The Chopard Grand Prix de Monaco Historique chronograph perfectly combines classical lines with an undeniably sporty look; released at the Basel Watch and Jewellery Fair in April this year, its arrival in store has been highly anticipated by all.
Chopard’s passion for fine mechanics, extreme precision and rigorous standards have united them with the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique since 2002. This partnership has given rise to a number of exclusive collections dedicated to high-speed enthusiasts. The first Grand Prix de Monaco was intended as a one off event to commemorate the 700th anniversary of Monco’s Grimaldi dynasty, but following the success of this first race it is now held every two years. Now considered one of the most important gatherings of historical race cars in the world, the race attracts hoards of automobile collectors and enthusiasts from all over the world.
This watch has a whole host of distinguishing features including a generous 42.40mm diameter case in both Titanium and Rose Gold options, and a grey Barenia Leather Racing Strap. The matt titanium case and the anthracite dial are directly inspired by the historical bodywork features of the 1970’s cars. Sophisticated and ultra light, the watch is available in titanium, titanium and rose gold and rose gold versions. Its powerful, classic lines house a mechanical self-winding chronograph movement which is chronometer-certified by the COSC in Switzerland to guarantee its absolute precision.
The watch displays the hours, minutes, small seconds and date; in a window at 3 o’clock. The chronograph has a 30-minutes counter at 12 o’clock and a 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock. A tachymeter scale adorns the bezel. Brightly coloured accents – orange for the matte titanium version, blue for the two-tone model – liven up the dial on the hour markers and central chronograph seconds hand. This is then echoed in the contrast stitching of the perforated grey “racing-style’ Barenia leather strap. Both colours reflect the graphic design trends of the 1970s, as do the tone-on-tone racing stripes on the dial.
The 42.40 mm-diameter case provides glimpses of the mechanical movement through an exhibition case back engraved with the inscription “Grand Prix de Monaco Historiqueâ€, and featuring a sapphire crystal bearing the insignia of the Automobile Club de Monaco. Each piece is water-resistant to 50 metres and the special titanium and rose gold is a 500-piece limited edition. This beautiful watch really is a true reflection of classic racing days.