FROM THE EDITORS Letters + Events
The Bell & Ross BR
V2-94 RS18
Limited Edition
RACING AHEAD
ver since the first drivers decided to see whose automobiles were
the fastest, racecars and watches have evolved almost in parallel.
And while pocket watches gave way to more electronic means
decades ago, watchmakers continue to align themselves with automobile
competitions worldwide.
E
THAT’S WHY EACH YEAR WE PUBLISH A SPECIAL ISSUE OF INTERNATIONAL WATCH dedicated
to sharing the latest news about the many watches designed with racing in mind. You’re reading from
the latest example right now.
I’d urge you to continue thumbing though the magazine so you can learn more about how Bell &
Ross, Porsche Design, BRM, Gallet, Richard Mille, Chopard and many others connect their watches
directly to a particular auto race, a specific car or driver and even to a full category of racing.
Consider, for example, that Chopard has been sponsoring the legendary Mille Miglia, a scenic
Italian competition among classic racecars, since 1988. This has clearly linked Chopard to classic auto
racing across the globe. Since it first began to make the annual trek from Brescia to Rome, Chopard has
added its name, sponsorships and even special edition timepieces to additional races within the same
racing category.
In the years since the start of Chopard’s prescient partnership, many other watch companies have
4 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | FALL 2018
seen the wisdom to becoming known for classic auto-
motive racing sponsorships. These odes to historic
racing complement the many partnerships between
watch companies and the high-profile, cutting-edge
races followed by millions worldwide.
On the opposite end of the racing spectrum, the
electric racecars of Formula E racing, which TAG
Heuer has championed for several years, continue to
draw new fans each season. We have a report on the
growth of this new racing category starting on page
114.
Enjoy this fast-moving issue, and stay tuned as we
prepare to preview, in print and online, new watches
set to debut at the SIHH in Geneva, set for January 2019.
Regards ,
Michael Thompson
Editor-in-Chief | [email protected]