Carroll Hall Shelby was one of the most celebrated American racing drivers of the 1950s. After retiring as a professional driver, Shelby started working on his dream to design and manufacture an all-American street and track car. This automotive designer, race driver and entrepreneur was best known for his involvement with the AC Cobra and later, the Mustang-based performance cars for Ford Motor Company known as Shelby Mustangs which he had done since 1965.
Shelby Mustang
In 2015, to commemorate the history and the achievements of American racing legend, Baume & Mercier presents the Capeland Shelby Cobra Watch that features retro accents and classic lines. Furthermore, this sport chronograph boasts specially crafted hands featuring the Cobra logo.
Baume & Mercier Capeland Shelby Cobra is issued in two limited editions: the first one in stainless steel which is produced in the quantity of 1,965 pieces, and the red gold variant in only 98 specimens. The first number represents Shelby’s FIA World Championship 50th anniversary, while the latter pays homage to Carroll Shelby’s own Cobra racing number.
Baume & Mercier Capeland Shelby Cobra Watch – M0A10232
The steel model (ref. M0A10232) is equipped with caliber La Joux-Perret 8120 self-winding movement that offers 42 hours of autonomy. The mechanical movement features circular-grained briges finishing, oscillating weight encrusted with “Côtes de Genève”, snailed décor and Phi symbol. The 25 jewels mechanism features flyback function and has the beating rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz).
Its case measures 44mm in diameter and 14,9mm in thickness. The polished and satin-finished steel frames the dial with chronograph sub-dials which are inspired by the Cobra’s iconic dashboard. The dial is finished in Shelby’s Guardsman Blue racing color. There is also a Superluminova blue emission to provide the best visibility under low light conditions.
Baume & Mercier Capeland Shelby Cobra Limited Edition Steel Watch
The reverse side of the watch reveals the sapphire crystal case back which is engraved with the collection title and Shelby’s personal signature. The watch is secured to the wearer’s wrist with an elegant black alligator strap with red calfskin rubber-like lining and gray stitching, fitted with a triple-folding clasp with security push-pieces.
The beating heart of the red gold model is caliber La Joux-Perret 8147-2 mechanical movement that has the same beating pace and that provides the same power reserve as the steel version. The 27 jewels mechanism also boasts a circular-grained finished plate and bridges, open worked oscillating weight adorned with “Côtes de Genève”, snailed decor and PHI symbol, as well as blued steel screws.
Its case measures also 44mm in diameter, but it is wider with the thickness of 16,5mm. The watch features a Guardsman Blue dial with special gold hands in the shape of the iconic Cobra steering wheel and Superluminova blue emission to provide a soft evening glow. There is also the renowned Cobra logo which is placed atop the second hand.
The red gold variant of Capeland Shelby Cobra (ref. M0A10233) is also teamed up with a black leather strap. The elegant strap features Cobra blue round-scale alligator lining and red stitching. It ends with an 18-karat red gold buckle.
Baume & Mercier Capeland Shelby Cobra Red Gold Watch – M0A10233
From the rear, the sapphire crystal is framed by an 18-karat gold case back, with an engraving of the collection title and, of course, with a personal signature of Carroll Shelby.
Baume & Mercier Capeland Shelby Cobra Limited Edition Steel Watch
The steel variant of the Capeland Shelby Cobra can be purchased for $4,450, while the red gold model is priced $19,950. Both versions will be delivered in special packaging with an exclusive miniature of the 427 Cobra, in addition to a custom brochure and card. Those of you that opt for red gold Capeland Shelby Cobra will receive a book detailing the full history of the Cobra.
