Minimalism and chronographs don’t always go hand in hand. Typically the extra engineering required for the added subdial registers makes any minimalism impossible. However, Autodromo, known for its highly inspired and usually conceptual car-themed watches, has aimed to make its “most minimal chronograph ever.”
The watchmaker has found a similar aesthetic in its Group B and Vallelunga Automatic — both time-only references — as well as its Group C digital pieces. But this week, Autodromo has introduced the brand-new (and limited-edition, for now) Racing Team Chronograph, which will hopefully make its way into the permanent range eventually.
Car Watches to End All Car Watches
There are automotive-themed watch brands, and then there’s Autodromo. Founded in 2011 by car enthusiast Bradley Price, the American watchmaker has taken inspiration throughout automotive and racing history, mostly spanning the 1950s through the 1990s. It’s placed more common-knowledge references such as the defunct Group B and Group C categories but has also offered some deeper cuts with its Prototipo, which references the Prototype Era popular in the ‘70s, and the aforementioned Vallelunga Automatic, which takes its name after a racetrack in Rome. Nothing is truly off the table for Autodromo and with its most recent addition, we’ve seen just how esoteric the brand is willing to go.
The Racing Team Chronograph Basics
Referring to the new Racing Team Chronograph as an “if you know, you know” watch, Autodromo has found inspiration in the de-branded tobacco liveries popular during Formula One racing in the ‘90s. To push the issue even further, the brand has appropriately removed almost all of its own branding from the dial, leaving only the “A-D” logo below the 12 o’clock spot, with “Racing Team” stylized above the 6.
Powered by a Seiko VK63 hybrid meca-quartz chronograph movement, Racing Team sports a 40mm stainless steel case — offered in either brushed stainless or matte gray variants — with a 43mm lug-to-lug and a surprisingly thick bezel in tow. Eschewing numerals entirely, the watch isn’t completely barren of detail. Aside from the indices and hour marker dots, there are also number-less chronograph registers, powered by two diminutive pushers on the outside of the case. Even the black dial features a distinct and unique vertical brushing technique. Lumed on the hour markers, hour hand, and minute hand, the watch is water resistant to 50m and comes with either gray suede (with the matte gray case) or black (with the brushed stainless case) calf leather rally straps.
Spec Sheet
Case Size: 40mm
Lug-to-Lug: 43mm
Case Thickness: 11.3mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: 50m
Movement: Seiko VK63 hybrid meca-quartz chronograph
Band: Calf leather rally strap
Limited Edition?: Yes, 165
Pricing & Availability
Limited to just 165 pieces, the Racing Team Chronograph is still up for grabs for just $625 from Autodromo’s website while supplies last.
Recap
Autodromo Racing Team Chronograph
Autodromo proves its prowess as the king of automotive-themed watches with this minimalist Racing Team Chronograph, inspired by the de-branded tobacco liveries from ’90s Formula One racing.
