One of our favorite automotive themed watches of the past year, can now be a very special Christmas gift for one person: A one-of-a-kind variation Capeland Shelby Cobra timepiece we previewed earlier this year, will be auctioned by Antiquorum in New York City on December 15, 2015, with all proceeds going to the Carroll Shelby Foundation.
“We are very proud to partner with the Carroll Shelby Foundation. Our agreement is nurtured by a similar philosophy. The elegance of the lines, the attention to high quality, and commitment to humanism are some of our common characteristics,” stated Alain Zimmermann, CEO of Baume & Mercier.
“Shelby and Baume & Mercier have earned an international reputation for quality, precision and craftsmanship,” said Neil Cummings, CEO of Carroll Shelby Licensing and co-CEO of Carroll Shelby International. “Our shared pursuit of perfection has made both companies legendary. We’re honored that Baume & Mercier has created a one-of-a kind watch to benefit the Shelby Automotive Museum, which was designed to inspire a new generation of enthusiasts worldwide.”
An original design based on the two Baume & Mercier Capeland Shelby Cobra chronographs released earlier this year, Baume & Mercier has designed a unique version of inspired by the 1965 Shelby Cobra racecar. This rare timepiece is distinguished by an off-white dial with sky blue stripes picking up those on racing cars, blue accents on the dial and hands, a 44 mm polished/satin-finished 18K red gold case, a finely grained 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. This flyback chronograph is driven by a Swiss-made mechanical self-winding movement from the Manufacture La Joux-Perret. The exclusive presentation box will also house an additional black leather alligator strap with round-scale blue alligator lining and gray stitching.
Proceeds from the auction will go to the Carroll Shelby Foundation, an organization that raises funds to help families and children affected by heart diseases. It also provides schooling and education for underprivileged young people in the US.
Baume & Mercier will produce only one example of this collector’s piece. The winning bidder in the auction will also receive an exclusive VIP package experience, 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 similar to the one we experienced, two custom-made racing suits, a VIP factory tour, a personal item of Carroll Shelby and a photo opportunity aboard an historical Cobra CXS2000.