“Gentlemen start the engines”… With these words the 5th Monaco Historic Grand Prix officially started on May 20th under sunny skies. The event, a key date in the international automobile calendar, is constantly gaining greater renown and prestige. For the third time Chopard acted as the official timekeeper at this two day, vintage and classic car race which attracted over 25'000 spectators and journalists from all over the world. In tribute to the race Chopard created an exclusive chronograph in a limited and numbered series: ‘Monaco Grand Prix Historique 2006’ – Series III. Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard, had the great honour of presenting as a gift the series’ model number one to Prince Albert II. The watch was kindly handed over in the Automobile Club of Monaco.


Mr. Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard and Prince Albert II




‘Monaco Grand Prix Historique 2006’ – Series III in 18-carat rose gold



The car race
The race was held exactly one week before the Formula One Grand Prix on the original circuit of the legendary car race, along the quayside of the Principality. The 210 racing cars, which were constructed between 1926 and 1978, started in seven different categories. The impressive array of models included a 1927 Bugatti 37, the 1939 Maserati 4CL and the 1932 Alfa Romeo P3 Tipo B. A beautiful retrospective of the golden age of the Monaco racing heritage.



A story of passion
Members of the Scheufele family have always been keen amateur fans of classic and vintage cars. In 1988, their watch brand became associated with the Mille Miglia race and the famous Rallye des Pharaons. Hence, Chopard’s involvement with the Monaco Historic Grand Prix is another sign of its loyal relationship with the automobile world and its profound respect for sporting excellence driven by discipline and precision. Vintage cars typically epitomize eternity and elegance, just like high-quality watches seduce fans with a keen eye for fine craftsmanship.
In addition to his responsibilities as head of the 5th Monaco Historic Grand Prix, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele’s close friend Jacky Ickx drove the fantastic Ferrari parade in a 1972 Ferrari 312B2.


Mr. Jacky Ickx and Mr. Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard

A new chronograph
‘Monaco Grand Prix Historique 2006’ – Series III

In tribute to this year’s Monaco Historic Grand Prix, Chopard designed a new chronograph which was handed over to the victorious drivers of the different vehicle categories. Produced in a limited series, the new ‘Monaco Grand Prix Historique’ chronograph houses a mechanical self-winding movement with a 40-hour power reserve. The sunburst charcoal grey dial displays the hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph functions and the date at 4:30. It is equipped with 30-minute and 12-hour counters and a small seconds counter at 6 o’clock featuring the prestigious emblem of the Automobile Club of Monaco. Embodying Chopard’s characteristic concern for details, the winding-crown is adorned with a raised steering-wheel motif. Available in a technical version in steel that is blackened by a high-tech DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) process, or a more sporting-chic variation in 18-carat rose gold. The 40 mm-diameter case is water-resistant to 30 metres. Alligator strap with overstitching and a pin buckle in blackened steel or 18-carat rose gold. Produced in a limited edition of 500 in steel and 100 in rose gold, this collector’s object is available exclusively in Chopard Boutiques.


‘Monaco Grand Prix Historique 2006’ – Series III in blackened DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) steel

Source: Chopard
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