Bonhams will auction the unique red Silverstone Calibre 11 Chronograph, designed as part of the 150th anniversary celebrations of TAG Heuer, for charity on Wednesday, December 15.
The watch is estimated to fetch £6,000-8,000 and will be sold alongside The Haslinger Collection of fine and rare Heuer watches, in London.
This special chronograph is based on the newly launched Heuer Silverstone re-edition. The original Silverstone first appeared in the company's 1974 catalogue worn by Clay Regazzoni.
It is hugely popular amongst collectors and is the second most valuable series of Heuer watches after the Monaco.
The Silverstone gets its name from the famous UK racetrack which has a special place in TAG Heuer's heart as many of its racing ambassadors and F1 team partners scored career-making victories on it.
Famous wearers include: Emmanuel de Graffenried in 1949, Juan Manuel Fangio in 1956, Jo Siffert in 1968, Alain Prost in 1985 and 1989, Ayrton Senna in 1988 and David Coulthard in 1999 and 2000.
Mika Hakkinen in 2001 and Lewis Hamilton with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Benz in 2008 are among the most recent race drivers to sport the timepiece.
The unique red TAG Heuer Silverstone Calibre 11 Chronograph
(Click to enlarge)
The Silverstone's distinctive and vintage design, a squared case with rounded edges in polished stainless steel, is one of Heuer's purest designs and most emblematic creations.
The TAG Heuer 2010 re-edition is faithful to the original — not just the same mix of round and square and the distinctive technical features, but with details such as the same vintage "Heuer" logo and "Silverstone" lettering at 12 o'clock, and a strap in top-grade perforated alligator.
The new chronograph has been designed with a red dial incorporating Jack Heuer's signature and a "SILVERSTONE-UNIQUE PIECE 1/1 - CALIBRE 11 - 150th ANNIVERSARY 1860-2010 - SWISS MADE" exclusive engraving on the case back; making this a true one-off for the discerning collector.
All proceeds from its sale will be donated to Green Cross International - an organisation closely supported by TAG Heuer through their brand ambassador Leonardo di Caprio.
The charity was founded in 1993 under the initiative of Mikhail Gorbachev to respond to the combined challenges of security, poverty and environmental degradation to ensure a sustainable and secure future for all.
"We are delighted that TAG Heuer have made this unique watch for the Haslinger Collection Auction," said Paul Maudsley, Director of the Watch Department.
"Having such an iconic and one of a kind creation with Jack Heuer's signature on the dial makes this a true 'trophy watch' for the discerning watch and motorsport collector."
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