This year’s Historics meeting saw Chopard launch its fifth ‘Monaco’ watch. The Swiss company introduced a 42.5mm-diameter, COSC-certified, automatic chronograph with a 48-hour power reserve.

In addition to the regular-production steel/Barenia strap, and steel/steel bracelet models, Chopard will make a rose gold version limited to just 250 pieces. This continues a tradition started in 2002 for special versions of the chronographs marked ‘Monaco Historique’.

The 2010 model’s case-back bears a special ‘Grand Prix de Monaco Historique’ engraving, and the Automobile Club de Monaco logo. The winding rotor and movement are visible behind a clear insert in the back, while the final touch – a steering wheel motif – adorns the crown.

On both versions, the Barenia leather (a classic hide used by luxury houses such as Hermès) straps are contrast-stitched: in orange (steel) or blue (rose gold).

Both are securely closed by a folding clasp in either steel or gold. For further information, see www.chopard.com.

Limited-edition Chopard 'Grand Prix de Monaco Historique' chronographs from the past:

2008	2006
2004	2002

Text - Steve Wakefield
Photos - Chopard