Automotive themed chronographs aren’t exactly uncommon, but while many take a direct approach to making the connection clear, Autodromo derives automotive inspiration in a more thoughtful manner. Existing collections such as the Group B and Group C take after their respective racing regulations and look to the cars that raced them for design cues. The results are generally unique, and capture the era and design trends of the cars brilliantly. Autodromo takes another step in this direction this week with a new watch, which is simply called the Racing Team Chronograph. There is a reason for the somewhat generic approach, and it too has roots in racing history.
As tobacco advertising fell out of favor, some of the more iconic liveries based on brands like Marlboro, such as the McLaren MP4/4, dropped the literal branding in favor of just the colors, resulting in cars like the McLaren MP4/6. These cars retained the colors and shapes associated with the tobacco brands, but ditched the literal names of the brands in the process. Autodromo has taken this concept to heart with the new Racing Team Chronograph, dropping the literal branding, and opting instead for just the iconography and a rather generic ‘Racing Team’ label at the bottom of the dial.
The minimal theme is present throughout the rest of the watch as well. While each of the functions of the watch are fully indexed, there are no numerals, even in the totalizer of the chronograph. A broad, flat bezel bereft of any information frames the dial, and widens the visual weight of the watch, with a small, narrow set of lugs barely protruding at each end. The overall shape and structure of the case is quite reminiscent of the Ford GT Chronograph developed by Autodromo, which included a high-end execution available exclusively to Ford GT owners.
The Racing Team Chronograph takes that concept a bit further, stripping the bezel of its tachymeter in favor of two different finishes: matte gray and brushed stainless. The dial of both is a vertically brushed black, heightening the drama of the design as a whole. The result is a striking design that feels suitably sporty despite the lack of any big colors. The Racing Team label at the bottom of the dial will likely be the most polarizing element here, and firmly places the watch into context.
Autodromo is using the Seiko VK63 chronograph hybrid meca-quartz movement, which allows for a case thickness of just 11.3mm. The diameter is 40mm, while the lug to lug is a mere 43mm. As mentioned, these are very short lugs. Total production of the two finishes will be capped at 165 pieces, and each will be priced at $625. Autodromo