Remember those digital watches you lusted after as a kid, the ones that promised a futuristic world on your wrist? The Autodromo Group C (£340) takes that nostalgic yearning and elevates it into something altogether more sophisticated. This isn’t just a playful throwback; it’s a meticulously built timepiece that retains the fun and colourful spirit of the era while boasting an unexpected heft and premium finishing that speaks to the adult you are today.
Encased in a robust stainless steel, the Group C immediately conveys a sense of quality that sets it apart from its plastic-clad predecessors. The crisp LCD module features a cool blue EL backlight, ensuring legibility in all conditions. Protecting this digital display is a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating – a detail rarely seen on LCD watches and a testament to Autodromo’s commitment to enduring quality.
Functionality is refreshingly straightforward. The watch offers a clear Time and Day/Date display mode, along with a practical Chronograph and Split time mode, and a handy Alarm. With a water resistance of 30 meters (3 ATM), it’s more than capable of handling everyday splashes. Completing the package is a comfortable and durable reversible custom-moulded FKM rubber strap.
The dimensions of the Group C strike a pleasing balance on the wrist, with a case width of 36mm, a lug-to-lug distance of 42mm, and a slim case thickness of 10mm. The strap has a 20mm lug width, allowing for easy customisation if desired. Autodromo’s ethos with the Group C was to create an ultra-simple LCD watch with high-end build quality, and they’ve clearly succeeded.
Forget confusing setting menus and fiddly buttons that necessitate a constant consultation of the manual. The Group C prioritises useful features you’ll actually enjoy, allowing you to effortlessly track lap times, set alarms, and quickly read the day and date. This is a digital watch that’s as intuitive and enjoyable to use as it is stylish to wear.
The design of the Autodromo Group C draws direct inspiration from the wind-cheating silhouettes of Group C endurance racing cars from the 1980s. These iconic machines, with their slab-sided forms sculpted by aerodynamic forces, are subtly referenced in the watch’s ultra-clean aesthetic.
While the shape might evoke the sleek lines of legends like the Sauber C9 and Porsche 962, it also cleverly nods to the digital watches of that same era, creating a unique and compelling visual synergy. Make no mistake; this is no disposable digital trinket. Premium materials are evident throughout, from the substantial and expertly finished stainless steel case to that aforementioned sapphire crystal.
The Autodromo Group C is a grown-up reimagining of a childhood dream, a digital watch built with the quality and attention to detail that discerning enthusiasts will appreciate. It’s a nostalgic nod to the past, engineered for the present.
