SIHH 2016: Capeland Shelby Cobra Limited Edition

SIHH 2016: Capeland Shelby Cobra Limited Edition

“Never let them take away your desire to accomplish something.” - Carroll Shelby

If success is the measure of a champion, endurance is its heart and soul. The legends that live forever do so because they embody the courage, passion and vision to always push forward.

The Spirit of Competition

Since our founding in 1830, every Baume & Mercier timepiece has been forged from that spirit of competition and strength. From integrity of design to handcrafted quality and renowned precision, a Baume & Mercier watch is chosen by its owner because it represents the pursuit of excellence itself.

A partner of Carroll Shelby Inc. since 2015, Baume & Mercier is proud to honor the Shelby spirit of endurance with a new series of limited edition chronographs inspired by one of the most successful Cobras in history: CSX2128, the 289 Roadster built to conquer the grueling 1963 12 Hours of Sebring race. Competing as number 15, this Cobra made Carroll Shelby’s dreams of glory a reality.

For those who prize the triumph of endurance, this new series of timepieces is above any other.

Team of Heroes

The drivers chosen by Shelby for his first Cobra team were a perfect reflection of the man who led them: young, courageous and brash. These were the qualities he embodied as a champion.

For the 1963 12 Hours of Sebring, Shelby placed his Cobras in the hands of a now-famous trio : Dan Gurney, Lew Spencer and Dave MacDonald. In 1964, a new generation of drivers took over: Ken Miles and Allen Grant, among others.

In total, no fewer than eight American racing legends took the Cobra CSX2128 to new heights, each forging a deep connection to the car in the process. It is about far more than history. More than any other 289 Cobra, this is the greatest reflection of the unyielding spirit and passion of the young Shelby team. An iconic example of what can happen when dreams are pursued, and teamwork prized above all.

The legend of CSX2128 is inseparable from those of its heroic drivers.

Baume & Mercier designed the second edition of the Capeland Shelby® Cobra to honor their endurance and skill in a singular fashion.

Power to Endure

The Capeland Shelby® Cobra collection will speak to the chosen few with the stamina to make their dreams a reality. It represents the absolute best of Shelby confidence and endurance, married to the pure design and unrivaled precision that has made Baume & Mercier sought after for over a century.

Inspired by the Cobra’s performance, the Swiss-made self-winding movement combines quality and flawless accuracy with the highest standards. The case back is engraved with the name of the collection, as well as the words “one out of 1963” in reference to the number of limited-edition pieces and the year which saw the Cobra’s first victory at the American championship. As a final tribute, the sapphire crystal features the CSX2128’s famous N° 15 race number. All these elements combine to make the new Capeland Shelby® Cobra a unique watch.

Pilotes Cobra

But performance is nothing without a strong presence. Whether it is the 44 mm case in polished and satin-finished steel or the all-steel version with its ultra-resistant black ADLC coating, the timepiece produces an intense impression of power.

A glance at the face will reveal a layout modeled after the Cobra’s historic dashboard, with asymmetrical chronograph counters. The deep black dial and the transparent twin horizontal racing stripes pay further homage to this special Cobra, as do hands that mirror the Cobra’s steering wheel.

Completing the design is the Cobra logo itself, forged into the seconds hand of the chronograph as a symbol of the timeless pursuit of speed. Finally, the tachymeter function – highly useful in determining speeds during a race – encircles and highlights all of these attributes. The final touch of green light emission Superluminova combined with anti-glare technology on the dial ensures perfect clarity.

These unique chronographs are available with a black alligator strap with a rubberized yellow lining or with a black vulcanized rubber strap, both fastened by a triple folding buckle with safety catches. This second strap is made from the same material as the wheels of the race car.

Each chronograph in the Capeland Shelby® Cobra collection embodies the sheer power and legendary performance of the Cobra.