Unique Baume & Mercier Capeland Shelby Cobra Watch Placed On Auction

Capeland Shelby Cobra 18k red gold flyback chronograph

Baume & Mercier and legendary race car manufacturer Carroll Shelby International Inc. created the Capeland Shelby Cobra chronograph collection that was released in June. 

Modeled after the Shelby Daytona Cobra, the two limited-edition watches honored the 50th anniversary of the car’s greatest achievement: finishing first in 11 out of 20 races to be crowned 1965 FIA GT champions. It was an unlikely victory as the small American car maker and its team of drivers beat the best-known and most-established car manufacturers in the racing world. 

Baume & Mercier US officials say that it was the company's most successful watch lunch in memory.

Now the two companies are partnering in a release of a one-of-a-kind Capeland Shelby Cobra 18k red gold flyback chronograph that will be auctioned at Antiquorum in New York on December 15. All proceeds will go toward the Carroll Shelby Foundation, which raises funds to help families and children affected by heart disease and provides schooling and education for underprivileged young people in the US. 

A view of the La Joux-Perret mechanical movement from the sapphire crystal caseback

An auction estimate has yet to be set for this new timepiece. Bids may be placed online, over the phone or in person.

The unique version of the Capeland Shelby Cobra is inspired by the same graphic identity codes of the Shelby Cobra race car. Unlike its predecessors, which replicated “Guardsman Blue” racing color with transparent dual racing stripes, the watch up for auction has an off-white dial with sky transparent dual blue racing stripes. There’s also blue accents on the dial and hands, a 44 mm polished/satin-finished 18k red gold case, a black calfskin strap with round-scale blue alligator lining and gray stitching, and an 18k red gold pin buckle. The inscription “Shelby Cobra 1965-2015, Unique Piece” is engraved on the case back, framing a sapphire crystal bearing Carroll Shelby’s signature. 

The Shelby Cobra

The flyback chronograph mechanism is driven by a Swiss-made mechanical self-winding movement from Manufacture La Joux-Perret. The watch comes in an exclusive presentation box that will also house an additional black leather alligator strap with round-scale blue alligator lining and gray stitching.  

The Shelby Cobra stripes

Along with the watch, the winning bidder will receive a “VIP package experience,” which the watch brand says is valued at $10,000. It includes a visit to the Shelby World Headquarters in Las Vegas, an original illustration of the Cobra signed by the Cobra driving legends, a Cobra driving experience, two custom-made racing suits, a VIP factory tour, a personal item of Carroll Shelby and a photo opportunity aboard an historical Cobra CXS2000. 

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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.