If you have a penchant for luxury timepieces, love American muscles and have boatloads of money, then you might want to check out the Baume & Mercier Capeland Shelby Cobra 18K Red Gold Flyback Chronograph. The one-of-the-kind timepiece is slated to go on the block at Antiquorum in New York City on December 9, 2015, with all proceeds going to Carroll Shelby Foundation, so you’d be doing the society some good with your hard earned money. Personally, I can’t see anything in common between the two brands, but since it is for charitable cause, I shall dispense with my (probably very) unpopular views.
Don’t get me wrong. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with Baume & Mercier; they made super classy, timeless watches and Shelby has always been one of my favorite marques even though I don’t reside in the U.S. I just thought there’s no clear connection, much less synergy between the two, perhaps except for the craftsmanship which both companies strived for. Anywho, do not mistaken the Baume & Mercier Capeland Shelby Cobra 18K Red Gold Flyback Chronograph Watch with the earlier two Baume & Mercier Capeland Shelby Cobra Chronographs, released earlier this year.
This one-off piece is inspired by the graphic identify of Shelby Cobra race car as exemplified by the racing stripes on the off-white watch face and blue accents on the dial and hands. The watch boasts a 44mm polished/satin-finished 18K red gold case, paired to a finely grained black calfskin strap with round-scale blue alligator lining and gray stitching with matching 18K red gold pin buckle and its flyback chronograph is powered by a Swiss-made self-winding mechanical moment from Manufacture La Joux-Perret.
Around the back, Carroll Shelby’s signature can be found on the sapphire crystal case back, encased in a circular frame with the inscription “Shelby Cobra 1965-2015, Unique Piece.” An additional black leather alligator strap with round-scale blue alligator lining and gray stitching is stashed in an exclusive presentation box that comes with this beautiful timepiece.
In addition to the watch, winning bidder will receive a $10,000 exclusive VIP package experience, which includes a visit to the Shelby World Headquarters in Las Vegas, a VIP factory tour and a Cobra driving experience (presumably, on a track). He or she will also take home a signed original illustration of the Cobra, two custom-made racing suits, a personal item of Carroll Shelby and a photo of him or her onboard the Cobra CXS2000.
