The following article has been sponsored by Baume & Mercier
In 1963, Carroll Shelby unleashed his car that would be a contender at the 12 Hours of Sebring, a gruelling race that would test the mettle of any driver regardless of the level of their skill.
Their Shelby Cobra would eventually be pushed to the limit at Sebring, driven by three young courageous men, Dan Gurney, Lew Spencer and Dave MacDonald. It is this audacious spirit that the new Baume & Mercier Capeland Shelby Cobra 1963 series takes inspiration from, honouring a revered car and its legendary drivers in a stunning timepiece.
The Baume & Mercier Capeland Shelby Cobra 1963 is no doubt a masculine timepiece, with a classically designed case in stainless steel and a slick modern looking black dial. There are subtle hints of yellow on the tachymeter scale, the chronograph hands, and the side of the black alligator strap, paying tribute to the colour scheme of the iconic Shelby Cobra that participated in the 12 Hours of Sebring. The minutes counter has a green line echoing the shape of a speedometer, and the chronograph seconds hand is tipped with the famous Cobra logo, a symbol that is synonymous with the car’s racing heritage.
The stainless steel and black ADLC coating is more sinister in it’s appearance in person, with a black middle-case and vulcanised rubber strap giving way to a sportier feel to the normally classic inspired Capeland case. As a final nod to the famous car, the sapphire crystal caseback features the number 15 printed on it to represent the number of the car that debuted in the 12 Hours of Sebring.
On the wrist, the Capeland Shelby Cobra 1963’s timeless stainless steel case brings the spirit of the 60s to the wrist, transporting you back in a wave of nostalgia to the days of the legendary roadster. Its 44mm case is large, but by no means overpowers the wrist. The lugs meanwhile curve downward to accommodate a better fit for the wrist whilst the yellow accents on the black alligator strap add an touch of explosive colour to the watch – a necessity for bringing a sporty feel to an otherwise classically inspired watch.
The Capeland Shelby Cobra 1963 is a fitting tribute to a legendary car. Both audacious and spirited, the new watch continues to honour the stringent design codes of the past.
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