Chopard

CHOPARD TO SPONSOR
THE 2012 GRAND PRIX DE MONACO HISTORIQUE 2012

On May 12^th and 13^th, the Swiss based watch and jewelry house will sponsor the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique
for the 6th time and unveil two new Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Chronograph timepieces

Chopard and the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique –

A Passionate Relationship

Since 2002, Chopard has been a partner of Monaco's fabulous Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, where every two years, racing cars from the most sought-after collections go head-to-head on the Principality's winding roads. This involvement is another sign of Chopard's relationship with the world of classic cars and its profound respect for sporting excellence driven by passion and precision. On May 12^th and 13^th, 2012, Chopard will serve for the 6th time running as the official timekeeper for the 8th Grand Prix de Monaco Historique. The race, held two weeks before the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix, will take place on the same legendary route, the 3.3 kilometer-long Monaco circuit, which has barely changed since its establishment on April 14^th, 1929. The Grand Prix de Monaco Historique offers a retrospective of the Golden Age of Monaco car races. Over 200 drivers from 19 countries will take part, driving exceptional "voiturettes" and Grand Prix cars dating from 1947 to 1978, in one of the seven series selected by the organization. This race is undoubtedly the most popular circuit race for vintage cars. As such, it attracts collectors from all around the world, and Chopard is proud to be part of it.

"Thanks to my friend Jacky Ickx, I have been fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of the "other" Monaco Grand Prix and I thank him for this opportunity. I would also like to thank the Monaco Automobile Club for the tremendous work they do on behalf of vintage car collection and extend them my gratitude for their excellent organization of this prestigious top-class sporting event. It is an honor for Chopard to be associated with the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, which is definitely a highlight of the annual racing calendar."

- Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard

The Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Chronograph 2012

The Motor-Racing Legend on the Wrist

Matte grey, vivid colors, racing stripes: the new Grand Prix de Monaco Historique 2012 watch is a tribute to 1970s racing cars:

A passion for fine mechanics, extreme precision and rigorous standards have united the House of Chopard and the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique since 2002. This partnership has given rise to a prestigious eponymous collection dedicated to high-speed enthusiasts. The new Chopard Grand Prix de Monaco Historique 2012 features the aesthetic appeal and distinctive colors of historical racing cars.

The Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, first organized in 1998 to commemorate the 700^th anniversary of the Grimaldio Dynasty, was initially to be a one-off event, but the tremendous enthusiasm it aroused led the organizers to repeat it every two years. This competition is considered the world's greatest rendezvous for historical racing cars, and attracts experienced collectors, mostly from the United States, Germany, France and Italy.

The style of the new Chopard Grand Prix de Monaco Historique 2012 model echoes the aesthetic of the venerable single-seaters that take part in each race. The matte titanium case as well as the anthracite dial of this model are directly inspired by the historical bodywork features. This understated backdrop is lit up by bright orange or blue accents enlivening the hour-markers, the seconds hands and the stitching on the grey Barenia calfskin strap. These colors also echo the graphic design characteristic of the 1970s, as do the tone-on-tone racing stripes on the dial.

The Grand Prix de Monaco Historique 2012 model displays the hours, minutes, small seconds and the date through an aperture, naturally complemented by chronograph functions and a tachometric scale. The 42.4 mm-diameter case provides glimpses of the mechanical movement through a case back engraved with the inscription "Grand Prix de Monaco Historique", and featuring a sapphire crystal bearing the insignia of the Automobile Club de Monaco. Also issued in a special titanium and rose gold 500-piece limited edition, this watch is equipped with a strap featuring a pin buckle made of titanium – an additional nod to the quest for lightness typical of motor sports.

Press Release