There are many luxury brands out there that offer unique visions when it comes to watches. As a result, it is sometimes easy as a watch collector to go with the tried and true options like Rolex, Tag Heuer, or Breitling.
But there are some new kids on the block that are just as stunning and deserve just as much attention. Among these are the watches designed and built by Autodromo.
In this article, we are going to introduce you to this new brand, and talk about why it’s one to look out for. Buckle up and get your timepiece ready for some vintage race car inspiration.
What Is Autodromo?
Autodromo, founded by an industrial designer and self-proclaimed car enthusiast, Bradley Price, was conceived in 2011. As such, this watch company is less than a decade old. Nevertheless, it has the style and class of some of the best watch companies that have been around for much longer.
While blogging about vintage race cars, Price soon realized that he could emulate the design of these vehicles’ old dashboard gauges to create unique and aesthetically-pleasing watches. He soon began to design watch faces and founded a company that would garner a lot of attention from auto enthusiasts and laymen alike.
Autodromo produces one watch a year and only in small batches. They are therefore exclusive and are regarded as collectables. When you look at their prices however, you wouldn’t think these models were limited editions.
Each of these watches is inspired by a specific era, most commonly the 50s and 60s. Certain car models also form the basis for their design.
Is Autodromo Worth The Price?
Due to their limited production, you would think that these watches would cost you more than that mortgage on the house. In reality, however, these models fall somewhere between $500 and $1500 which makes them exceptionally affordable.
For such a cheap price, you get a well-designed watch crafted by a team that has paid close attention to detail. Whether you are into vintage cars or not, you will love these watches and their unique designs and high-quality builds that are designed to last.
Autodromo Watches
The limited production of these watches makes Autodromo a highly sought-after watch brand. So allow us to introduce you to some of the best models and give you a short overview of each.
The following are some of the best Autodromo watches that you can add to your collection:
1. Ford GT Endurance Chronograph
The Ford GT is one of the most iconic and fastest cars that has ever been released by Ford. In fact, it was one of the go-to race cars in the 60s. So it is no surprise that this race-car-inspired watch brand and one of the world’s premier race car producers would team-up.
The watch’s build is just as smooth and stylish as the Ford GT car, and the performance is on par as well.
Crafted with care in stainless steel and featuring a mecha-quartz movement, the Ford GT Chronograph is a stylish and quality piece to add to your collection. This model comes in five variations as well as a special edition Owners Chronograph.
Features
- 40mm stainless steel case
- Concave Tachymeter Bezel
- Sapphire Crystal watch lens
- 60 min chronograph totalizer display
- Time indicator display
- Mecha-quartz movement (SEIKO VK)
- Comes in multiple variations
Price Point
$695
2. Group B Series 2 Automatic Windup
This model jumps forward a few decades to gain inspiration from the Group B automobiles of the 80s. These cars were fitted with new tech which makes them a unique option to combine with the sleek and stylish design that Autodromo watches are known for.
This is perhaps one of the most colourful series from this company with this model featuring a neon luminance and a silver band to show off its 80s style. It is thus the ultimate collaboration between steel and neon. And if that doesn’t scream the 80s, we don’t know what does.
The Group B Series 2 Windup Edition is a nice way to travel back to the past and relive an era of advancement in racing.
Features
- Stainless steel case
- Miyota 9015 automatic movement
- Super-luminova illuminated hands and indicators
- Sapphire crystal watch lens
- Water-resistant up to 50-metres
- Comes in multiple variations
Price Point
$975
3. Monoposto Chronograph
In 2012, Autodromo launched a model as a homage to the 50s Grand Prix. Being a large automatic movement watch, it was built with a wide frame and some minute details that stick out to the average race car aficionado.
The Monoposto Chronograph features accents like a red line which is a nod to the old practice of placing a strip of red tape on the car gauge. This was done to mark where the limits of the engine were. The visual marker gives off a nice look that makes any of the three models stand out.
Meanwhile, the internal functions of this watch are powered by a high-quality SEIKO movement for exceptional accuracy and reliability.
Features
- Three-dial chronograph flat pusher
- Stainless steel case (43mm)
- Automatic movement (SEIKO NE88)
- Power reserve (45 hrs. +)
- Domed Sapphires lens
- Water-resistant up to 50-metres
Price Point
$1800
4. Autodromo Stradale
This model harkens back to the 50s and 60s and the Berlinettas of Italian racing.
This is a vintage-looking watch with many layers and is another automatic movement working piece. Everything from the numbers to the carefully crafted angled bezel is designed to make you feel as if you’re sporting a gauge from the illustrious Italian sports cars of yore.
The inner mechanisms of this watch are designed to provide high accuracy. With such distinct accuracy and design, this watch is definitely a work of art and one that gives your vintage look some extra boost.
Features
- Stainless steel case (40mm)
- Automatic movement (Miyota 9015)
- Power reserve (42 hrs.)
- Comes in multiple variations
- Leather strap
- Sapphire crystal lens
- Water-resistant up to 50-metres
Price Point
$875
5. Autodromo Prototipo
Autodromo takes us into the racing world of the 70s with this model. In fact, the name itself is a big old nod to the prototype era of racing which unfolded throughout the late 60s and into the decade of disco.
Crafted with a cushion shape and contrasted sub-registers, this watch gives you an idea of what the 70s was all about.
The inner mechanisms, including the mech-quartz movement, leave the wearer of this exceptional watch with a highly accurate and durable timepiece that is sure to get some attention.
Features
- Mecha-quartz movement (SEIKO VK64/63)
- Illuminated hands and indicators
- Sapphire crystal lens
- Leather strap
- Stainless steel case (42mm)
- Water-resistant up to 50-metres
- Multiple variations
Price Point
$625 – $775 (depending on model)
6. Autodromo Veloce
This model returns us once again to the 60s and is a rev counter inspired timepiece. In fact, when translated, the name itself means speedy.
This stylish and fast-moving watch is a great piece to add to any collection. With its quartz moment and other high-grade internal mechanisms, you are sure to want to sport this watch for years to come.
Features
- Brushed stainless steel case (42mm)
- Ki Glass w/ Sapphire Coating lens
- Leather strap
- Water-resistant up to 30-metres
- Quartz movement (Ronda 6003.D)
- Comes in multiple variations
Price Point
$425
7. Group B Series 2 Corsica Blue
This is another model from the Group B series that is just a totally awesome piece to look at.
With the same inner workings as the model from above and the same design inspiration, the thing that sets this model apart is its Corsica Blue watch face and coral indicator and hands.
The designer claims that the uniquely designed features of this watch were inspired by a colour pallet that was, in turn, based on the Corsica Rally. As a result, the authentic 80s vibe emanating from this watch makes it incredibly stunning.
Features
- Stainless steel case
- Miyota 9015 automatic movement
- Super-luminova illuminated hands and indicators
- Sapphire crystal watch lens
- Water-resistant up to 50-metres
- Comes in multiple variations
Price Point
$975
Final Thoughts
If you are into vintage-looking watches with a little style mixed in, then looking at what Autodromo has to offer is a great idea. This fresh face to the watch world is likely to continue delivering high quality, reliable watches that will continue to stand out in the years to come.
So keep an eye out for this brand and make sure to look at their next limited-edition release when it makes its way to the market.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article about some of the best Autodromo watches. For another equally enticing read, why not check out Top 5 Luxury Watch Brands You Should Know About.