Baselworld 2012: ‘La Carrera Panamericana’ by Frédérique Constant

First held in 1950 to celebrate the completion of the Mexican section of the Pan-American Highway, the original 3300km Carrera Panamericana road-race was the stuff of legends.

Today, the 'La Carrera Panamericana' retrospective event is a must-do for any serious historic racer. In this, its 24th running, it will carry overall sponsorship from the Geneva-based watchmaker Frédérique Constant, which has produced a limited-edition (two versions of 1888 pieces each), manual-wind, 43mm-diameter watch carrying both the Mexican flag and the name of the event on its face.

The difference between versions is purely in the colour of the design and hands: either steel, or rose gold-plated. The movement is new: the 17-jewel, FC-435 calibre with a 42-hour power reserve.