Spyker gears up to launch line of wristwatches at Le Mans

If you're going to produce world-class sports cars, you're going to need the timepieces to go with them. It's a time-honored rule that's been followed by Ferrari, Aston Martin, Porsche and Bugatti, to name just a few. And now that the Saab takeover is out of the way, Spyker is preparing to join their ranks.

The collection will be crafted by Expressions d'Artistes International, based in Geneva. Limited details have been revealed at this point, but the range will include pieces crafted in steel, white gold and rose gold, and feature such complications as date indicators and power reserve meters. They'll all bear Spyker's trademark steampunk-style decor, from the machine-turned metal found on Spyker dashboards to the Hulshof leather from their bucket seats, which will be used for the wrist-straps.

Special editions exclusively for Spyker owners will feature their cars' VIN digits. Prices will range from €8,000 for the steel model to €20,000 for the rose gold (that's $10,700-$27,000 USD), with the official unveiling to take place at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June. Details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Spyker]
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SPYKER TIMEPIECES ON STARTING BLOCKS

Spyker Cars N.V., the exclusive Dutch luxury sportscar manufacturer, announced today a licensing Agreement with Expressions d'Artistes International, of Geneva, to design, manufacture and distribute on a worldwide basis an exclusive collection of high-luxury wristwatches entirely made in Geneva.

The Spyker Timepieces collection will consist of mechanical chronographs in 18K grey gold, 18K rose gold and steel. All timepieces will embody the sophisticated design attributes and manufacturing excellence that have made Spyker such an extraordinary super sports cars brand sought by motoring enthusiasts on all continents. Watch aficionados will be impressed by the time machines' many features, such as a Valjoux-powered chronograph with hand-made Spyker decorations on the movement and rotor. Each creation will be individually numbered, and sport many features such as a date indicator, power reserve, a bouchonné bezel replicating a Spyker car's dashboard instrumentation panel, and equipped with a leather bracelet made of the same Hulshof leather found in the bolides bucket seats. A special edition model available exclusively for Spyker owners will be engraved with the corresponding chassis number from their vehicle. Retail prices will range from € 8,000 for the steel model to € 20,000 for the 18K gold models.

"I am thrilled that the Spyker brand and lifestyle values are now transposed at such a luxury level", said Victor Muller, CEO of Spyker-Saab. "Spyker Cars represent the ultimate level of luxury, design and performance in super sportscars. Being myself a longtime admirer of sophisticated mechanical watches, I have personally collaborated with the design and conception of the Spyker Timepieces. We are proud to grant this license to such a talented watch team led by Thierry Chaunu, CEO of EAI, who is a recognized expert in the field of horology and has his hands on every aspect of the production and distribution of this mechanical marvel."

Designed and entirely produced in Geneva, Spyker Timepieces will be available at carefully selected watch jewelers around the world who specialize in luxury and complex timepieces. "I have known Victor Muller for several years and have admired his achievements at Spyker", says Thierry Chaunu. "Connoisseurs of extraordinary cars and watches share the same passion: perfection in every aesthetic detail, extremely high performance levels, and unmatched degree in personalized service. Our mission is to provide owners of Spyker Timepieces the same pride, excitement and thrill they experience when driving a Spyker car!"

The official launch of Spyker Timepieces will take place during the 24 Hours of Le Mans race on June 15, where Spyker is competing (Spyker finished in 5th place in its GT2 class last year).

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