Autodromo Prototipo Chronographs
Two new watches that recall the golden days of sports car racing
Bradley Price, founder of Officine Autodromo, not only recognizes the romanticism and beauty of early automobile racing, he also captures it in his design work—across gloves, sunglasses and watches. His two latest releases in the Prototipo Chronograph series certainly evoke the late ’60s and early ’70s with their barrel cases and retro-tinged color palettes, but there’s also beautifully modern finishing and detail work that brings each into the here and now. Price strikes a balance with each timepiece through a sleek and refined profile to the substantial stainless steel case that steers clear of bulkiness, solidified by the colorful, energetic dial. Both new releases are powered by a Seiko VK64 Chronograph Hybrid Meca-Quartz Movement, offering sharp reliability along with a true mechanical reset chronograph.
“Our aesthetics are about recreating that lost time of motoring—racing across local roads, real adventuring,” Price explains to CH. “Each watch feels like it could have existed in the past, but there are very modern accents, especially visible when looking up close.” The Prototipo line pays particular homage to racing’s golden days of prototype racing in the ’60s—one of the most important periods in the sport’s history. In addition to their unique shape and engaging, easy-to-read face, the watches are accented with an Italian leather strap, adorned itself with a punctured, breathable patterning.
The Prototipo Chronograph Nero and Silver Dial is available online for $625 a piece.
Photos by David Graver
