Let’s say this upfront: the Marloe 105 Motorsport isn’t just a watch, it’s a rev-happy, track-day companion that’s itching to live on the edge of your wrist (and maybe a pit lane or two). Inspired by the golden era of 1970s motor racing, it channels retro cool with just enough modern flair to keep you glancing down even when the traffic lights are green.

But is this British-designed beauty all bark and no bite? We took it for a spin, figuratively, of course, to find out.

First Off: The Unboxing

First off, let me just say, the way Marloe package their gear is absolutely second to none. I’m not talking compared to other £400 watches, i’m talking compared to watches that I own that cost 10 times the price. The attention to detail and commitment to “the story” of Marloe and motorsport is clear throughout. Beautifully packaged straight from the postman’s hand, right through to the storybook style casing of the watch itself, it clearly demonstrates the ability for micro brands to make their buyers feel very special indeed. This is something that mass produced brands cannot achieve anymore.

First Impressions: Vintage Looks with a Vroom

At first glance, the Marloe 105 Motorsport looks like it’s driven straight out of the paddock at Goodwood. This isn’t some over-designed timepiece with faux carbon fibre and excessive dials. No, this is a masterclass in restraint. Bold red accents pop against a matt black dial, while that perforated strap practically smells of petrol and leather gloves. It's the sort of watch you wear with a Harrington jacket, not a Bluetooth headset. The dial takes inspiration from the rev counter of the Alfa Romeo 105 Coupé, a true symbol of classic car design. Based on Marloe’s Coniston range, the dial is THE differentiating factor in this design.

Under the Bonnet: The Specs

Here’s what’s ticking away beneath the retro facade:

Japanese Made Miyota 8N24 automatic movement
41mm x 11.1mm, 20mm lug width
Double dome sapphire crystal
Dual side anti-reflective coating
Natulite luminous hands and dial perimeter
40+ hour power reserve
100 Metre / 10 ATM
Weight - 62g

Wearing Experience: The Daily Driver

Strapping on the Marloe 105 Motorsport feels oddly empowering, like you should immediately jump in a Lotus Elan and shout “Gentlemen, start your engines!” even if you're actually just queueing at Tesco.

The 41mm case sits comfortably on the wrist, and the curvature of the lugs means it hugs your wrist like a racing harness. It’s light, but not flimsy. Confident, but not cocky. The case detail around the bezel and crown really is something you don’t find on a watch of this price point. The build quality really is a thing to behold.

The Miyota movement is a reliable little engine — no Swiss snobbery here, just good honest mechanics. It won’t win Le Mans, but it’ll turn up to every Sunday Scramble without breaking down.

And the dial? Legibility is top-tier, with contrasting 10 minute markers and a 60 minute running track around the perimeter. The red seconds hand and the contrasting red stitching in the black leather strap adds just enough flair to say, “Yes, I enjoy car racing magazines.”

The strap (on test) is racing inspired black leather with and red stitching with rally style design. This works well with the body, however, Marloe offer a vast range of straps with all their watches meaning you can customise the look and the serial number up to 250 (the number of pieces being made).

Final Verdict

The Marloe 105 Motorsport is a love letter to classic motorsport — not the hyper-commercialised world of NFTs and Netflix series, but the grit, glory and petrol-fumed nostalgia of a time when racing was raw. It’s not trying to be a Rolex Daytona, nor does it care to be. Instead, it confidently carves its own lane with thoughtful design, solid specs, and a hefty dose of charm.

Final Score: 9/10

+ Points for:

Thoughtful vintage design without falling into cliché
Excellent build quality
Excellent value at its price point
Exhibition case back looks awesome in gold

- Points for:

Could do with a date function
Hour hand looks slightly short
Perhaps would have been fun to have a timer function

In summary: The Marloe 105 Motorsport is a stylish nod to the golden age of motorsport, without the unreliability of a 1970s gearbox. Whether you’re a track-day regular or just like your coffee black and your watches bold, this is one that absolutely deserves a spot on the podium.

With only 250 pieces available, we advise you get your order in before they sell out. Happy shopping.

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The Marloe 105 Motorsport - Pole Position for the Wrist