Automotive
MTF reports on the 2015 'Night of Champions' in Weissach, where Porsche Motorsport, alongside official timing partner Chopard, celebrated a triumphant WEC season. This article highlights the synergy between luxury watchmaking and high-performance racing, underscoring Chopard's integral role in Porsche's return to endurance racing and their subsequent World Champion title.
Eight of the nine Porsche LMP1 drivers from this year were able to attend, with Nico Hulkenberg unavailable due to another commitment.
Porsche displayed the Le Mans-winning No. 19 Porsche 919 Hybrid, new Porsche GT4 Cayman Clubsport, a dual No. 91/911 FIA WEC/IMSA double championship-winning GTE-Pro/GT-Le Mans Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland No. 93 car, and a show car of the Porsche 911 RSR.
It was announced that Porsche’s two Porsche 919 Hybrids in 2016 will take on the champion’s numbers No. 1 and No. 2, respectively. Audi and Porsche drop from three cars to two at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Porsche Motorsport: World Champion 2015
The 24 Hours of Le Mans, as well as the last race in Bahrain, were the climax of this year’s WEC season. For Porsche and its official timing partner Chopard, the victory in Le Mans was really the kick-off of an outstanding season. For the second year of its return to the world endurance racing championship, Porsche Motorsport had strong objectives for the French race. Persistence paid at Le Mans with an incredible double victory of the team. The first victory is always the most difficult to get.
The new rendezvous on the WEC calendar, the 6 Hours of NĂĽrburgring marked the first win of an impressive series of four consecutive victories. The Porsche 919 Hybrid #17 featured a new modified shape with a new aerodynamic configuration. The winning team in car #17, Timo Bernhard, Brendon Hartley and Mark Webber, drove to victory at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin Texas (USA), on the waterlogged track of Fuji (Japan) and in Shanghai (China) The crowning achievement was the triumph at the 6 hours of Bahrain, starting the race from pole position and keeping up with the extremely challenging conditions.
This supremacy over WEC racing allowed Porsche Motorsport and Chopard to celebrate the first World Champion title of the German manufacturer since 1986.
Chopard ambassadors are Drivers’ World Champion 2015
At the last round of the season in Bahrain, nothing seemed to be able to stop the coronation of the two Chopard ambassadors, Brendon Hartley and Mark Webber. Their fifth place at the six-hour race of Bahrain, together with their team mate Timo Bernhard, was enough to win the Drivers’ World Championship.
Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, co-president of Chopard concluded: “This year has been amazing for this “Superfast” partnership between Chopard and Porsche Motorsport with incredible results. At Chopard, we were all thrilled by the 2015 season. I had the chance to attend some of the WEC races and we are very proud to be part of this success as Official Timing Partner of Porsche Motorsport. We congratulate Chopard ambassadors Mark Webber and Brendon Hartley for their title and Romain Dumas for a great season. The FIA World Endurance Championship will continue in 2016 for a third year partnership between Chopard and Porsche Motorsport.”
Porsche and Chopard: timing, precision and performance reflected in the Superfast collection. In 2014, Chopard became the “Official Timing Partner” of Porsche Motorsport for their grand comeback to endurance competition. That same year, paying tribute to this exclusive partnership, Chopard launched a new Superfast chronograph inspired by the Porsche 919 Hybrid competing in the World Endurance Championship LMP1 category: the Superfast Chrono Porsche 919 Edition.
The Superfast Chrono Porsche 919 Edition is entirely in tune with WEC racing. This bold chronograph with its 45 mm-diameter case and flyback function beats to the pace of a mechanical Chopard 03.05-M calibre, chronometer-certified by the COSC. This engine and its oscillating weight may be admired through a sapphire crystal engraved with the inscription “Official Timing Partner Porsche Motorsport”. Inspired by the new Porsche 919 Hybrid, the stripes on the dial evoke the racing car’s rear diffuser. Likewise, the “919” appearing in a red rectangle inside a 9 o’clock subdial is identical to the number of the Porsche racing cars. Finally, the rubber strap is inspired by slick racing tyres used for dry track conditions.
LATEST NEWS:
My Chopard Superfast Chrono Porsche 919 Edition watch is on its way! Yay!
Regards,
MTF
The Porsche Design Chronograph I, reference 911, represents a significant early offering from the brand, establishing its design philosophy in the watchmaking world. This model is notable for its minimalist aesthetic and functional approach, reflecting the brand's automotive heritage through its focus on legibility and material choice. It was conceived as a tool watch, prioritizing clarity and durability over ornate decoration, a characteristic that set it apart from many contemporaries upon its introduction.
Crafted with a black PVD-coated stainless steel case, the Chronograph I features a distinctive monochromatic appearance. The case diameter measures 40mm, providing a substantial yet wearable presence on the wrist. It houses an automatic movement, specifically the Valjoux 7750, known for its robustness and reliability. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal, ensuring scratch resistance, and offers a power reserve of approximately 48 hours.
This reference holds particular appeal for collectors interested in the origins of Porsche Design's horological ventures and the broader trend of black-cased watches. Its straightforward design and mechanical integrity make it a compelling choice for those who appreciate a blend of automotive-inspired engineering and practical watchmaking. The 911 reference is a foundational piece, illustrating the brand's initial vision for a performance-oriented timepiece.
Big congrats and welcome to the owner circles Cheers, Kolosstt
nt
So even if it comes early next year, it is still appropriate Hope the wait will not be too long!
Porsche was too strong this year and they well deserve the trophy for their endeavor. I hope next year be as kind as this year, but may be a bit tougher. Would love to follow the race next year, too! Thanks for the report, MTF! Ken
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