Photos courtesy of Autodromo
Around the time of the Group B Evoluzione’s release, Autodromo quietly produced an extremely limited run of the watch with a blacked-out finish. This largely monochromatic variant was referred to as the “Night Stage,” and to this day, it remains the brand’s rarest piece, with only fourteen in existence. None of these watches were offered to the public, but if you were interested in getting your hands on one, you might just be in luck.
Today, Bonhams is set to auction off an example at this year’s Amelia Island Auction, which is held annually at the Fernandina Beach Golf Club. All of the proceeds of the lot’s sale will be donated to Micah’s Place, which works to help victims of domestic violence in northeast Florida. Most commendably, this is not Autodromo’s first charitable effort, as they’ve offered examples of their limited edition pieces in the past to benefit the aforementioned domestic violence center.
Just like the Group B Evoluzione and Group B that preceded it, this rare version of the motoring watch features the same 42 mm aluminum chassis construction, which has been finished in anodized black for a stealthier look. This is paired suitably with the most restrained dial variant that the Group B has been offered with to date, maintaining the more understated, no-nonsense aesthetic.
Apart from the darker appearance, the Night Stage stands out from the rest thanks to a small inscription on the caseback, which reads “F.S.” This is the abbreviated form of fuori serie, or “outside the series” in Italian, and it ultimately serves as yet another reminder that what’s on your wrist is something special. It should be noted that only four examples are said to have been given this treatment, making this example of the watch somewhat of a rarity within a rarity.
Should you be interested in having a go at acquiring Autodromo’s rarest watch, it’ll be offered in today’s sale with a modest estimate of $1,100-$1,500, and no reserve. It’s a great piece from one of our favorite names in modern watches, and given the charitable difference that stands to be made, we couldn’t be happier to promote its sale.
