There’s something undeniably thrilling about strapping on a watch that tells a story, one that extends beyond just telling time. In the world of independent watchmaking, microbrands have become the antidote to mass-produced, over-commercialized timepieces. They represent creativity, exclusivity, and an almost rebellious passion for design. UNDONE is one such brand, carving its own niche by merging customization with vintage inspiration, creating watches that feel personal rather than just another SKU in a catalog.
Enter the UNDONE Urban Retro Car 70’s, a timepiece that isn’t just inspired by racing history—it feels like a fragment of it. Imagine the golden era of motorsport: the scent of high-octane fuel lingering in the air, the deafening roar of a Porsche 917 speeding down Le Mans’ Mulsanne Straight, the adrenaline of a split-second overtake. This watch distils that atmosphere into a 40mm case, offering a tangible connection to the bold aesthetics of 1970s racing.
As someone who has spent years in the watch industry, from handling timepieces at Swatch Group to curating microbrand selections at MR WATCHIEF, I’ve learned that the best watches are those that ignite conversation and forge emotional connections. The UNDONE Urban Retro Car 70’s does just that. Whether you're a seasoned collector or someone dipping their toes into the world of independent watchmaking, this piece is worth your attention.
In this review, we’ll dive deep into the origins of UNDONE, what makes microbrands so compelling, and why the Urban Retro Car 70’s deserves a spot on your wrist.
The UNDONE Story – A Microbrand with a Mission
Breaking Away from Tradition
The watch industry has long been dominated by legacy brands—Rolex, Omega, TAG Heuer—names that have built empires on heritage, prestige, and an almost religious reverence for tradition. But in recent years, microbrands like UNDONE have challenged the status quo, offering something the big players often neglect: personalization and playfulness.
Founded in 2014 by Michael Young, a veteran in vintage Rolex restoration, UNDONE was built on a simple yet revolutionary idea—why not let customers take control of the design process? While Swiss giants dictate aesthetics years in advance, UNDONE puts the power in the hands of enthusiasts, allowing for customized dials, case backs, and even bespoke engravings. It’s an approach that echoes the spirit of tailored suits and coach built cars—luxury, but on your terms.
What Makes UNDONE Special?
The beauty of UNDONE lies in its ability to merge storytelling with craftsmanship. Unlike brands that recycle the same design tropes, UNDONE thrives on inspiration, often drawing from pop culture, historical events, and niche passions. They’ve produced collaborations with Peanuts (Snoopy watches), DC Comics (Batman & Joker editions), and even legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. Each piece is not just a watch—it’s a conversation starter, a tribute to something greater than timekeeping itself.
Take the Urban Retro Car 70’s—this isn’t just a vintage-inspired racing chronograph. It’s an homage to an era when motorsport was raw, dangerous, and exhilarating. From the color palette to the dial layout, everything about this watch whispers (or rather, roars) ‘70s endurance racing.
The Rise of Microbrands & Why They Matter
For decades, the watch world was a closed ecosystem where only a handful of brands dictated trends. Then came the microbrand revolution, fueled by independent designers, watchmaking enthusiasts, and platforms like Kickstarter. The appeal? Unique designs, small-batch production, and direct-to-consumer pricing that cuts out unnecessary markups.
UNDONE sits at the forefront of this movement, proving that you don’t need to spend five figures to own something extraordinary. Their watches embody what watch collecting should be about—personal expression, not just prestige.
The UNDONE Urban Retro Car 70’s – A Time Machine on Your Wrist
Design & Aesthetics – A Tribute to the Golden Age of Racing
The UNDONE Urban Retro Car 70’s is more than just a watch; it’s a piece of wearable nostalgia. Every detail of this timepiece is a nod to the golden era of motorsport—the 1970s, when racing was untamed, sponsorship liveries were bold, and drivers were modern-day gladiators pushing their machines to the absolute limit.
One glance at the dial, and you're immediately transported to the paddocks of Le Mans or Monza. The colorway is distinctly reminiscent of classic racing liveries—the deep blues, fiery oranges, and creamy whites that once adorned legendary race cars from Gulf-sponsored Porsche 917s to the Ford GT40s that dominated endurance racing. The dial isn’t just painted; it’s textured, matte-finished, evoking the rough asphalt of a racetrack.
Case & Dimensions
At 40mm in diameter and 12mm in thickness, the case is the perfect balance between vintage proportions and modern wearability. It sits comfortably on the wrist, thanks to its slim lugs and a slightly domed K1 crystal, which adds an authentic touch of vintage distortion when viewed at an angle. The case shape itself is classic, with subtle polishing on the edges to give it just the right amount of refinement.
The pushers and crown are designed for tactile engagement, mimicking the feel of toggling a vintage car’s dashboard switches—functional, mechanical, and deeply satisfying to use.
The Dial – Racing DNA on Display
The dial layout follows the classic bi-compax chronograph format, with two sub-dials placed symmetrically at 3 and 9 o’clock. The left sub-dial serves as a running seconds counter, while the right is a 60-minute chronograph counter—perfect for timing a lap around the Nürburgring (or just your morning espresso brew).
The bold contrasting hands and markers ensure legibility, even at high speeds—a crucial element inspired by the instrument clusters of vintage race cars. The orange chronograph seconds hand is particularly striking, standing out against the dial like a rev counter’s redline, daring you to push your limits.
