- Abarth celebrates two 1965 Monoposto records with a Breil-made watch.
- In 1965, Carlo Abarth set two world records with the 1000 Monoposto.
- Carlo Abarth famously lost 66 pounds before his record-setting runs.
Abarth is celebrating the 65th anniversary of two very special world records set by the Abarth 1000 Monoposto. However, as much as we’d love to have seen a limited-run car launched to celebrate the records, the brand has instead teamed up with watch manufacturer Breil to create a special timepiece.
Read: Maserati Influence Sneaks Into An Unexpected Abarth Model
Limited to just 465 units and priced at €399 ($463), the chronograph lands on the more affordable end of the automotive-inspired watch spectrum, though that’s a relative term. Given that it uses a quartz movement rather than an automatic one, it’s arguably a touch pricey for what it is.
The Record
On October 20, 1965, company founder Carlo Abarth took to the track in a special Abarth 1000 Monoposto Record, setting world records for the quarter-mile and 500-meter runs. The car, based on a Formula 2 chassis of the era, was powered by a 982 cc engine producing 105 hp at 8,800 rpm.
Weighing only 500 kg (1,100 lbs), it was a study in minimalism and focus. To give himself every possible advantage, Carlo Abarth famously personally shed around 30 kg (66 lbs) before the record attempt.
While driving the car at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Abarth set quarter-mile and 500-meter dash records of 13.62 seconds and 15.38 seconds, respectively, in the G-class engine displacement category.
The car was then fitted with a more powerful 2.0-liter engine with 216 hp, and the following day, it set quarter-mile and 500-meter records of 11.55 seconds and 13.37 seconds for the E-class category.
Today, the record-setting machine rests at the Heritage Hub museum in Turin, Italy. For Abarth fans, however, there’s now another way to honor its legacy through the new watch, even if its resemblance to the car is more symbolic than literal.
What Makes The Watch Special?
Featuring a black stainless steel case combined with forged carbon fiber and traditional carbon fiber, the Breil Abarth 1000 chronograph has Start and Stop buttons positioned at 2 and 4 o’clock. There are also skeletonized IP-titanium hands with a luminescent coating.
A sapphire crystal protects the front, and on the back you’ll find the watch’s serial number alongside an engraving that reads “1965-2025, Abarth 1000, 60 anni di storia.” It’s water resistant to 10 ATM, or about 100 meters, and weighs only 50 grams.
Those curious to see more can find it listed on Breil’s official website.
