Hands On With The Autodromo Endurance Chronograph

New York based watch brand Autodromo is known for the automotive inspired designs that get the details right while eschewing modern trends. In 2017, they teamed up with the Ford Motor Company to release the Endurance Chronograph alongside the newly released Ford GT supercar. The watch is a wholly original design that honors the cars ample colorway configuration options, and does it all at under $1,000. We recently got our hands on all 5 variants (kinda) to see how it holds up on the wrist. 

2017 Ford GT

First, let’s take a quick look at the Ford GT, from which the watch takes its inspiration. In 2015, the Ford Motor Company shocked the automotive world at the North America International Auto Show with the surprise release of a new GT road car. The car was a follow up on the 2006 model, inspired by the LeMans winning GT40 race car of the ‘60s. The latest model was released as a 2016 model year to honor the 50th anniversary of the GT40 LeMans victory, and in doing so entered that year’s 24 hour race of LeMans. It proceeded to win the GTE Pro class, a remarkable feat for a first production year car. 

In celebrating the car, Autodromo designed the appropriately named Endurance Chronograph. As we’ve come to expect from Autodromo, the watch is case construction and proportions are impeccable. The case measures 40mm in diameter, with a lug to lug measurement of 45mm and a case thickness just north of 11mm. As a result, the watch wear comfortably on the wrist, a touch smaller than the case diameter would suggest, even. 

There are 5 different dial variations available for regular folk to purchase, and a 6th customizable option available only to Ford GT buyers. That one also comes in a bespoke case, and with a mechanical flyback chronograph movement, so if you’re one of the lucky few selected by Ford to buy their supercar, it’s definitely worth a look. For the rest of us, there are a variety of blue, red and black dial configurations, featuring well placed and colorful accents. 

The dials sit under a domed crystal that bring a distinctive throwback character to the Endurance Chronograph. Paired with a bezel that angles down toward the dial, which is either polished or brushed depending on the dial, the on-wrist appearance is truly unique. The leather straps feature a ridge pattern texture which lends to the overall sporting nature of the watches. 

Inside the Endurance Chronograph is a Japan Made Seiko VK64 Hybrid Meca-Quartz chronograph movement, which means a smooth sweeping timing seconds hand that resets mechanically. It also keeps the price well under $1,000. Shop the full collection of Endurance Chronograph watches below, and find all Autodromo watches, including the wonderful Group B and Stradale, right here on StockX.