Few watch styles have endured quite like the panda dial. With its iconic black-on-white design, the panda dial has captivated watch enthusiasts since the 1960s, evoking the adrenaline-fueled world of racing. The legendary Rolex Daytona Cosmographs, famously worn by actor and racer Paul Newman, set the benchmark for these chronographs. Today, MHD has taken the classic panda dial and given it a modern twist, resulting in the stunning MHD Daily Driver Panda Dial Watch (£595).
The MHD Daily Driver channels the timeless cool of Paul Newman-era chronographs while incorporating distinctively contemporary elements that set it apart. This timepiece pays homage to the 1960s racing chronographs, powered by a Seiko VK64 Hybrid Meca-Quartz movement, ensuring both precision and reliability. The standout black-and-white dial design brings an unmistakable vintage appeal, reminiscent of the panda eyes pattern that watch collectors know and love.
One of the defining features of the Daily Driver is its lightweight exoskeleton chassis case, crafted from 316L stainless steel. The 40mm case has a 12mm depth and a 47mm lug-to-lug length, making it comfortably wearable while maintaining a bold wrist presence. MHD’s signature four-piece layered case design gives the watch a unique aesthetic, while the black DLC-coated bezel insert adds a touch of modernity to the classic look. The bezel also features vintage luminova markers, emphasizing the retro inspiration. The watch is equipped with anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass to ensure clarity under all lighting conditions, and it is water-resistant up to 5 ATM, making it suitable for daily wear.
The dial is where the MHD Daily Driver truly comes alive. The matte white finish is accented with black sub-dials, staying true to the panda design, while MHD’s “in the red zone” signature graphic runs from 8 to 11 pm, adding a playful touch. Laser-cut holes on the dial reveal vintage-coloured Super-LumiNova, which glows brightly at night and gives the watch a striking character in the dark. The left-hand sub-dial counts the chronograph, while the right-hand sub-dial serves as a 24-hour indicator, adding practical functionality to this stylish timepiece.
To complete the look, the MHD Daily Driver comes with a choice of strap options: a retro racing red quick-release perforated leather rally strap, a black leather rally strap, or a 316L stainless steel bracelet. The red leather rally strap is a nod to the world of racing, giving the watch a sporty, bold appearance, while the black leather strap and stainless steel bracelet offer versatile options for different occasions and styles.
The MHD Daily Driver Panda Dial Watch is a perfect blend of classic and contemporary. It draws inspiration from the golden age of motorsport and brings it to life with modern craftsmanship and design. Whether you’re a racing enthusiast, a lover of vintage timepieces, or simply someone who appreciates an eye-catching watch, the MHD Daily Driver delivers in spades. This is a timepiece that carries the legacy of racing heritage while embracing the precision and style that modern watchmaking can offer. For anyone looking to channel their inner Paul Newman, this is the watch to do it with—effortlessly stylish, undeniably cool, and built for those who live life in the fast lane.
