Lately, we have highlighted a number of automotive inspired watches here at WWR. Some have been tied to specific cars, like the Jaguar and Ferrari upcycled chronos from Christopher Ward, while others, like the new watches from REC, are tied to brands. Autodromo, a fairly new brand based in New York, is harkening back to a bygone era of vintage motoring with their watches and accessories. The watch I like the best, the Autodromo Stradale, has the look of a vintage speedometer, complete with the raised chapter ring reminiscent of cars from to 50s through 70s.
Under the hood of the watch is a hacking Miyota 9015 automatic, so the engine is fully modern, sensible and reliable (OK, I will stop with the car analogies). The domed front crystal and the exhibition caseback are both sapphire, and the stainless case is water resistant to 50 meters. The watch gets its vintage speedometer look by placing the chapter markings on a raised glass ring which floats above the colored dial face. Also lending a vintage look is the leather strap, with (for lack of a better term) bumps along the straps looking very much like sports car upholstery.
The watch is available in three color combinations, a cream dial with a tan strap, a grey dial with a blue strap and a black dial on a burgundy strap. I have never cared for red or blue car interiors, so the cream/tan version is my favorite of the bunch. The watch is not overly large, 40mm in diameter and 10.8 mm tall, so it should pair nicely with your favorite Italian suit, or slip neatly under your driving gloves, which Automodo also sells. The wire lugs are set at 18mm, so the other straps sold on the site will not pair with this model, but if you want some 20mm driving inspired straps, they sell those as well. The watches are listed at $875, including free shipping in the US and a 2 year warranty. A list of other countries they will ship to, along with the shipping costs in on their FAQ. autodromo.com
Watch Overview
- Brand & Model: Autodromo Stradale
- Price: $875
- Who we think it might be for: A racing fan, or anyone who wants a blue chrono.
- Would I buy or recommend it just on the photos?: I like the tan, so yes.
- If I could make one design suggestion, it would be: Maybe lume under the glass chapter ring to dive the dial a back-lit look at night.
- What spoke to me the most about this watch: Cars and watches, a perfect match.
