Autodromo - Instruments for Motoring

I've long been a fan of vintage watches and --as this website attests-- a connoisseur of classic cars, so about 2 years I decided it was time to combine those passions, using my professional skills as a designer and branding consultant. The result is the birth of a new driving-oriented brand : Autodromo.

Our launch collection consists of 3 models, inspired by tachometers found in Italian sports cars of the late 60s.  We did our best to bring you the finest quality materials and swiss movements at an attainable pricepoint of $425.

More information can be found on our online shop: Autodromo.com

We also encourage Automobiliac readers to like us on Facebook!

For other bloggers out there, the digital press kit can be downloaded HERE, with tons of luscious images.More images can be found in our Autodromo Gallery HERE

Object of Desire: Seiko SpeedTimer "Bullhead" Chronograph

I love vintage racing chronographs, and this one is actually for sale by yours truly. It's a Seiko Speed Timer, produced in Japan around 1976. This automatic mechanical chronograph works perfectly and features a choice of English or Japanese day indicator. I personally like using the Japanese setting.

The case style is known as a "Bullhead" due to the position of the pushers at the top rather than side of the case. In actual sports usage, I have found this position is far easier to manipulate than a side-mounted configuration. It's also perfect if you take the watch off and hold it in your hand like a stopwatch.

I don't have any banners on this site, so please pardon this shamless plug for my own ebay auction! Sorry about the hairy wrists...

Object of Desire: NOS Heuer Chronograph Store Display

Found this awesome photo on my favorite vintage watch collector site.  The gentleman who posted it was particularly proud of his New Old Stock Heuer store display set, featuring a photo of Niki Lauda in the Ferrari.  Very cool indeed.  Not to mention his breathtaking collection of watches and NOS boxes, which are also extremely rare.  In this shot there are 3 Silverstone Chronographs (!), the famous Monaco and Siffert Autavia models, as well as the Montreal and Jarama.  All in all very impressive! If only he had a Monza to complete the family portrait!

via On the Dash forum

Heuer Racing Chronographs under the gavel at Bonhams

Today in London, Bonhams will be auctioning off a remarkable array of vintage (Pre-TAG) Heuer watches collected over many years by Arno Haslinger, who literally "wrote the book" when it comes to collecting these fine Swiss timepieces.  Inextricably linked with motor racing, Heuers are, for me, the coolest vintage watches you could wish for.  Enjoy this video of Mr. Haslinger talking about his 4 favorite watches from his extensive collection.

For my money, I'll still take a vintage Monza!

via Hodinkee

Object of Desire: Heuer Monza Chronograph

Created to celebrate Ferrari's World Championship in 1975 with drivers Niki Lauda and Clay Regazzoni, the Monza Chronograph is pretty much my favorite vintage watch. The case was available in chrome plated finish or in PVD matte black. Personally, i'll take a black one.

Here are some photos of the Monza from a recent ebay auction that I failed to win..