Blancpain rewards the most courageous participants in the Peking to Paris classic car rally

Having departed from China one month ago at the wheel of their vintage cars, the 105 courageous survivors out of the 130 participants in the Peking to Paris Rally triumphantly crossed the finishing line on the Place Vendôme in Paris this Saturday. As official sponsor of the Rally, Blancpain enjoyed the privilege of presenting the two most courageous competitors in the race, Timothey Scott and Peter Livanos, with the “true grit” award in the shape of a Léman Time Zone watch – the ultimate globetrotter’s timepiece!

The “Peking to Paris” classic car race, is undoubtedly the world’s most epic competition of its kind. The first edition held in 1907 was won by Prince Borghèse and the 2007 race is only the third such competition organised in one hundred years. Timothey Scott, at the wheel of a Mercedes 60 HP carrying n°19 and Peter Livanos in a 1929 Bentley 6.5 Tourer carrying n° 64 were recognised as the most courageous competitors in this epic race. They drove over 12,000 kilometres with bravery, strength and determination; each revealed sterling qualities throughout the various stages – one of them showing remarkable tenacity and the other admirable solidarity.

After 35 epic days spent driving across Mongolia, the steppes of Asia, Siberia and Moscow, the courageous survivors of the Peking to Paris Rally immersed themselves in the very heart of Paris and toasted their victory this Saturday in the Blancpain Boutique on the Rue de la Paix. The vintage cars, all over a century old and having nonetheless risen to the incredible challenge of successfully following a treacherous route, were displayed on the prestigious Place Vendôme during the entire weekend.

Reinforcing the ties binding the world’s oldest watch brand to this venerable race, Blancpain has created a special “Peking to Paris” special edition, inspired by the famous Léman Flyback Grande Date Chronograph. Produced in a limited series corresponding to the number of participants in the Rally, the “Peking to Paris” limited edition eloquently demonstrates Blancpain’s peerless expertise in the field of high-end chronographs.

This limited edition is further distinguished by exceptional decorative touches. The solid gold oscillating weight visible through the sapphire crystal case-back is adorned with the Rally logo and commemorates the 2007 edition of Peking to Paris. The yellow and red competition colours are echoed on the dials and strap stitching. The watches in this remarkable limited series look set to become rare and much-coveted collector’s pieces.