A legend. "An exciting race, an infinitely complex sport competition, an extraordinary atmosphere". The Monte-Carlo Rally is internationally renowned. The greatest drivers have dreamt of winning this benchmark competition, held since 1911 between the French Alps and the French Riviera. Since 2005, Girard-Perregaux has contributed to carrying on the legend of this competition, in collaboration with the Monte-Carlo Historic Rally. Organised by the Automobile Club de Monaco, this essential event for classic winter motor cars brings together hundreds of passionate participants. From the icy roads of such renowned places as Sisteron or Col de Turini to the sunny Riviera, the crews race for victory in a succession of breathtaking events cheered on by a crowd, like the generations before them, who waited in the cold for the champions of the Monte-Carlo Rally to go by. In tribute to the exploits of the past century, Girard-Perregaux has dedicated to the finest years of the race two limited editions inspired by its most prestigious collections.
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CHRONOGRAPH
« MONTE-CARLO 1965 » |
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THE RALLY MONTE-CARLO 1965 The year 1965 produced an unbelievable edition: 89% of participants abandoned the race! The terrible weather conditions called for the bravest of the brave. 28 year old Timo Mäkinen, accompanied by Paul Easter, won a brilliant victory in their Mini Cooper S no.52. This pocket powerhouse of a car made excellent times. In tribute to this extraordinary result Girard-Perregaux created this automatic chronograph with its strong character. Its retro inspired design, accentuated by round chronograph push-buttons, is appropriate to the event. The steel case sapphire "box" crystal, typical of the watches of the 1960s and 1970s, was especially designed to preserve its spherical domed shape. To commemorate the 1965 edition of the Rally, the dial has been customised with the inscription "Monte-Carlo 1965". The case-back is engraved with the number plate, the name of the car and its drivers.
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| 1st Overall: Mini Cooper S no.52, Rally Monte-Carlo 1965. |
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THE RALLY MONTE-CARLO 1984
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Laureato CHRONOGRAPH
« MONTE-CARLO 1984 » |
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In 1984, Walter Röhrl and Christian Geistdörfer overcame all their competitors at the wheel of their Audi Quattro no.1. The car was equipped with the famous four-wheel drive system, with front turbocharged engine. It was able to distinguish itself on snow-covered roads: the first three places were won by Audi! An exceptional watch for an exceptional car. Girard-Perregaux chose to customise an automatic movement chronograph derived from its cult collection, Laureato. Created to celebrate the numerous technological discoveries of the Manufacture, it embodies two essential values: innovation and design. The model retains the powerful lines of the collection, in particular a multi-faceted octagonal bezel. But it has been modernised with a more sporty design. On the 46 millimetre case, the materials are enhanced with meticulous finishing work: the titanium case and the base of the satin-finished bezel blend in with the upper part, coated with matt rubber just like the push-buttons. True to its concern for detail, Girard-Perregaux has adapted the dial numerals and timers, taking inspiration by the winning car. The centre features the inscription: "Monte-Carlo 1984". This original creation is available in a limited edition of 500 pieces.
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| 1st Overall: Audi Quattro no.1, Rally Monte-Carlo 1984. |
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Press release
