ReviewBaume & Mercier’s stunning new limited edition Shelby Cobra

Baume & Mercier has a history of over 186 years of producing great watches. Never before have they created a watch more stunning than the Limited Edition Shelby Cobra – Spirit of competition. The watch is inspired by the automobile legend – Carroll Shelby and his famous car – the Shelby Cobra.

Baume & Mercier’s Capeland Shelby Cobra reinvents the golden era of motorsport and watchmaking with the retro-inspired dials, asymmetrical chronograph counters inspired by the dashboard of the Cobra, transparent twin horizontal racing stripes which mimic the paint scheme of the car and the Cobra logo, the Cobra’s racing number 15 etched on the caseback sapphire crystal, interchangeable straps made from the tyres of the cobra. It takes inspiration from the greatest moments and values of automobile history and puts them on the wrist of the proud owner.

Celebrating the spirit of motor racing

Within us all lies a hero. The limited edition Capeland Shelby® Cobra 1963 “Spirit of Competition” collection continually reminds us of our potential, a celebration of raising the bar. Competition, passion, success, endurance, and teamwork are at the heart of this tremendous watch inspired by the legendary Cobra race car. A new version of this beautifully designed chronograph is here, tying the values that have shaped its history to the wrist of its wearer. Determination, boldness and courage lead Cobra drivers to victory and today, the Capeland Shelby® Cobra 1963 collection carries with it the greatest moments in automotive history. For the men who choose it, the watch opens the doors to a genuine legend, celebrating the spirit of motor racing, revealing in us all the makings of an all-time champion.

Inspired by Carroll Shelby and the Cobra

Before Carroll Hall Shelby achieved fame as a team manager and manufacturer, he first gained iconic status as one of the most celebrated American race drivers. Sixteen U.S. and international speed records fell to him in 1954. Sports Illustrated named him Driver of the Year. Shelby reached the pinnacle of motorsport in 1947, racing to victory for Aston Martin at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

What Shelby couldn’t outrun was a health issue that followed him since childhood. A heart condition was taking its toll at the age of 37 — he was diagnosed with angina pectoralis. After deciding to end his racing career in 1960 Shelby began thinking about what his next challenge would be. He found it in a quest to change the definition of the American sports car.

For years, Carroll quietly nurtured the idea that a faster, lighter and more nimble car would not only outperform European competitors like Ferrari and Aston Martin. With funds from a new driving school in the California desert, Shelby first imported the British AC, eventually fitting a 289 cubic inch Ford V8 together with handling improvements. Yet this was only the foundation for his ultimate aim: an all-American street and track car. Its name appeared to Shelby one night in a dream, and he roused long enough to scribble it on a bedside notepad. When he awoke the next morning, he saw the name and knew it was right. Cobra.

By 1963 it became the leading motorsport car and Shelby became the most celebrated performance car tuner and manufacturer. His company was later bought by Ford. The Mustang’s performance model still carries his name – The Ford Mustang GT Shelby.

The body and face

The watch features a generous 44 mm round case with a back dial inspired by the famous Shelby Cobra body, complemented by yellow and green highlights. It’s offset by elegant twin on twin horizontal racing stripes. The face of the 2016 Capeland Shelby Cobra collection is also inspired by the Cobra’s instrument panel, with asymmetrical chronograph counters at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. The Capeland Shelby Cobra 1963 comes with a black ADLC coating (a very strong and resistant type of coating) on the middle-case.

Interchangeable leather and rubber strap

Premium black alligator leather strap – This black strap comes with a stunning yellow underbelly, grey stitching, triple folding clasp with security push-pieces.

Black vulcanized rubber strap – The black rubber strap has a triple folding clasp with security push-pieces. It is water resistant and made from the same rubber used in the tyres of the Shelby Cobra. Two stripes running through the strap also take their inspiration from the cobra.

Limited edition of 1963 watches – Why?

The watch is limited to 1963 examples as a reference to the year the Cobra emerged victorious in the Gruelling Sebring race. The watch also comes with a special presentation box, featuring a miniature CSX2128 and a special brochure, describing the famous feat achieved by the Cobra.

Hands of the Cobra

The chronograph hand has the famous motorsports “Cobra” logo forged on one end and is tipped yellow on the other end. This also creates a sense of constant motion. Hour and minute hands are created in the shape of the Cobra’s steering wheel, the minute and the hour hands are filled with SuperLuminova to ensure maximum legibility in low light conditions.

Caseback and the number 15

The watch features a sapphire crystal see through caseback allowing you to marvel at the movement. The caseback is engraved with the name of the collection, as well as the words “one out of 1963” in reference to the number of limited-edition pieces and the year which saw the Shelby Cobra’s famous victory. It also honours with it one of the greatest moments of automobile history. The Shelby Cobra started its racing career with the number 15 which became the genesis of the Cobra legend. As a final tribute, the sapphire crystal caseback carries the number 15 etched into itself.

Performing engine: the movement

The watch is powered by the self-winding caliber Valjoux 7753, widely considered to be one of the most reliable chronograph movement in Switzerland. It can be seen through the sapphire crystal caseback. It features 25 jewels, a black PVD coated oscillating weight adorned with “Côtes de Genève”, snarled decor and the Phi logo.

Special presentation box

All timepieces arrive in special black and yellow packaging, which includes an exclusive miniature model of the Cobra 289® Sebring CSX2128, and a booklet that presents the history of the Cobra. If you are passionate about motorsport & watches, then this watch is a must-addition to your watch collection.

The glorious Cobra Sebring CSX2128 and its team of heroes

Shelby Cobra 289® Sebring CSX2128 was born in Shelby’s Venice, California, car factory. The body was painted in menacing black with yellow stripes. Competing as number 15, it would be the genesis of the Cobra legend. Piloted by young Shelby team drivers, the sleek Cobra took on the gruelling 12 hours of Sebring in March 1963. Carroll Shelby prized stamina and self-confidence above all which is why for the 1963 12-Hour Sebring challenge, Shelby placed CSX2128 into the hands of a now-famous trio: Dan Gurney, Lew Spencer and Dave McDonald. They raced to glory  during two years, culminating at the 1965 FIA International Championship of GT Manufacturers. With many podium place finishes from 1963-65, CSX2128 is one of the most successful Cobra in Shelby history.

About Baume & Mercier’s Heritage

Baume & Mercier is one of the oldest Swiss manufacturers, and the brand has been known for its forward-thinking approach as early as 1869.

Watch Baume & Mercier’s 186-year-old heritage of fine watchmaking with this video.

View the Baume & Mercier Collection At Ethos