Aston Martin Thrill MTRT1F503: A 41 mm Automatic with an Open Skeleton Dial
The Aston Martin Thrill MTRT1F503 is a men’s automatic watch with a 41 mm tonneau case, a skeleton dial in grey and a navy blue silicone strap. It belongs to the Thrill family, the sporty line in Aston Martin’s watch range, and it is the mechanical, self-winding version rather than the quartz models that share the same name. Aston Martin is the British car maker founded in 1913, and this watch borrows from motorsport design: a cushion-shaped case, a textured silicone strap and a rotor you can see working through the back of the case.
Design and Wrist Presence
At 41 mm across and about 14 mm thick, the MTRT1F503 is a mid-sized sports watch that sits comfortably on most men’s wrists. The tonneau shape is rounded and slightly squared at the same time, so the watch looks wider than a round case of the same diameter, yet the lugs follow the curve of the wrist. The surface has a matte finish, which keeps reflections down and gives the watch a technical, tool-like look. It weighs roughly 73 g on its strap, which is light for a watch of this size and is the practical benefit of the titanium used in the case construction.
- 41 mm tonneau case – a modern sports shape that wears larger than the measurement suggests
- Matte finish – an even, non-reflective surface that hides everyday marks
- Light build – about 73 g including the strap, so it stays comfortable over a long day
Case Material
The case is listed as titanium, a metal valued in watchmaking because it is strong, noticeably lighter than steel and kind to sensitive skin. Product descriptions for this reference also mention recycled stainless steel together with titanium and carbon fibre elements, so the construction mixes materials rather than using a single block of metal. The crystal over the dial is mineral glass, which is described as having a sapphire coating for added scratch protection. The back of the case is see-through and shows the movement from behind.
The Skeleton Dial
Instead of a solid dial plate, this watch uses an open skeleton dial. The hour markers are full, applied markers arranged around the edge, and the grey detailing frames a cut-away centre through which the mechanism can be seen. The effect is a dial with real depth: the markers and hands sit above the working parts, and the movement forms the background. Retail listings describe the watch variously as blue or grey. The dial detailing is specified as grey, and the blue appears in the strap, so the overall colour story is grey and navy blue. The hands are analogue hour and minute hands with a sweeping seconds hand, and there is no date window or sub-dial to interrupt the open layout.
Automatic Movement
The MTRT1F503 is powered by a mechanical automatic movement of Japanese origin. An automatic movement winds itself from the motion of your wrist through a weighted rotor, so there is no battery to replace and no daily winding as long as you wear the watch regularly. Through the see-through case back you can watch the rotor turn, and it is finished in Podium Green, a colour accent against the otherwise grey and navy watch. The seconds hand sweeps smoothly around the dial in small steps rather than ticking once a second the way a quartz watch does, which is one of the pleasures of a mechanical movement. If the watch is left unworn for a day or two it may stop, in which case a gentle shake or a few turns of the crown will get it running again before you set the time.
- Self-winding – powered by wrist movement, with no battery
- Sweep seconds – the smooth motion that marks an automatic watch
- Exhibition case back – the rotor and mechanism visible from behind
Strap and Fit
The strap is two-piece silicone in navy blue, with a performance texture moulded into the surface. It is 22 mm wide at the lugs and closes with a buckle that has titanium accents. Silicone suits an active watch because it does not absorb water or sweat, it dries quickly and it needs no breaking in. The strap is soft enough to wear all day, and the 22 mm width is a common size, so it can later be swapped for another strap with standard spring bars if you want a different look.
Water Resistance in Practical Terms
The watch is water resistant to 100 metres, or 10 ATM. In everyday use that means it can handle rain, washing your hands, showering and swimming in a pool or the sea. It is not rated for scuba diving. The crown should be pushed fully in before the watch goes near water, and hot water or steam, such as a long hot shower or a sauna, is best avoided because heat can affect the seals over time.
Who This Watch Suits
- Men who want a mechanical watch with a visible movement at a size that does not dominate the wrist
- Car enthusiasts who like motorsport-inspired design without a large chronograph dial
- Anyone who wants a light, comfortable watch that can be worn to the gym, the pool and the office
- Buyers moving from quartz to their first automatic who want to see how it works
Care and Maintenance
Wipe the case and strap with a soft, damp cloth, then dry them, especially after swimming in salt water or a chlorinated pool. Rinse the silicone strap under fresh water if it collects dust or sunscreen. Wear the watch at least a few hours a day to keep the automatic movement wound, and if it is going to sit unused, wind it by hand for a minute before setting the time. Like any mechanical watch it benefits from a service by a qualified watchmaker every few years, which keeps the lubrication fresh and the water seals in good order. Keep the watch away from strong magnets such as speaker magnets and phone cases with magnetic clasps, which can affect accuracy.
About Aston Martin Watches
Aston Martin is best known for its grand tourers and sports cars, and its watch collections carry the same design language into a wearable form. The Thrill range covers quartz chronographs and automatics, and the family pairs sporty cases with silicone, steel or titanium straps. This reference is one of the lighter, more technical members of the family, aimed at buyers who prefer a modern sports watch to a formal dress watch.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Aston Martin |
|---|---|
| Collection | Thrill |
| Reference | MTRT1F503 |
| Gender | Men’s |
| Case size | 41 mm, tonneau shape |
| Case thickness | Approx. 14 mm |
| Case material | Titanium, matte finish |
| Dial | Grey skeleton dial with full markers |
| Crystal | Mineral glass |
| Case back | See-through, Podium Green rotor |
| Movement | Japanese mechanical automatic |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, sweeping seconds |
| Strap | Navy blue silicone, 22 mm |
| Clasp | Buckle with titanium accents |
| Water resistance | 10 ATM (100 m) |
| Weight | Approx. 73 g |
