The "Robot Expedition" rally, a classic car rally across Eurasia from Prague to Osaka Expo, has begun. Seven classic cars, primarily Czech cars from the 1950s to 1980s, will take on a 16,000-kilometer journey through 13 countries. The event is organized by the Czech watch brand Robot, whose founder, Josef Zajček, will be behind the wheel himself as he embarks on this legendary journey. A commemorative watch has also been released to coincide with the rally.
Text by Rüdiger Bucher
[Article published on January 16, 2025]
Trans-Eurasia Rally "Robot Expedition"
A spectacular rally is currently underway across Eurasia in classic cars, starting from Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, and heading to the Czech Pavilion at the 2025 Osaka Expo. It's called the "Robot Expedition." Robot is a Czech watch brand, and its founder and owner, Josef Zajček, leads the rally team. He described the rally as follows:
"This journey proves that even from a small garage in a remote corner of Europe, you can set off to the far corners of the world with a powerful story to tell. We believe that the Czech Republic and its people have something valuable to share, and we hope that this journey will inspire people with the power of aspiration, rather than just nostalgia."
The departure ceremony was attended by the Czech President
The departure ceremony took place in Prague on June 21st, and was attended by Czech President Petr Pavel. The seven classic cars are scheduled to arrive in Osaka at the Czech Pavilion on July 24th, the "National Day" of the Osaka Expo. The rally also pays homage to the "Sakura Expedition," in which four young people set out on foot and hitchhiked from Prague to Osaka Expo '70.
"This Expedition reminds us that no matter what the situation in the world, we only have one Earth and we must learn to live together. The Robot Expedition is a journey of understanding and friendship. I wish everyone safety, good health and a punctual arrival," said Czech President Petr Pavel.
Czech classic cars take center stage
The cars participating in the rally are classic cars manufactured between the 1950s and 1980s. The focus is on cars produced in Czechoslovakia at the time. The famous Tatra "T603" is a luxury car with an air-cooled V8 engine mounted in the rear, and the car participating this time is a 1959 model. Robot founder Zaječek himself is at the wheel.
Four other Czech-made vehicles are also taking part, all Skoda: two early 1960s Octavias, a 1973 100, and a 1980 120. Other Czech cars also taking part in the rally include a 1977 Toyota Celica and a 1966 Ford Mustang.
Seven vehicles tackling a tough route and the support system
Each of the seven classic cars will be accompanied by a driver and co-driver, and a service car with two mechanics will also be brought along, providing a complete support system.
The route was supposed to start in Prague, passing through Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, then cross the Caspian Sea into Kazakhstan, and then on to Uzbekistan, China, South Korea, and Japan, making for a total of 13 countries on the long journey. However, due to various circumstances, the group did not actually pass through Uzbekistan, instead heading from Kazakhstan to China.
The rally is being posted on the official Instagram account, and as of July 16, 2025, it is currently in China.
Commemorative model robot "Expedition Prague Osaka"
To commemorate this adventure, Robot has released a special model, the "Robot Expedition Prague Osaka." Based on the brand's three-hand model, the Apros, this model features a 39mm stainless steel case. The dial features numerous small automobile silhouettes reminiscent of classic cars that participated in rallies, creating a unique sense of dynamism.
Automatic movement (Cal. ROBOT APLOS G100). 28,800 vph. Power reserve: approximately 65 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 39.4 mm, thickness 10.3 mm). Water resistant to 5 bar. Price upon request.
The embossed dot pattern seen on the dial of the Apros has been replaced with the silhouette of a car in this model, further enhancing the world of rallying. The strap is a light brown leather strap, further emphasizing the classic appeal.
The movement is an automatic made by La Joux-Perret in Switzerland, with a power reserve of approximately 65 hours, and is intricately detailed with traditional decorative finishes such as blued screws and Côtes de Genève.
