Drive timeChristopher Ward’s C70 Aston Martin DBR1
Christopher Ward, the luxury watchmaker, has launched a limited edition watch, celebrating Aston Martin’s famous victory at Le Mans in 1959. Details inspired by the winning Aston Martin DBR1’s livery, have been faithfully incorporated into the design of the watch, which is limited to just 500 pieces worldwide.
The two co-drivers, Roy Salvadori (British) and Caroll Shelby (American), completed 323 laps (about 2,700 miles) in the 24-hour race – finishing just ahead of a second Aston Martin DBR1, and some distance ahead of four Ferraris 250 GTs an AC Ace and a Lotus Elite. Of the other 45 entries only 13 cars finished the race. Although Aston Martin has never managed to win Le Mans again, the marque renewed its quest for a second victory in 2009.
The striking design of the C70 DBR1 reflects many of the details of the winning car. The British Racing Green bezel mirrors the colour of the car and the dark charcoal trim of the winning Aston Martin provides the background colour for the face and three dials. Even the watch’s hands pick up on the DBR1’s white needles on the speedometer and fuel gauge and its red rev counter. The large numbers on the dial reflect the giant numbers in white circles that were on the side of every 1959 Le Mans car.
Christopher Ward’s C70 DBR1 is powered by a three eye ETA 251.272 movement and has the year of victory and the name of the winning car and both drivers engraved on the reverse of the case. The highly collectible watch will launch in late September 2010 at a price of just £325, replacing Christopher Ward’s C70 GB which sold out in record time!