In honor of Autodromo’s five-year anniversary, the watch and accessories company inspired by the golden age of motoring has announced the re-release of its Monoposto Automatic, only this time, they’ve gone chronographic.
Designed to hearken back to the age of Motorsports when a driver had only his oversized dash dials and his own abilities to rely on, the Monoposto Chronograph is a stunner that will make you feel like you could conquer a European Grand Prix. And in record time.
“I wanted to do something special for all of the Autodromo collectors and fans who missed out on the original watch,” said Bradley Price, Autodromo brand founder. “I couldn’t just re-issue the watch the way it was. I had to do something even more special and break new ground for Autodromo with the introduction of a mechanical chronograph. I also refined every aspect of the watch while trying to preserve what people loved about the original design.”
And it’s easy to see what discerning watch collectors love about this current incarnation. With a Seiko NE88 mechanism (one of the finest chronographs available from Japan), a thicker case design, 34 jewels, a column wheel and vertical clutch for smooth operation (which prevents mechnical wear on the internal components when starting and stopping the timer), this Autodromo is not only accurate, but aesthetically versatile. It looks just as good against a suit as it does a polo and chinos, or hell, even a t-shirt and jeans.
Along with the new chronograph, the dial also sports its original (though repositioned) “redline crystal,” which is Autodromo’s homage to the original rev limiters in old-school racing. Prior to the introduction of mass produced racing vehicles, each driver’s mechanic would apply a strip of red tape or paint to the RPM dial to make it clear to the driver where the engine’s limits lay. The dial is updated to a tricompax layout, with a running second hand, a 30-minute counter, and a centrally located 12-hour counter.
The Autodromo limited edition Monoposto Chronograph Automatic retails for $1,800 and is restricted to a total production run of 500–with 200 black dials, 200 silver dials, and 100 in Azzurro. Get yours before they’re gone.