Strap & Wearability
Completing the retro theme is the perforated leather racing strap, a tribute to the driving gloves and bucket seats of the era. The leather is supple yet durable, aging gracefully with wear—just like the patina that forms on a well-driven classic car.
Wearing this watch isn’t just about telling time; it’s about feeling connected to an era where motorsport was raw, unfiltered, and exhilarating.
Movement – The Heart of the Machine
Underneath the hood, the Urban Retro Car 70’s is powered by the Seiko VK64 meca-quartz hybrid chronograph movement—an ideal choice for a watch that balances vintage aesthetics with modern reliability.
Why Meca-Quartz?
For those unfamiliar, a meca-quartz movement combines the accuracy of quartz with the mechanical feel of a traditional chronograph. Unlike standard quartz chronographs that feature a jittery seconds hand, the VK64 offers a smooth, sweeping chronograph hand, closely mimicking the motion of a mechanical movement.
This means you get the instant reset function of a high-end chronograph—where the hand snaps back to zero instantly—without the maintenance headaches (or costs) of a fully mechanical movement. It’s a practical yet enthusiast-approved choice, ensuring that the Urban Retro Car 70’s stays true to its racing heritage without sacrificing everyday reliability.
Daily Wear – A Racing Legend on Your Wrist
A great watch isn’t just about design or mechanics—it’s about how it feels to wear it every day. The UNDONE Urban Retro Car 70’s isn’t just a tribute to motorsport history; it’s built to integrate seamlessly into modern life.
Versatility – From the Track to the Office
Despite its bold racing-inspired aesthetic, the Urban Retro Car 70’s is surprisingly versatile. The 40mm case size makes it suitable for both casual and semi-formal settings. Pair it with a leather jacket and jeans, and it feels like you just stepped out of a vintage Porsche 911. Dress it up with a blazer, and the refined case finishing adds just the right amount of sophistication.
The domed K1 crystal gives it a subtle vintage distortion when viewed from an angle, enhancing its charm without compromising readability. And since the meca-quartz movement eliminates the bulk of a traditional mechanical chronograph, it sits comfortably under a shirt cuff—a rare feat for a racing-inspired timepiece.
Comfort – Built for Long Drives (and Long Days)
The perforated leather racing strap is not just about aesthetics; it’s also incredibly comfortable. Inspired by the driving gloves of 1970s racers, the perforations allow for better breathability, keeping your wrist cool even during extended wear. The leather itself is supple from day one, molding to your wrist over time for a custom fit.
At just 12mm thick, the watch has a sleek profile, making it perfect for daily wear. Unlike bulky chronographs that can feel top-heavy, the Urban Retro Car 70’s is well-balanced, meaning it won’t constantly shift around on your wrist.
Legibility & Functionality – A True Driver’s Watch
One of the standout features of this timepiece is its incredible legibility. The high-contrast color scheme and bold hands ensure that reading the time at a glance is effortless. This is crucial in a racing-inspired watch, where a driver would need to check the time without distraction—just like checking the speedometer while navigating a tight corner.
The chronograph function adds practicality beyond motorsport. Whether you’re timing your morning espresso, tracking workout intervals, or measuring a parking meter, the instant-reset functionality of the VK64 movement ensures smooth and precise timing.
Why This Watch is a Must-Have for Microbrand Enthusiasts
Microbrand watches have carved out a dedicated niche in the watch world, offering enthusiasts a break from mass-produced designs in favor of creativity, exclusivity, and personal storytelling. The UNDONE Urban Retro Car 70’s exemplifies what makes microbrands special.
1. Customization & Individuality
One of the hallmarks of UNDONE is its approach to personalization. Unlike major brands that mass-produce watches in rigid collections, UNDONE allows wearers to create something unique. While the Urban Retro Car 70’s is already a statement piece, it represents the brand’s philosophy of blending heritage with modern customization.
2. Quality at an Accessible Price
One of the biggest draws of microbrands is their ability to deliver high-quality timepieces without the traditional luxury markup. The Urban Retro Car 70’s features a carefully thought-out design, a robust movement, and premium materials, yet it remains affordable compared to mainstream Swiss chronographs.
3. Exclusivity & Community
Microbrands attract a certain type of collector—those who value originality over brand recognition. Wearing an UNDONE watch signals that you’re not just following trends; you’re carving your own path. It’s a conversation starter among fellow enthusiasts who appreciate design, history, and craftsmanship.
Final Thoughts – Why the UNDONE Urban Retro Car 70’s Belongs in Your Collection
Wearing the Urban Retro Car 70’s is like driving a classic race car—there’s an emotional connection that goes beyond function. From the vintage-inspired dial to the tactile pushers, every detail of this watch is designed to evoke the golden age of motorsport.
For microbrand enthusiasts, it represents the best of independent watchmaking:
- Thoughtful design inspired by motorsport history
- Reliable and precise meca-quartz movement
- Comfortable and versatile for daily wear
- A unique piece that stands out from mainstream brands
If you’re looking to add a statement-making chronograph to your collection then the UNDONE Urban Retro Car 70’s is the perfect choice.
📍 Available now at MR WATCHIEF – Secure yours today before the checkered flag drops!
