In the realm of automotive-inspired horology, few independent brands manage to capture the raw romance of mid-century motorsport quite like Autodromo. While many modern racing watches rely on aggressive carbon fiber and hyper-technical, cluttered dials, founder Bradley Price has consistently steered his designs toward the visceral, analog charm of a bygone era.
Now, over a decade after its initial debut, a beloved cult classic has finally returned to the paddock. Enter the AUTODROMO Monoposto Series Two Watch. Priced at a highly compelling £765, this limited-edition release is a masterful, deeply romantic tribute to the golden age of Grand Prix racing.
A Vintage Dashboard on the Wrist
The Monoposto—which translates directly to “Single Seater” in Italian—takes its primary design cues from the oversized, highly legible tachometers found inside the cockpits of 1950s race cars.
At first glance, the 43mm stainless steel case might sound somewhat intimidating for a vintage-themed timepiece. However, this is an instrument specifically designed for immense visual impact without ever sacrificing on-the-wrist ergonomics.
Thanks to a remarkably compact 46mm lug-to-lug distance and clever, vintage-style wire lugs, the watch completely defies its dimensions. It wears significantly smaller than its stated footprint suggests, sitting comfortably and balanced even on wrists under six and a half inches. Enhancing this elegant wearability is the impressively slim profile.
Measuring just 11mm in total thickness—a figure that remarkably includes the magnificent domed sapphire crystal—the watch features a soft, bowl-shaped caseback that sinks pleasantly into the wrist. It slips effortlessly under a tailored cuff, secured by a supple, handmade Italian leather strap.
In a brilliant, deeply considered nod to historical motorsport hardware, the strap is fastened with a polished stainless steel roller buckle, directly evoking the rugged leather hood straps of classic Grand Prix machines.
Bold Colors Rooted in Racing Heritage
For the Series Two release, Autodromo has introduced a pair of breathtaking new dials steeped in legendary racing lore. The first option is a stunning Azzurro, a distinctive, vibrant pale blue hue that serves as a direct reference to the instrumental gauges found in Maserati racing cars of the 1950s.
The second variant, Moss Green, serves as a heartfelt, sartorial homage to one of the era’s most revered wheelmen: the legendary Sir Stirling Moss. This dynamic, metallic silver-green shifts dramatically depending on the environment.
In dimly lit rooms, it appears as a moody, stealthy slate gray, but the moment it catches direct sunlight, it bursts into a brilliant metallic shimmer, perfectly evoking the glorious paintwork of Moss’s Nürburgring 1000km-winning Aston Martin DBR1.
A Purist’s Engine Under the Hood
Just as a vintage racer relies on a finely tuned, highly reliable engine, the Monoposto is driven by the robust, Japan-made Miyota 9039 automatic movement. For discerning horological enthusiasts, the choice of the 9039 is a phenomenal touch.
It is a true, purpose-built no-date caliber, meaning there is absolutely no annoying “phantom date” position when operating the crown—a small but crucial detail that speaks volumes about Autodromo’s commitment to mechanical purity. This high-beat, 24-jewel movement provides a buttery-smooth sweep of the prominent seconds hand, ensuring reliable, daily-driving performance.
With water resistance rated to 50 meters (5 ATM) and production strictly capped at just 150 individually numbered pieces per color, the AUTODROMO Monoposto Series Two Watch is both highly exclusive and eminently wearable.
Presented in a matching numbered collector’s box, it is a rare opportunity to strap a piece of 1950s motoring bravado to your wrist without ever needing to don a fireproof racing suit.
