What is the Gran Premio Storico D’Italia?
The Gran Premio Storico d’Italia is a new motorsports event that “celebrates Italy’s rich motor racing heritage.” Organised by HVM Racing in collaboration with Ferrari Corse Clienti, it will be held during October 2nd – 4th, 2006 at the Mugello Circuit in Scarperia e San Piero, Florence, Tuscany in Italy. The inaugural edition of this event will “will bring together the most iconic cars and legendary drivers from history,” dedicated to the 1996 – 2006 period.
What will be Baume & Mercier’s role?
Baume & Mercier is the Official Timekeeper of this event. Founded in 1830, the Swiss watch brand “will be associated with the official timing for the entire race weekend, ensuring accuracy for every moment on the track.”
In their own words.
“Partnering with the Gran Premio Storico d’Italia is a celebration of our combined heritage. This event celebrates the same values we uphold: precision, heritage, and the constant dialogue between past and present. This collaboration embodies that bridge, honoring motorsport history while looking to the future with unwavering passion.” – Michael Guenoun, CEO of Baume & Mercier.
“We are proud to welcome Baume & Mercier as Official Timekeeper of the Gran Premio Storico d’Italia. Motorsport and watchmaking share a common language: precision, craftsmanship and the pursuit of excellence. Baume & Mercier’s remarkable heritage and commitment to timeless elegance make this partnership a natural fit for an event dedicated to celebrating the most iconic eras of Formula 1 while inspiring future generations of enthusiasts.” – Laurent Vallery-Masson, CEO of HVM Racing and promoter of the Gran Premio Storico d’Italia.
What do we think?
Richemont, Baume & Mercier’s parent company, and Damiani Group, an Italian luxury conglomerate signed an agreement in January for the latter “to acquire full ownership” of the Swiss watch brand “in a private transaction.” Richemont is still involved in providing operations in order “to ensure a smooth transition whilst the Damiani Group prepares for Baume & Mercier’s integration within its own operations.”
By acquiring Baume & Mercier, Damiani Group adds a prestigious watch brand to its portfolio, which includes jewellery brands such as Damiani, Salvini, Bliss and Calderoni; Murano based artistic glassmaker Venini, and multi-brand luxury watch and jewellery distributor Rocca.
I believe that Baume & Mercier has an opportunity to shine as part of the Damiani Group, something it struggled with as part of Richemont as it got overshadowed by the latter’s prestigious brands such as Cartier, A. Lange & Söhne, Vacheron Constantin and Van Cleef & Arpels among a few others. Partnering with the Gran Premio Storico d’Italia as the Official Timekeeper gives the brand a fresh and distinct identity. It creates exciting possibilities for them, such as a new range of motorsport-inspired watches.
Click on baume-et-mercier.com to learn more about the watches and mugellocircuit.com to learn more about the Gran Premio Storico D’Italia.
