Chopard Gran Turismo XL Alfa Romeo Anniversary Editions

Chopard have some great looking watches in their Mille Miglia and Gran Turismo collections, and regular updates or limited editions over the years help to ensure that interest is strong on the brand. This year, to commemorate their 150th anniversary, they have revisited their Gran Turismo XL and also joined forces with a rejuvenated Alfa Romeo, who coincidentally are popping the champagne round their way too this year as 2010 also marks their centenial anniversary.

And so, to commemorate both companies' milestones in 2010, Chopard have unveiled a fab limited edition range of watches - and desk/travel clocks too.

The Chopard Gran Turismo XL Alfa Romeo collections are available in three guises; as automatic C.O.S.C. chronometer in a 44mm stainless steel case or the Gran Turismo XL Alfa Romeo C.O.S.C. Chronograph, which is available in 44mm stainless steel or cool Diamond-Like-Carbon (DLC) version. The three models are available in a limited run of 500 pieces each.

All three versions come on the Dunlop 'radial' tyre natural rubber strap and the combination of red, white, steel and black do set the pulse racing, especially with the Alfa Romeo logo inscribed in rosso red on the black dial.

The watches are all powered by ETA-based automatic chronometer movements.

I also mentioned that the collaboration carried over into a travel clock and a desk clock, both faithful hommages to the Gran Turismo XL watch.

Having spent four (mostly) happy years as the owner of a wonderful-sounding 3-litre Alfa Romeo 166, I have to confess a little bit of bias here, but heck, when a collection such as this comes around  - to celebrate big birthdays for both brands - it would be rude not to mention them here in The Watch Press.