Folks with an affinity for watches are frequently fans of finely tuned automobiles. Obviously both pursuits involve sleek design, lots of gears and split-second timing. But, most importantly, both automobile and horological innovation are chasing the same true desire: becoming timeless.
For example, German driver Nico Hülkenberg—a former Formula BMW, F3 and GP2 champion—became only the first active F1 driver to win the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans race since Johnny Herbert and Bertrand Gachot in 1991. Along with Earl Bamber and Nick Tandy, the Porsche team also celebrated its first LeMans win in 17 years.
LeMans is about more than the need for speed; it is also about endurance. To maintain their position on the track, Hülkenberg, Bamber and Tandy all wore the Chopard Classic Racing Superfast Power Control.
Chopard, of course, has an enduring history with motor sport. Its most iconic watches—including the Mille Miglia and the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique—are named after the classic racing events. But like a great car, Chopard is always moving forward, and in 2013 it added three Superfast timepieces to its Classic Racing Collection: the Superfast Automatic, a three-handed watch with date; the Superfast Chrono with a fly back function and tachymeter; and the Superfast Power Control, with a small sub seconds sub dial and power reserve display.
Hülkenberg’s Superfast Power Control is a watch that is meant to endure the rigors of daily wear. The in-house Chopard 01.02-M movement of this chronometer is COSC-certified and offers a range of practical functions, including hours, minutes, a small sub seconds at 6 o’clock, the date at 3 o’clock and a power-reserve indicator at 9 o’clock.
This is also a timepiece with presence. Everything about the design of this 45mm stainless steel watch reference automotive engineering: The power reserve indicator looks like a fuel gauge (we should also mention that the Power Control boasts an impressive 60 hour power reserve). The dial features streamlined stripes that recall the cooling fins on an engine. The natural rubber strap resembles the tread pattern of high-speed track tires.
It would take us 24 hours to describe all of the Superfast Power Control’s details. So let us just say this is a terribly sexy, sporty watch with a lot of power under the hood. We’re certain that the Power Control and Hülkenberg are both bound to make a lasting impact in the world of racing.
