For some, a life of adventure with a touch of the unknown is an inherent part of their make-up, and French watchmaker Herbelin’s ambassador, Aurélien Ducroz, is one of those people.
A double world champion in freeride skiing and a world champion Class40 sailing competitor, Ducroz has once again this week turned his sporting ambitions to open water by entering the transatlantic single-handed Route du Rhum yacht race.
The course is between Saint-Malo in France and Pointe-Ã -Pitre in Guadaloupe and the race was first held in 1978. Since then, it has been run every four years, with the current record, set in 2018, standing at seven days, 14 hours, 21 minutes and 47 seconds.
In recognition of Ducroz’s sporting transition, Herbelin has created an uber-tough automatic chronograph, which will be released in an edition of 500. Positioned within the brands successful Newport range, the Newport Carbon Titanium differs from its siblings in its use of high-tech materials.
The 46.5mm top case (which wears a lot smaller thanks to the streamlined design) caseback and bezel are made from forged carbon, utilising manufacturing techniques found in the aeronautical industry. The middle case, crown and pushes are DLC-coated titanium. Both materials ensure robustness and lightness, and precise assembly enables water-resistance to 300m.
The forged carbon dial is engraved with a map of the ocean currents around Saint-Malo and is studded with black indexes that are dotted with the same white luminescent material that is on the hour and minute hands and central chronograph hand. An outer minute ring features five-minute sections surrounded by yellow borders.
There is a day/date indicator at 3 o’clock and a counter at 12 o’clock with a 15-minute regatta countdown function that can be used for setting a race start time. At 6 o’clock, there is a 12-hour counter. Around the edge of each sub-dial are the GPS coordinates of Saint-Malo and Pointe-à - Pitre.
The Newport name, porthole bezel screws and ships help stamped into the crown ll indicate the nautical roots of the watch family. The yellow highlights and FKM elastomer strap are Pantone-matched to Ducroz’s boat.
The automatic Sellita movement – visible through the smoked exhibition caseback – has a power reserve of 62 hours. The timepiece is supplied in a Wolf watch winder and costs £3,149. To be among the first to see and try the watch, visit WATCHPRO Salon on 11 and 12 November.
