A few months ago, we wrote about Chopard’s long and exciting connection with Porsche, and gave a brief introduction to the beautiful Superfast Chrono Porsche 919 Jacky Ickx Edition. After spending time hearing about this relationship at a fascinating Chopard event last week, our enthusiasm for this stunning collection has reached all new heights, so we decided it’s time to look at the main Chopard Porsche 919 watch in finer detail, celebrating the impressive functionality that lies beneath its flashy exterior.
This superfast watch is designed to give that same feeling of awe that you might feel as you sit in the driver’s seat of a Porsche 919 and first turn the throttle. With the same key qualities of reliability, precision and, of course, sheer beauty, all that’s missing is the roar of the engine; there’s certainly no doubt that this watch captures the values of “passion and performance” that are so important to both Porsche and Chopard.
But, just like any true car fanatics, we know that most watch aficionados are just as interested in what’s underneath the hood. For the Porsche 919 watch, that means the Chopard Calibre 03.05-M, which has been chronometer-certified by the ‘Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres’, a mark of quality which is typically only awarded to 3% of the Swiss watches which are presented every year.
This is a self-winding movement, which powers a number of different indications including hours (marked with the distinctive 919 symbol), minutes, small seconds, date, and 30-minute and 12-hour counters.
And we’re not done yet! There are a number of other functions on offer including a tachymetric scale and stop-seconds device, as well as water resistance up to a noteworthy 100 metres and 60 hours of power reserve. The Jacky Ickx edition also boasts all of the features just listed, differing from its brother only in terms of the aesthetics.
As if it’s not enough to simply know that all of that power is ticking away within your watch, you can also admire it, as the back of the case is transparent to allow a view of the inner mechanisms. Chopard have also demonstrated once again their commitment to the smallest details with bridges that have been designed to resemble the cooling vents of a car – the gaps between them giving just a tantalising glimpse of the calibre within.
If we haven’t paid much attention to the external appearance of these watches then it’s because you can see for yourselves how fine they are. However, we would like to draw your attention to just a couple of key features: the straps have been modelled after the Porsche’s tires, with a smooth finish; on the Jacky Ickx edition you will find red and blue detailing to match the colourings of his famous helmet, as well as his signature etched on the back; finally, the ‘Porsche Motorsport Official Timing Partner’ is displayed on the back of the watch.
Each of these timepieces has been created in very limited numbers – with, rather appropriately, 919 of the first watch and just 100 of the Jack Ickx model. We are lucky enough to have one of each of these watches in the Banks Lyon store, while those who are unable to visit us in person can peruse the rest of our Chopard watches online. Contact us today, online or at 01524 38 48 58, for more details, or come and say hello on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.