLorean a hard sell in a time where car loans carried interest rates upwards of 18%. Betting that the economy would turn, John DeLorean doubled production to meet his expected surge in demand. Bad timing meant that this was not to be, and as car sales dropped precipitously, the factory was forced into receivership.

With no further backing from the then Thatcher-led Conservative government and accusations against John Z. DeLorean for financing a cocaine deal in a desperate attempt to secure funding, the DeLorean dream was over in late 1982.

Though DeLorean himself was found not guilty at trial in 1984 as a result of FBI entrapment, the factory was shuttered and the company dissolved. In 1985, the car’s starring role in the acclaimed comedic sci-fi film, ‘Back to the Future’, helped to immortalize the vehicle and make it an instantly recognizable sight on the open road.

Over the years, the entire story of the DeLorean is the reason that the DeLorean DMC-12 remains one of the best known and well-revered automobiles of the late 20th century.

A bird’s eye view of the SPX resembles that of the car silhouette with its signature gullwing doors outstretched.

The straps bear indents that are reminescent of the rear sunshade louver of the DeLorean, and a rubber stripe spans across the sides of the watch, evoking the body side moldings of the car.

The minutes index is also a reference to the Giugiaro-designed turbine wheels of the DMC-12, and the design motif on the caseback is inspired by the distinctive grid-like pattern of the rear tail lights.

Limited to 456 pieces, you’re invited to share in the rich story of this iconic vehicle that dominated the big screen and remains one of the most captivating stories into the 21st century. We know that time travel happens at 88 mph. With this timepiece on your wrist, all it takes is a conversation.