Introduction
In a watch world obsessed with heritage and hyper-complication, Autodromo’s Monoposto Series Two is a quiet rebellion. It doesn’t scream for attention—it earns it. Designed by Bradley Price, a former automotive designer, this watch channels the raw, purposeful aesthetic of 1960s single-seater race cars. No gimmicks, no faux-patina, just clean lines and a meca-quartz heart that beats with surprising soul.
Since its debut in 2016, the Monoposto Series Two has become a cult favorite among young collectors who value design integrity over brand pedigree. It’s the watch you see on the wrist of a vintage car restorer in Monterey, a graphic designer in Brooklyn, or a pit crew member at a historic Grand Prix. It’s not a watch you buy to flip—it’s one you buy to wear, to drive, to live in.
This review dives deep into what makes the Monoposto Series Two a modern classic: its automotive-inspired case, the hybrid movement, and the way it sits on the wrist like a perfectly balanced steering wheel. Let’s get into the details.
Brand History
Autodromo was founded in 2011 by Bradley Price, a designer who previously worked in the automotive industry. Frustrated by the lack of authentic motorsport-inspired watches that didn’t rely on over-the-top branding, Price set out to create a line of timepieces that captured the essence of racing through pure design. The Monoposto (Italian for “single-seater”) was the brand’s first model, and the Series Two refined the formula with a slimmer case, improved crystal, and the Seiko VK64 meca-quartz movement. Autodromo remains a small, independent brand based in the United States, with a loyal following among car and watch enthusiasts alike.
Movement
The Seiko VK64 is a hybrid meca-quartz movement that combines a quartz oscillator for timekeeping with a mechanical module for the chronograph. This means the watch is accurate to within seconds per month, while the chronograph seconds hand sweeps smoothly (like a mechanical) and snaps back to zero with a satisfying click. The date window is at 4:30, a nod to vintage racing dashboards. While purists may turn up their noses at quartz, the VK64 is widely respected for its reliability and tactility. Battery life is around 2-3 years, and replacement is cheap and easy.
Specifications
- Case: 40mm stainless steel, brushed and polished
- Thickness: 12.5mm
- Lug-to-lug: 48mm
- Crystal: Domed sapphire with AR coating
- Water resistance: 50m
- Lume: Super-LumiNova on hands and hour markers
- Strap: Perforated leather rally strap with pin buckle
- Movement: Seiko VK64 meca-quartz
Wrist Feel
At 40mm wide and 12.5mm thick, the Monoposto Series Two wears like a perfectly tailored jacket. The lugs curve downward aggressively, hugging wrists of all sizes—even sub-6.5-inch wrists feel at home. The weight is light (around 70g on leather) thanks to the quartz movement, making it an ideal daily companion. The leather rally strap is supple out of the box, with perforations that let the skin breathe. The pin buckle is simple and secure, no over-engineered deployant here.
The crown is signed and easy to grip, and the pushers have a crisp, positive action. The domed sapphire crystal adds a vintage bubble effect without distorting the dial. Overall, it’s a watch that disappears on the wrist—in the best way possible.
Accuracy
Quartz accuracy within ±15 seconds per month. The meca-quartz chronograph runs with a smooth sweep, and the reset snaps back to zero instantly. No need to worry about daily drift—set it and forget it for weeks.
Occasions
The Monoposto Series Two is a versatile piece. It works as a daily driver, a weekend sport watch, a travel companion (easy to set and forget), and even a casual dress watch thanks to its clean dial. It’s not formal enough for black-tie, but it’s perfect for a dinner date or a car meet.
Wrist Presence
3.5/5 — Understated but purposeful. The dial is clean and legible, with a subtle nod to racing instrumentation. It won’t steal the show in a room full of Rolexes, but it will earn nods from those who know.
Reference Variants
The Monoposto Series Two comes in several dial colors. The most common is the black dial (M2.01) with white subdials and Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9. The silver dial (M2.02) offers a lighter, more vintage look. The blue dial (M2.03) was a limited edition and is now harder to find. All variants use the same case and movement, with the strap color matching the dial theme.
Family and Similar Watches
The Monoposto Series Two sits alongside the Prototipo (a mechanical chronograph) and the Group B (a rally-inspired model) in Autodromo’s lineup. For similar watches, consider the Seiko SSC813 Speedtimer (also meca-quartz, but larger), the Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chrono (mechanical, higher price), or the Dan Henry 1964 Gran Turismo (budget-friendly meca-quartz).
Investment Value
With an MSRP of $895 and a current retail of $995, the Monoposto Series Two is not a financial investment. Pre-owned prices range from $600 to $800, and the trend is stable. Limited colorways may hold value slightly better, but don’t expect appreciation. This is a watch to buy for love, not profit. Auction history is negligible.
Service and Maintenance
Battery replacement is recommended every 2-3 years and costs around $50 at any watchmaker. The movement is not serviceable in the traditional sense—if it fails, replacement is more cost-effective. No need for authorized service centers.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Exceptional design, meca-quartz movement, comfortable fit, sapphire crystal, strong community.
Cons: Quartz may deter purists, 50m water resistance, no quick-release strap, limited dial availability, no display caseback.
Final Verdict
The Autodromo Monoposto Series Two is a masterclass in restrained design. It’s not trying to be a Rolex or a Heuer—it’s its own thing. For the collector who values aesthetics, storytelling, and wearability over raw specs, this is a no-brainer. It’s the watch you reach for on a Sunday drive, a casual dinner, or a day at the track. Highly recommended for those who get it.
