Chopard

Classic Racing LIVE and NEW Chopard Grand Prix de Monaco Historique 2016 watches launched today

The 10th edition of the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique will take place from the 13th - 15th May 2016. The most prestigious event on the "classic racing" circuit has brought together drivers and devotees of historical cars for a competition every two years since 1997.   Since 2002, Chopard has been a sponsor and official timekeeper, a natural alliance of high-precision timekeeping with a passion for fine mechanical engineering.  For each edition of the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique since 2002, Chopard has created dedicated timepieces.

Chopard Grand Prix de Monaco Historique 2016 Race Edition watches with bright orange or blue accents and issued in limited editions of 500 pieces in stainless steel and titanium or 100 pieces in 18K rose gold, are authentic driver’s instruments created for gentlemen drivers. Available on a NATO webbing or a Barenia leather strap, these COSC-certified chronographs are imbued with the technical spirit of classic racing and are designed to support drivers during this exceptional competition. The design motifs are inspired by historical car bodywork and the ‘engine’ is a chronometer movement certified by the COSC.

CHOPARD Grand Prix de Monaco Historique 2014 watch

PROS 

1) Striking Vintage Appearance in a Large Diameter Case.
2) Sharp-angle short lugs encompass all wrist sizes comfortably; even small wrists.
3) Functionally Bi-Compax Display
4) Light Titanium / Steel Fusion Case is subtly elegant against the silver-toned and grey dial/bezel combination.
5) Rose gold case surprisingly complements the silver-toned and grey dial/bezel combination.

CONS 

1) Outsourced but good C.O.S.C. movement

Automobile Club de Monaco

Over the weekend, about 50 years of motor racing is commemorated by the Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM), through 8 exceptional series:
•Event A: Pre-war Racing Car Parades on Saturday and Sunday. The ACM shall not require drivers to hold a FIA Historic Technical Passport or competition license. The wearing of a helmet and fireproof overalls are recommended but not mandatory.

•Race B: Pre-1961 front-engined F1 Grand Prix and F2 cars
•Race C: Front engine Sports Racing cars raced from 1952 to 1955 (inclusive)
•Race D: Front-engined, drum brakes Formula Junior Cars from 1958 to 1960 (inclusive)
•Race E: 1500 F1 Grand Prix Cars from 1961 to 1965 (inclusive)
•Race F: F1 Grand Prix Cars from 1966 to 1972 (inclusive)
•Race G: F1 Grand Prix Cars from 1973 to 1976 (inclusive)

After several months of construction, the new Race Control building was inaugurated by H.S.H. Prince Albert II on 11th May 2016, just two days before the first race. The 1500 sq m structure was designed to cater for the constantly evolving needs of the Monaco Grand Prix (Formula 1, Historic, Formula E).

Following the inauguration, Prince Albert was invited to discover the new building accompanied by Mr Michel Boeri, President of the ACM, the Minister of State and the Interior Minister.

H.S.H. then toured the building including the terrace, which offers a 360 ° panorama onto Port Hercule.

Chopard and Classic Racing

Chopard is closely associated with classic racing and allied with the Grand Prix Historique de Monaco by a passion for fine mechanics, precision and rigorous discipline.

A partner of the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique since 2002, Chopard is also the official timekeeper of the Mille Miglia Race since 1988.

“I would like to congratulate the Automobile Club de Monaco on the tremendous work they do in the field of classic cars, and to salute the enduring quality of their organisation over the years. It is a true honour for Chopard to be associated with the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, which is undoubtedly a highlight on the racing calendar”.  - Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Chopard co-president

Karl-Friedrich Scheufele is a collector and driver of historical cars. He adds “This passion was passed on to me by my father, who is a classic car enthusiast. In 1987, I went to Italy to discover the Mille Miglia and I realised the importance of timekeeping for drivers. We owed it to ourselves to be associated with a sport where every second is precious in achieving outstanding performance.”

 
Chopard Grand Prix de Monaco Historique 2016 Edition watches

The silver-toned snailed dial is geared for legibility and enlivened by light effects created by the grey and silver-toned chronograph counters, while the minute circle is punctuated by applied hour-markers featuring the collection’s characteristic arrow shape. The titanium/stainless steel version has a bright orange central sweep-seconds hand whilst the 18-carat rose gold model is equipped with a blue seconds hand.
 

Two interchangeable straps set the perfect finishing touch to the sporting nature of these new timepieces: the Barenia calfskin strap with orange or blue stitching, for the vintage elegance typical of gentlemen drivers; or the grey NATO strap bearing orange or blue racing stripes for a relaxed sporty style.

Grand Prix de Monaco Historique 2016 Race Edition Technical Details

Titanium/Steel Edition

Case:
Shotblasted titanium and stainless steel
Total diameter  44.5 mm
Thickness  14.1 mm
Water-resistant to 100 metres
Glareproofed sapphire crystal
Titanium crown and pushers
Stainless steel bezel with grey inlay, silver-toned inscription and orange dots
Case-back stamped with the Automobile Club de Monaco logo

 
Movement:
Self-winding chronograph movement
Total diameter  37.20 mm
Number of jewels  25
Power reserve approx. 46 hours
Frequency  28,800 vph
Chronometer-certified (COSC)

 
Dial and hands:
Silver-toned snailed dial
Hollowed snailed grey counters at 12 and 6 o’clock, hollowed silver-toned counter at 9 o’clock
Painted metallic black hours and minutes hands painted with Superluminova
Orange central sweep-seconds hand
Metallic black counter pointers

 
Functions:
Hours, minutes, small seconds at 9 o’clock
Minutes counter at 12 o’clock and hours counter at 6 o’clock
Date window at 3 o’clock

Ref. 168570-3002
500-piece limited edition

18K Rose Gold Edition

CHOPARD Grand Prix de Monaco Historique 2016 Rose Gold caseback

Movement:
Self-winding chronograph movement
Total diameter  37.20 mm
Number of jewels  25
Power reserve approx. 46 hours
Frequency  28,800 vph
Chronometer-certified (COSC)

 
Dial and hands:
Silver-toned snailed dial
Hollowed snailed grey counters at 12 and 6 o’clock, hollowed silver-toned counter at 9 o’clock
Painted metallic black hours and minutes hands painted with Superluminova
Blue central sweep-seconds hand
Gold-toned counter pointers

 
Functions:
Hours, minutes, small seconds at 9 o’clock
Minutes counter at 12 o’clock and hours counter at 6 o’clock
Date window at 3 o’clock

Strap and clasp:
Grey Barenia calfskin strap with blue stitching or grey and blue NATO strap
18-carat rose gold folding clasp

 
Ref. 161294-5001
100-piece limited edition

Dr M. Teillol-Foo

I've never liked the look of these leather straps with the big holes punched out though, so my choice would be for the NATO versions.

Cheers,
Anthony

Let's say...in Italy last weekend?

MTF