First Look at the Mean, Green Autodromo Group B Safari

When Autodromo released the first version of the Group B in 2015 it was one of the most shocking designs we had seen come from a micro-brand, or frankly any brand, in recent memory. It bucked the trends of the day, turning away from slick mid-century queues, instead veering down a path of brutalism that touched on 70s and 80s design. Though perhaps a bit more in trend in 2020, the Group B continues to stand out as a true original. Since then, Autodromo has permeated the design in multiple ways, first with the aluminum chassised Evoluzione, and then with the highly successful series 2, which featured an integrated-style bracelet that adds an even more severe edge to the aesthetic. Today, Autodromo is releasing a new version of the Group B Series 2 that is unlike all the others, and utterly stunning. Introducing the Group B Safari Edition.

Autodromo Group B Safari

• Case Material: Green plated Stainless steel
• Dial: Emerald Green
• Dimensions: 39 x 50mm
• Crystal: Sapphire     
• Water Resistance: 50 meters
• Crown: Push/pull              
• Movement: Miyota 9015
• Bracelet: Green plated Stainless steel
• Price: $970
• Expected Release: Available now
  

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Inspired by the African rally races of the 1980s, such as the famed Paris-Dakar rally, the Safari edition features a full green construction giving the already unique design an even more striking presence. The steel mid-case, bracelet, and crown are rendered in a bronzey emerald green plating. The dial is then a deep, dark and rich emerald green with a satin finish, keeping it from being overbearing. The markers and hands are pale green providing plenty of contrast while keeping the verdant palette consistent.

Not quite everything is green though. The titanium bezel and case-back are the same matte dark gray as on other models, which fades into the green mid-case. The seconds hand then also has its standard orange tip. In a departure from other all other Group Bs, however, on the lower half of the dial, emblazoned in bright orange, it reads “Safari” in a typeface that I believe can only be accurately described as awesome. Aggressive, 80s-hair-metal-chic and utterly fantastic, it’s the detail that brings the whole concept together.

The whole thing comes together to be a charmingly exotic watch. On the wrist, it’s a green lover’s dream, though surprisingly subtle at the same time. The case and bracelet still have an overall metallic-look, just spiked with a green sheen that gives them an appealing and unique feel. The dial has a stronger impact as the green is deeper, but it’s tastefully executed and not garish as some greens can be. Combined with the ever-wearable 39mm x 50mm x 10mm design the Safari is yet another highly successful variation on the Group B platform.

With its green-on-green style, excellent typography and unique style the Safari not only stands out from other Group Bs, it also stands out from anything else available today. Available now for $975. Autodromo