[HDL]

In breaking news announced just a few hours ago Italian super car maker Ferrari will partner with luxury watch-maker Cabestan, makers of the highly complicated Winch Tourbillon Vertical and the all new Nostromo! The announcement comes after the company parted ways with their previous partner of five years, Panerai, earlier this year due to the lack luster performance of their Ferrari branded watches which never really gained any popularity or credibility as many saw them as Panerai’s with slightly different (and less attractive) branding.

It seems that the company learned their lesson from their experience with Panerai and so the challenge they set to all potential watch-making partners was to create something truly special, not just another standard model with a Ferrari badge stuck on the dial.

As such, the criteria they set was quite stringent, the successful partner had to:

- develop a model that was absolutely exclusive to Ferrari;
- which showcased the same attention to aesthetics and engine design that Ferrari itself is famous for;
- possess a true passion for automobiles;
- approach the challenge with an out-of-the-box way of thinking; and
- have true know-how in watchmaking.
When you take into consideration all these factors Cabestan is almost the only logical choice! Unlike Panerai, Cabestan has very close links to the racing industry and Ferrari in particular, and the design and functionality of the Winch Tourbillon is actually inspired by race cars. This is not surprising really when you consider that head designer Jean-Francois Ruchonnet owns a couple of Ferrari’s himself and is a very passionate race car driver and motor sport enthusiast.

What’s most exciting, however, is that both design teams have worked on this unique piece together, lead by Maranello’s Luca di Montezemolo. Although they stay true to the heritage of the Cabestan these pieces represent a collaboration in the truest sense of the word and feature actual materials from the Ferrari workshop. For example the Alcantara strap, the same material used for Ferrari’s seats.


An example of Cabestan’s exceptional work: The Nostromo released in 2010

It seems now finally that Ferrari owners might have the chance to own Ferrari branded timepieces that are as unique and exciting (and as expensive) as the cars they love. We say might because just owning a Ferrari doesn’t actually qualify you for ownership of this piece. Only clients personally selected by Ferrari will be offered the opportunity to buy this inaugural timepiece and sources suggest only a limited run of 60 units will be produced.

The estimated price tag? A cool $500k.

Certainly Cabestan’s creations aren’t for everyone but one thing is for sure, on the wrist they are as distinctive and as instantly recognizable as their super car counterparts.



The first image of what the co-designed Ferrari/Cabestan piece might look like.

Source: Business Montres

J.

[redsub]

Cabestan makes unbelievably impressive masterpieces, I had the privilege to meet the founder and hold the watch and I cannot describe in words how that felt. But it is pricingwise really out of range for many of us WIS... ;)

[SocyFisher]

The last time Ferrari had collaborated with Panerai, it was a failure. It didn't last that long with both parties having glitches. Hoping Ferrari and Cabestan can do well this time. I know it would be a blast for sure. I just can't wait for their product sooner or later.