Are you an avid Autodromo enthusiast or perhaps unfamiliar with this remarkable watch brand? Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer, the Group C timepiece will captivate you with its surprising blend of retro digital aesthetics, reminiscent of our beloved Timex watches and the iconic Marty McFly. There’s an undeniable Delorean touch to this offering, which aligns perfectly with the essence of what the Group C represents.
Autodromo seamlessly merges the realms of horology and automotive racing, as evident from their name itself. The Group C draws its inspiration from the Group C cars of the 1980s, a pivotal era that witnessed a monumental shift from purely mechanical to computerized racing. The design and appearance of those Group C cars still influence contemporary race car models, similar to the impact of the Quartz Revolution during the ’70s and ’80s in the watch industry. During that period, numerous watch manufacturers vanished, making way for both analog and digital quartz timepieces.
Autodromo aimed to honor the importance of Group C cars by creating a digital watch that celebrates their enduring legacy. The vibrant pops of color on the pushers serve as a delightful nod to the striking side mirrors. However, this timepiece holds more than just nostalgic value in the automotive world; it resonates deeply with those of us who grew up wearing similar watches on our wrists. The case shape evokes memories of the Freestyle Shark or the early Timex digital watches that adorned many of our younger selves.
Imagine if a watch manufacturer embarked on a mission to capture the vibrant, youthful essence of digital timepieces that one could typically find in drugstores, hardware stores, or department stores, but took it to the next level without compromising its spirit. That’s essentially how I perceive Group C, and I can’t seem to get enough of it after spending a few days wearing it.
In terms of size, the 36mm dimensions make it practically perfect for a case and screen design like this. The key here is simplicity, and making it any larger would have veered away from the essence.
The Autodromo Group C boasts four variations: the Bare edition, featuring brushed stainless steel with yellow accents; the grey-plated stainless steel version with green accents; the DLC black-plated stainless steel with brushed red and yellow accents; and the yellow cerakote with black and yellow accents – unfortunately, the latter isn’t pictured here, but I eagerly anticipate its unveiling in the future.
Among the models I had the opportunity to handle, the black DLC variant holds a special place in my heart. While Autodromo refers to one of the accent colors as red, to me, it appears as a vibrant shade of neon pink that evokes a distinct 1980s design ethos. The brushed steel case variation comes in a close second.
The Group C models offer a range of stainless steel watch cases, each with its own unique design. What sets these models apart is the inclusion of an LCD display beneath a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, adding a touch of elegance to the digital watch. The display is accompanied by a blue backlight for enhanced visibility. In terms of features, these watches come with a stopwatch and split time mode, a mode for displaying the time and day/date, and an alarm function. Moreover, they have a water resistance of up to 30 meters. One notable feature is the reversible black custom molded FKM rubber strap, which not only adds style but also ensures a comfortable fit. However, I must mention that manipulating and threading the strap through the keepers can be a bit challenging, although once properly fitted, everything stays securely in place.
Now, let’s delve into the overall wearing experience of these timepieces. To be completely honest, they took me by surprise. Despite not being a car enthusiast, I was apprehensive about how well I would connect with these watches. However, they managed to transcend their automotive-inspired homage and stand on their own merits. The design is captivating, making me wonder if other brands should explore the creation of premium digital watches like these. I only hope that they won’t shy away from the 36mm size, as it works exceptionally well in this context.
The Group C watch boasts a remarkably sleek and compact design, ensuring a comfortable fit on the wrist with its 20mm lug width at the case-end. What stood out to me the most about this watch was its substantial weight and sturdy construction. At first glance, it may evoke memories of plastic digital watches, but once you hold it in your hands, you can truly appreciate its quality. This added heft enhances the overall premium experience, further justifying its $475 price tag.
Unlike other watches that make you forget you’re even wearing them, this one keeps you aware of its presence, and you find yourself constantly admiring its nostalgic charm. Each version I had the pleasure of wearing—the gray, the DLC, and the bare steel—offered a unique vibe, despite sharing the same fundamental design. It was pure delight to catch glimpses of the colorful pushers on either side while it adorned my wrist. Ultimately, Autodromo has definitely achieved a significant triumph with the Group C watch.
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