Introducing the Autodromo Group B Series 2 (Now With a Bracelet!)

The Group B is one of Autodromo’s most beloved and adventurous designs, pulling inspiration from the unique aesthetic of ‘80s-era Group B rally cars. We reviewed the series on Worn & Wound when it was first released, and since that initial drop we’ve seen several other iterations of the Group B, among them the Evoluzione and our (now sold out) collaboration from last year. For 2018, the Group B is making a triumphant return in the form of the Series 2, coming with a huge—and often asked for—upgrade: a matching steel bracelet.

The Series 2 made its public debut at Windup just this past weekend, where I and the rest of the Worn & Wound team got to handle it for the first time, and let me tell you, the new Group B lives up to the hype. 

“We heard from customers that they would love to see the Group B on a bracelet, so we listened to them!” —Bradley Price

Altogether, this is the Group B you know and love. It retains much of the same form factor of the original, which includes the mixed steel/titanium case, the nimble proportions, and the dynamic dial design. Where the new Group B differs is the lugs, which are no longer fixed. This, of course, allows for the bracelet, but it also allows for standard two-piece leather straps should you want to switch things up down the line. 

Let’s talk about the new lug design and bracelet. Autodromo’s Bradley Price has a proven track record of meticulous design, so, of course, it shouldn’t surprise that his first bracelet was given the same diligent treatment. The fit at the lugs is seamless. The visual line from the mid-case is unbroken as it travels down the lugs and through the bracelet. The bracelet, which measures 23 millimeters where it meets the lugs, tapers down dramatically to 18 millimeters at the butterfly clasp. The space between the lugs measures 20 millimeters, so the watch should work with most, if not all, 20-millimeter straps.

In my brief time with the Series 2 this past weekend, I was hit with pangs of envy. I love my Group B, but I’d be lying if I were to say I’m not tempted to get one with a bracelet. On the wrist, the watch sings and I was immediately smitten with it. The way each flat link on the bracelet catches the light is a sight to behold, and it gives the watch a totally different vibe. It’s a little bit blingy, but in a really good way.

There are three versions of the Series 2: orange markers on a black dial, white markers on a black dial, and the Night Stage II special edition with a grid (green on black) dial and matte-finish bracelet. All three are lumed. 

Additional specs are as follows: the watch measures 39.5 x 50 x 9.9 millimeters, it weighs 52 grams, it’s rated to 50 meters, and it’s powered by a Miyota 9015 caliber.

The Group B Series 2 officially launches today with an initial pre-order price of $875. Final retail will be $975. Autodromo