Only Watch 2017 – Chopard Superfast 8Hz, With Unique High-Beat Movement (And a Weekend at Monaco Historique GP with Legend Jacky Ickx)

While the Only Watch charity auction usually presents unique pieces in order to raise funds to help research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, this year some brands are going a few steps further by not only having unique watches but also offering, in the package, special experiences (such as Bell & Ross, Carl F. Bucherer and Blancpain). This is also the case for Chopard, who for Only Watch 2017, will present a unique high-beat watch in honor of legendary pilot Jacky Ickx (the Chopard Superfast 8Hz Power Control Porsche 919 Only Watch 2017) – and speaking of Mr. Ickx, there’s something priceless that you’ll be able to bid on too…

For the occasion of Only Watch 2017, Chopard presents a unique watch, not only in terms of design, but also on the mechanical side – which is always a pleasant feature. Visually, the watch takes as its base the bold and racing-oriented Superfast Chrono made to celebrate the partnership with Porsche Racing, especially the 919 Hybrid cars that race at the Le Mans. With a 45mm diameter, a large and thick bezel bolted to the case with 8 screws, a titanium case decorated with lines reminiscent of racing cars’ pedals and a textured dial with large numerals for optimal legibility, this quite masculine watch certainly befits the racing theme to which it pays a tribute.

However, for once, there will be no chronograph complication. The Chopard Superfast 8Hz Power Control Porsche 919 Only Watch 2017 is a 3-hander with date and power reserve – which is, of course shaped like a fuel gauge. For the Only Watch 2017 edition, the Geneva-based manufacture has chosen a matte blue dial, with a matching hollowed leather strap. On the dial is the signature of legendary pilot Jacky Ickx. However, the main novelty is to be found on the back, with a movement developed for this special edition. Inside is the in-house developed Calibre 01.11-M. which in terms of decoration, uses the same style as the other Superfast movements, meaning an openworked oscillating weight and bridges that are worked out like the air vents of a high-performance engine. But there’s more.

Indeed, the Chopard Superfast 8Hz Power Control Porsche 919 Only Watch 2017, as indicated by its name, has a high-frequency oscillating organ, with a 57,600vph / 8Hz frequency, which enables greater precision as well as faster running resumption in case of shocks or disturbances that are frequent in motorsports. This is achieved through the use of a specific silicon escapement. Thanks to this, it is also chronometer certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute). The movement offers a 60-hour power reserve.

A unique and priceless experience: for its 6th participation to the Only Watch charity auction, Chopard has decided not only to offer a unique watch but also a special experience for the successful bidder. Indeed, Jacky Ickx himself participated in the design of the Chopard Superfast 8HZ Power Control Porsche 919 Only Watch 2017, and a memorable week-end at the Monaco Historique GP 2018, in the presence of Jacky Ickx, is also included.

Only Watch is a biennial fundraiser for research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy –  Association Monégasque contre les Myopathies (AMM). Organized under the patronage of HSH Albert II de Monaco, the 7^th edition gathers a record 48 participants. Only Watch 2017 will be auctioned by Christie’s in Geneva in November 2017. For more information, please visit www.onlywatch.com.

Specifications – Chopard Superfast 8HZ Power Control Porsche 919 Only Watch 2017

• Case: 45mm diameter x 12.4mm thick – titanium grade 5 case – sapphire crystal on both sides – 100m water resistant
• Movement: Calibre 01.11-M, in-house, COSC certified – automatic – 8Hz frequency – 60h power reserve – time, power reserve and date
• Strap: blue leather strap with titanium folding clasp
• Unique Piece for Only Watch 2017
• Reference: 168593-3002
• Estimate: CHF 19,500