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Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Timepiece Tuesday: Watches and Cars

 
Cars and watches have gone together since the early days of driving. Whether the person is an antique car enthusiast, a luxury car lover, or someone who demands performance and speed, watch brands have always created timepieces that catered to these passions. Below is a selection of new watches that are designed to fuel the passionate car enthusiast.

Frédérique Constant Honors Peking to Paris Participants
Frédérique Constant on October 16 welcomed the participants of the 2010 edition of the Peking to Paris Rally, an antique car race that spans 14,360 km (8,930 miles) through 11 countries (opening photo).\

The race, billed as “'The Ultimate Driving Adventure” began September 10 at the Great Wall of China and ended in Place Vendôme at the Frédérique Constant finish line. A total of 103 teams of drivers struggled through difficult terrain, extreme weather conditions and mechanical mishaps. In the Frederique Constant VIP Area, guests were able to preview the brand’s new Peking to Paris Limited Edition timepieces (image not available). The collection will be launched officially during BaselWorld, the international watch & jewelry fair, being held March 2011 in Basel, Switzerland.



The Swiss watch brand hosted a gala dinner for all participants on October 17 at the InterContinental Paris-Le Grand (above photo). During the dinner, Peter Stas, Frederique Constant founder and CEO, awarded “The Spirit of the Rally” prize to Daniel Ward and David Ingleby who drove a 1914 Lancia Theta, one of the oldest cars in the race. The award is given to the team that overcame the most obstacles during the grueling race.

The Shelby Mustang Watch 
MARCH LA.B has rolled out a limited-edition Shelby watch that commemorates the 1968 Shelby EXP 500 Mustang hardtop prototype, Edmunds InsideLine reports. A total of 200 watches will be made. The Shelby watch has a black "chassis" and a wood dial that are meant to imitate the look of the EXP 500's dashboard. The car that serves as muse, known as the Green Hornet, had a custom Shelby hood, independent suspension and fuel-injected 428 "X" engine. The watch will be available starting November 10, at an as-yet-unannounced price.

A New Ferrari Collection
Ferrari Stores of the world are bringing out a limited edition of 299 Ferrari Paddock Chronograph timepieces, Edmunds InsideLine reports. The new watch is actually a set of three Paddock Chronograph models, which come in green, white or red lacquered presentation boxes. One is a Black Carbon version that comes with a pair of Prancing Horse logo cuff links made of carbon fiber and stainless steel. Another has a Ferrari-logo-shaped paperweight and the third has a special Ferrari jacquard necktie. All three have leather straps with Ferrari shield embossing, matte polished stainless steel case and Swiss quartz movements. They are priced starting at the equivalent of $1,050 at Ferrari's stores or online.

The Spyker Supercar Watch
Dutch supercar manufacturer and Saab owner Spyker launched its own line of fine watches, MotorCrave writes. Manufactured by Geneva-based Thierry Chaunu of Expression D’Artistes International, the watches feature Spyker badge bezels, hand stitched leather bands and a variety of components that take inspiration from Spyker design. The watch will be offered in 18K grey and rose gold finishes, of which 250 examples each will be made, and polished steel and matt black titanium finishes, of which 1,000 each. Prices range from $9,750 to $30,500.