Chopard Grand Prix Monaco Historique 2016 Race Edition

Imagine for a moment, standing near the ‘Sainte Devote’ corner at the iconic Circuit de Monaco. There ahead of you, the track is presented in all of its glamorous glory. This is a motor racing arena par excellence, capable of separating the men from the boys with its challenging bends and narrow track sections.
The air is still octane-rich from the earlier practise sessions and the crowd is excited, eager to see the spectacle which awaits.
For the competitors, there is no time for going back. This is the moment drivers must compose themselves and control the adrenaline pumping through their bodies, harnessing it to positive affect for the wheel to wheel combat which is about to ensue. Now is the time each driver must fulfil their potential, no joy will be derived from coming last. This is the moment for absolute focus. Weeks of preparation have led to this point. The day has arrived. This is the domain of the gentleman racer, willing to risk priceless classic cars in gladiatorial battle, all in the pursuit of the winner’s garland.
As the start commences, the streets of Monaco come alive to a cacophony of sound, reverberating around the principality, a locale which emulates the acoustics of an amphitheatre. This is the world of the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, an event teeming with passion, an event where precision and timing are everything.

In the sphere of watchmaking, Chopard is a watch brand imbued with a genuine passion for motor racing. Its co-president, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, is a keen collector of classic cars. Each year, he can be seen participating in the legendary Mille Miglia, an event the maison has supported since 1988. This zeal for racing cars is part of Chopard’s paradigm and it should therefore come as no surprise to learn that Chopard has been ‘partnering’ the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique since 2002, as well as ‘serving as official timekeeper’ for the race event. This year, the Swiss watch and jewellery brand has unveiled a limited edition timepiece, the Chopard Grand Prix de Monaco Historique 2016 Race Edition, presented in two case options.

The watch is offered in shotblasted titanium and stainless steel, limited to 500 pieces. Alternatively, an 18-carat rose gold version, limited to 100 pieces, is also offered, ideally suiting those prospective purchasers seeking the warm allure of autumn-toned noble metal. While the latter watch is undoubtedly gorgeous, I was particularly drawn to the titanium and steel variant and chose to navigate its form and appraise its layout.

The dial of this chronograph converses clearly with the wearer. Indeed, when information has to be gleaned quickly, the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique 2016 Race Edition assists avid racers by communicating with matchless lucidity, making it a true motorsport instrument.

Many watch companies seek to associate themselves with motor racing. However, few brands share the same passion for octane-fuelled competition as Chopard and its co-president, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele. This ‘passion’, an apt term often used by the brand, suffuses many of the maison’s timepieces to splendiferous effect. The Grand Prix de Monaco Historique 2016 Race Edition proves to be no exception – its magnificent.