Niche Swiss luxury watch brand Eberhard and Co. announced its partnership with Targa Florio as official timekeeper and added to its rich programme of sponsorships in the world of vintage cars. Timed to coincide with the Targa Florio, which has celebrated its 100th edition, the watchmaker presented a sporty chronograph especially created for the competitors in this race.
Set up in 1906 through the enlightened genius and entrepreneurial spirit of Vincenzo Florio – a highly cultured man enamored of his native land – he created the world’s oldest and most famous automobile race. An icon of Italy and of Sicily in particular, which has left its mark on the history of motor sports, looked proudly towards the future through a four-in-one event: Targa Florio Rally, Targa Florio Historic Rally, Targa Florio Classica and Targa Florio Historic Speed.
It has been set to be the motor racing event of the year, bringing together extremely valuable cars, great champions, crews from the four corners of the world, collectors and enthusiasts. The history of this discipline came to life again in the very places where it was born, passing on a culture. The cars and the streets which saw the feats of great drivers such as Fangio, Varzi, Nuvolari, Merzario and Vaccarella featured once again prominently in the event.
The bond between the Swiss watchmaker, which has been producing high-quality timepieces since 1887 and which has been one of the major players on the old-timers’ scene for over 20 years, and exclusive cars goes back to 1992. It is a love that has endured over time and that is constantly being enriched by innovations such as this latest addition to the fold and the decision to create a special model dedicated to the racing enthusiasts lucky enough to have the honour of taking part in this edition.
Eberhard & Co. has come up with the Champion V Targa Florio watch to celebrate the race’s Centenary. Being a sports chronograph, it is ideal for all those who face the trials of life and their passions with courage and determination. It has been given to all participants (1 per crew) and all competitors had the chance to purchase a second watch at a special price.
An elegant, sophisticated and sporty chronograph, Champion V is a mechanical, self-winding chronograph with two counters, one for the minutes and one for the hours, where style and technology merge in a highly versatile equilibrium. The dial of the special edition Targa Florio is customized with the logo of the 100th edition and its style and colors are evocative of motor races. Waterproof at 50 m, it has a 42.80 mm steel case back with convex sapphire glass, a case back fixed with 6 screws and enhanced by polished satin finishes, a steel bezel with a circular aluminum insert that has been treated with anodic oxidation and it comes with a leather strap with a customized E & Co buckle.
Besides the race participants, some Champion V Targa Florio chronographs have also been given to selected celebrities that have accepted the invitation to be present at the anniversary.
The Targa Florio Classic winners are Giovanni Moceri and Daniele Bonetti on FIAT 508 C (1939), followed by Andrea Vesco and Andrea Guerini on FIAT 508 S BALILLA SPORT (1934). Mario Passanante and Anna Maria Pisciotta ranked third on their FIAT 1100 103 E/ 1955 and on the fourth position we find Francesco and Giuseppe Di Pietra on FIAT 508 C (1938), the two pilots of the Classic team Eberhard, the scuderia that the Maison supports in all the vintage car races and exhibitions.
