CHOPARD Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Automatic

Grand Prix de Monaco Historique 2014 - Gentlemen drivers and mechanical passions

The ninth edition of the most prestigious event on the “classic racing” circuit will take place from May 9th to 11th 2014. The Grand Prix de Monaco Historique brings together drivers and devotees of historical cars for a competition driven on racing cars. Chopard has been serving as sponsor and official timekeeper since 2002, a natural alliance for a brand of passionate enthusiasts.

From May 9th to 11th 2014, the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique will be rattling the windows of Monte Carlo. This competition for classic racing cars is the most eclectic and prestigious of them all. Held every two years along the exact same route as the Formula 1 Grand Prix, it brings together 50 years of automobile history which converge on the principality for speed trials in real conditions. Drivers do battle at the wheel of collector’s cars divided into seven categories. Since 2002, Chopard has been associated with this event as both sponsor and official timekeeper.

Legendary racing cars

The oldest competing cars date back to the 1930s, when Bugatti ruled supreme on racing circuits, along with Alfa Romeo. F1 vehicles from the 1950s, 60s and 70s are the stars of the event, with Lola, McLaren and Tyrell models retracing the history of the progress of aerodynamics and engine research. Finally, GT cars from the Ferrari, Maserati, Jaguar and Aston Martin workshops represent the ultimate gentlemen drivers’ spirit. The Grand Prix de Monaco Historique revives the historical vocation of these legendary speed machines, with roaring engines powering drivers to exceptional performances and ultimate victory. The tight bends of the Condamine, the legendary Rascasse hairpin, the fast tunnel, as well as the redoubtably tight St. Dévote turn, are all on the menu of the three days of racing. The dangers are very real, both for the pilots and their four-wheeled mounts. Competitors reach maximum speeds of 240 km/h. Any overtaking move is a real fight, as always on the narrow track of the Monaco circuit. The authentic and hotly contested competition is the very reason for being of this Grand Prix.  

A passion for fine mechanics

Chopard is closely associated with the world of classic racing and united with the Grand Prix Historique de Monaco by a passion for fine mechanics, precision and rigorous discipline. In the words of Chopard co-president Karl-Friedrich Scheufele: “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”. A partner of the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique since 2002, the House is also the official timekeeper of the Mille Miglia since 1988.

For Chopard, the automobile world and watchmaking are all part of the same world of sophisticated and accomplished mechanics. Chopard shares drivers’ passion for high-precision mechanics and for exceptional objects. Yet this partnership stems from an even more personal passion.

Karl-Friedrich Scheufele is himself collectors and drives 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. I was impressed and I realised the tremendous opportunity represented by an association between classic racing and Chopard watches. 

For each edition of the Grand Prix since 2002, Chopard has created a limited-edition watch. For the first time, the Chopard Grand Prix de Monaco Historique 2014 watches compose a complete line of timepieces encompassing self-winding three-

hand, power-reserve or chronograph versions, each imbued with the technical spirit of classic racing. Available in steel and titanium or steel combined with titanium and rose gold, these models with their assorted complications and their materials are designed to support drivers during this exceptional competition.

Grand Prix de Monaco Historique 2014 collection

Three precision instruments for classic racing

The new collection of Grand Prix de Monaco Historique watches is composed of three instruments intended to support drivers. This complete high-performance range is composed of a chrono, an automatic model and a third with a power-reserve indicator, all dedicated to the most prestigious of the classic Grand Prix races. Crafted in steel and titanium,  or steel, titanium and rose gold versions, they embody Chopard’s passion for racing as well as its demanding horological standards.

Featuring racing cars dating from the 1920s through to 1985, the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique is by nature a multi-faceted competition that brings together a number of profoundly different machines. They all embody the mechanical excellence of their era and are driven in real-life conditions by passionately dedicated drivers. Serving as sponsor and official timekeeper of the race since 2002, Chopard is also involved for emotional reasons. Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Chopard’s co-president, is a keen aficionado of historical cars. For each edition, held every two years, Chopard has thus far presented a limited-edition chronograph – the type of model typically associated with racing. In 2014 and for the very first time, Chopard is launching a full-fledged collection related to this race. The new Grand Prix de Monaco range offers a complete range of watches designed to closely match the desires of customers and drivers. Chopard thus offers three different models, each available in a beadblasted titanium and steel version for pure sportiness, as well as in a dressier and more precious rose gold and steel interpretation. Equipped with various functions, the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique watches parallel the three main types of car engines: V6, V8 and V12.

Three models, one spirit

The Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Automatic watch is the ultimate timekeeping instrument. Its COSC-certified self-winding calibre is very much like a V6 engine. It guarantees chronometric performance to match the demands of drivers and of Chopard itself. Playing the role of a V8 engine, the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Power Control features a power-reserve indicator placed at 6 o’clock. Its appearance is directly inspired by petrol or oil gauges. Finally, the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Chrono is the V12 of the family. This powerful, sleek and noble instrument is the driver’s watch par excellence. The three Grand Prix de Monaco Historique models stem from a shared platform and are distinguished by an entirely reconsidered and new design. The chassis is a 44.5 mm titanium case chosen for its slightness, its hardness and its compatibility. Its case-back is engraved with the Automobile Club de Monaco logo and for this reason it is made of steel which is better suited to engraving. The lugs have been redesigned to ensure enhanced comfort. But the most significant modifications relate to the dial, which features a grooved and snailed surface, thus creating an impression of constant movement reminiscent both of the sheer speed of racing cars and of chicane kerbs.

Speed and sportiness

The Grand Prix de Monaco Historique 2014 collection sees the introduction of a new shade. Yellow is one of the basic colours in the racing vocabulary. This vibrant and highly visible hue stands for the speed and danger with which drivers live constantly. The luminescent hour-markers, the hands and the case-back are all designed to ensure that the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Automatic, Power Control and Chrono models are as easy as possible to wear, use and read. This colour code is featured on the titanium and steel versions of the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique. These ultra-functional models embody a certain idea of mechanical sportiness – a principle inseparably bound up with that of versatility. The ability to adapt to circumstances is a determining factor in a driver’s success. For this reason, these models are offered with a choice of steel and titanium bracelet or a black barenia calfskin strap featuring yellow topstitching that prolongs the taut, edgy design of the dials and cases that it secures to the wrist.     

A story of distinction

Alongside these onboard instruments, Chopard also offers versions combining steel, titanium and rose gold. The warm and elegant tones of the precious metal clothe the hands, bezels and crowns of the Grand Prix de Monaco Automatic, Power Control and Chrono versions. The pushers on the latter version are also in rose gold and the same colour is picked up on the ecru topstitching of the black barenia calfskin strap. Making a striking contrast with the silver grey dials and black hour-markers, these dressier interpretations are a reminder that classic racing is very much a matter for gentlemen and thus naturally exudes an air of distinction. That is indeed exactly how Chopard sees racing: mechanical excellence, impeccable ergonomics, as well as the distinction inherent in the world of drivers.