HOROLOGY VAULT

Tom Kristensen, the Danish speed freak, tore around the Circuit de la Sarthe at speeds that exceeded

320 km/h, clad in a white racing suit with the BMW colours chequered across his arm. The year was 1997 and motorsport fans had flocked to the French circuit to witness the young driver’s 24 Hours of Le Mans debut.

Kristensen claimed his maiden Le Mans victory that year, setting a new lap record in the process. “To win Le Mans on my debut was a special moment, and that short time in June was the most important of my racing life,” said the hall of famer who became the event’s most decorated driver in 2013 when he secured his ninth win. Nicknamed “Mr Le Mans”, Kristensen retired the following year.

Victors received a commemorative Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona from Rolex, which was the race’s title sponsor. For Kristensen, who has been an ambassador for the brand since 2010, the chronographs hold a special place in his collection. “My watches allow me to relive my achievements with teams and co-drivers, while being reminded of the deep history of our sport,” he said.