This is a shameless plug for votes on-line for the Chopard entries at the GPHG 2014 Competition (Grand Prix de Horlogerie de Geneve)
"Hussy" is my middle name
As a man, I have to encourage votes for either the Chopard LUC 1963 Chrono Rose Gold in the Chronograph Category. LUC's first Manufacture manual wind chronograph movement with date function.
Or the Chopard Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Chrono in the "Petite Aiguille" Category (less than CHF 8000).
You need to go to the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève website to register before you can click the VOTE button.
You may even win a watch for voting as there is a lucky draw.
The Chopard Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Chrono in titanium, has a good chance in the "Petite Aiguille" Category because at that entry price point, it is the best new watch shortlisted in the competition in this category.
I've tried the chronograph action and it is a well adjusted quality movement that Chopard has tweaked and tuned from a good ebauche base.
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This reminds me to address the next question:
"What Chopard watches can I get for Christmas that lies between the LUC 1963 Chrono Rose Gold and the Chopard Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Chrono in titanium?
The answer is the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique 2014 Collection in titanium, rose gold and stainless steel .
Three precision instruments for classic racing.
The new collection of Grand Prix de Monaco Historique watches is composed of three instruments intended to support drivers. This complete high-performance range is composed of a chrono, an automatic model and a third with a power-reserve indicator, all dedicated to the most prestigious of the classic Grand Prix races. Crafted titanium, steel and rose gold result in versions that embody Chopard’s passion for racing as well as its demanding horological standards.
Featuring racing cars dating from the 1920s through to 1985, the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique is a multi-faceted competition that brings together a number of profoundly different machines. They all embody the mechanical excellence of their era and are driven in real-life conditions by passionately dedicated drivers. Serving as sponsor and official timekeeper of the race since 2002, Chopard is also involved for emotional reasons. Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Chopard’s co-president, is a keen aficionado of historical cars.
For each edition, held every two years, Chopard has presented a limited-edition chronograph – the type of model typically associated with racing. In 2014 and for the very first time, Chopard is launching a full-fledged collection related to this race. The new Grand Prix de Monaco range offers a complete range of watches designed to closely match the desires of customers and drivers.
Chopard offers three different models, each available in a dressier and more precious rose gold, titanium and steel interpretation. Equipped with various functions, the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique watches parallel the three main types of car engines: V6, V8 and V12.
Three models, one spirit
The Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Automatic watch is the ultimate timekeeping instrument. Its COSC-certified self-winding calibre is very much like a V6 engine. It guarantees chronometric performance to match the demands of drivers and of Chopard itself.
Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Automatic
Technical Details
Case:
Beadblasted titanium
Total diameter 44.5 mm
Thickness 13.9 mm
Water-resistant to 100 metres
Glareproofed sapphire crystal
18ct rose gold crown
18ct rose gold bezel with black aluminium insert, silver-toned transfer and grey dots
Steel case-back bearing the Automobile Club de Monaco logo
Movement:
Self-winding movement
Total diameter 37.20 mm
Number of jewels 24
Power reserve approx. 46 hours
Frequency 28,800 vph
Chronometer-certified (COSC)
Dial and hands:
Snailed silver-toned dial
Raised oversized Arabic numerals at 12 and 6 o’clock
Silver-toned inner bezel ring
Gold-toned hour and minute hands
Black central sweep-seconds hand
Functions:
Hours, minutes, seconds
Date window at 3 o’clock
Strap and buckle:
Black barenia calfskin strap with cream stitching
Titanium folding clasp
Ref. 168568-9001– leather strap
Playing the role of a V8 engine, the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Power Control features a power-reserve indicator placed at 6 o’clock. Its appearance is directly inspired by petrol or oil gauges.
Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Power Control
Technical details
Case:
Beadblasted titanium
Total diameter 44.5 mm
Thickness 13.9 mm
Water-resistant to 100 metres
Glareproofed sapphire crystal
18ct rose gold crown
18ct rose gold bezel with black aluminium insert, silver-toned transfer and grey dots
Steel case-back bearing the Automobile Club de Monaco logo
Movement:
Self-winding movement
Total diameter 37.20 mm
Number of jewels 24
Power reserve approx. 46 hours
Frequency 28,800 vph
Chronometer-certified (COSC)
Dial and hands:
Snailed silver-toned dial
Raised oversized Arabic 12 o’clock numeral
Power-reserve display inspired by petrol or oil gauges
Silver-toned inner bezel ring
Gold-toned hour and minute hands
Black central sweep-seconds hand
Functions:
Hours, minutes, seconds
Date window at 3 o’clock
Power-reserve indicator at 6 o’clock
Strap and buckle:
Black barenia calfskin strap with cream stitching
Titanium folding clasp
Ref. 168569-9001 – leather strap
Finally, the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Chrono is the V12 of the family. This powerful, sleek and noble instrument is the driver’s watch par excellence.
Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Chrono
Technical details
Case:
Beadblasted titanium
Total diameter 44.5 mm
Thickness 13.9 mm
Water-resistant to 100 metres
Glareproofed sapphire crystal
18ct rose gold crown and pushers
18ct rose gold bezel with black aluminium insert, silver-toned transfer and grey dots
Steel case-back bearing the Automobile Club de Monaco logo
Movement:
Self-winding chronograph movement
Total diameter 37.20 mm
Number of jewels 24
Power reserve approx. 46 hours
Frequency 28,800 vph
Chronometer-certified (COSC)
Dial and hands:
Snailed silver-toned dial
Hollowed black-toned subdials at 12 and 6 o’clock,
hollowed silver-toned subdial at 9 o’clock
Gold-toned hour and minute hands
Black central sweep-seconds hand
Functions:
Hours, minutes, small seconds at 9 o’clock
30-minute and 12-hour counters
Date window at 3 o’clock
Strap and buckle:
Black barenia calfskin strap with cream stitching
Titanium folding clasp
Ref. 168570-9001 – leather strap
The three Grand Prix de Monaco Historique models stem from a shared platform and are distinguished by an entirely reconsidered and new design. The chassis is a 44.5 mm titanium case chosen for its slightness, its hardness and its compatibility.
Its case-back is engraved with the Automobile Club de Monaco logo and for this reason it is made of steel which is better suited to engraving. The lugs have been redesigned to ensure enhanced comfort. But the most significant modifications relate to the dial, which features a grooved and snailed surface, thus creating an impression of constant movement reminiscent both of the sheer speed of racing cars and of chicane kerbs.
A story of distinction
Chopard offers versions combining steel, titanium and rose gold. The warm and elegant tones of the precious metal clothe the hands, bezels and crowns of the Grand Prix de Monaco Automatic, Power Control and Chrono versions.
The pushers on the latter version are also in rose gold and the same colour is picked up on the ecru topstitching of the black barenia calfskin strap.
Making a striking contrast with the silver grey dials and black hour-markers, these dressier interpretations are a reminder that classic racing is very much a matter for gentlemen and thus naturally exudes an air of distinction. That is indeed exactly how Chopard sees racing: mechanical excellence, impeccable ergonomics, as well as the distinction inherent in the world of drivers.
Which will you choose for Christmas 2014?
Assuming its not the LUC 1963 Chrono PuristS Edition in steel.....
This message has been edited by MTF on 2014-10-21 17:37:09