A unique watch for a great cause
A one-of-a-kind model of Baume & Mercier’s Capeland Shelby Cobra timepiece will be auctioned at Antiquorum in New York on December 15, 2015 on behalf of the Carroll Shelby Foundation.
Inspired by the graphic identity codes of the Cobra Shelby sports car, this one-off chronograph is distinguished by the intricacy of its Haute Horlogerie finishes. To begin with, the off-white dial with sky blue stripes echoes those on racing cars. Superluminova accents on the dial and hands add an understated shine, while the finely-grained black calfskin strap with round-scale blue alligator lining and grey-stitching pick out the racing blue motif subtly. The polished/satin-finished 18K red gold case and the 18K red gold pin buckle underscore the distinctive class of this piece. The inscription “Shelby Cobra 1965-2015, Unique Piece” is engraved on the backcase, framed by a sapphire crystal with Carroll Shelby’s signature. Powering the flyback chronograph is a Swiss mechanical self-winding movement from Manufacture La Joux-Perret.
Proceeds from the auction will go to the Carroll Shelby Foundation, created by the eponymous carmaker and racing legend to support children battling life-threatening diseases, as well as education programmes for underprivileged youth. Shelby was inspired to create the foundation after a serious heart disease introduced him to children requiring heart transplants in the 1960s, the same incident that causes his retirement from racing and led to him creating the Cobra, a 100% American dream sports car concept.
The highest bidder at the auction will also received an original illustration of the Cobra and will be treated to a VIP immersion for two into the world of Carroll Shelby. This will include a day-long Cobra driving experience, two custom-made racing suits, a personalized factory tour, a personal object that belonged to Carroll Shelby and a photo op aboard an historical Cobra CXS2000.
