Jacky Ickx and Chopard: A Legendary Partnership Celebrated in Sydney

The term ‘legend’ is often overused in sports, but when it comes to Jacky Ickx, no description is more fitting. A six-time Le Mans winner, a Formula 1 Grand Prix victor, and a Paris-Dakar Rally champion, Ickx is one of the most versatile and accomplished racing drivers in history. This week, the Belgian motorsport icon joined Chopard collectors and watch enthusiasts in Sydney for an exclusive dinner, where he shared insights into his storied racing career and his long-standing friendship with Chopard.

Unlike many athlete-brand relationships, Ickx’s connection with Chopard is built on genuine passion, mutual respect, and decades of collaboration. At 80 years old, he remains as deeply involved in both historic racing and high-end watchmaking as ever, making him a true ambassador for both worlds.

Jacky Ickx: A Career Defined by Excellence

Ickx’s motorsport career spans more than four decades and multiple disciplines, making him one of the most accomplished and adaptable racers of all time. His achievements include:

Formula 1 – Eight Grand Prix victories and two-time runner-up in the Drivers' Championship (1969, 1970).
Endurance Racing – Six-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans (1969, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1981, 1982) and two-time World Endurance Champion (1982, 1983).
Rallying – Winner of the Paris-Dakar Rally (1983), an extreme test of endurance across the Sahara.
Touring Cars – Winner of the 1977 Bathurst 1000, co-driving with Allan Moffat in a Ford Falcon despite never having driven the car before the race weekend.

Even today, Ickx continues to compete in classic races such as the Mille Miglia Storica, where his connection with Chopard first began. His presence at the event, both as a driver and a guest of honour, is a reminder of his enduring passion for motorsport and precision engineering.

Chopard and Jacky Ickx: A Friendship Forged in Speed

Ickx’s association with Chopard dates back to 1989, when he first met Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard, at the Mille Miglia Storica—an event Chopard has sponsored for over three decades. The two quickly bonded over a shared passion for motorsport and fine watchmaking, leading to a friendship that has lasted for over 30 years.

Unlike a typical brand ambassador, Ickx considers himself a true member of the Chopard family. Over the years, this friendship has resulted in the creation of seven limited-edition Chopard timepieces inspired by his racing career and the world of endurance motorsport.

One of the most celebrated models is the Chopard Mille Miglia Jacky Ickx Edition, a chronograph that embodies the spirit of classic racing with a precision chronometer movement and vintage-inspired aesthetics. The watch, like Ickx himself, is a tribute to endurance, precision, and unwavering dedication to performance.

At the Sydney dinner, Ickx humorously shared stories of competing in the Mille Miglia alongside Scheufele, admitting that while the Chopard executive does most of the driving, Ickx takes over when the weather worsens. These moments of camaraderie highlight the authenticity of their relationship and the inspiration behind their collaborative timepieces.

A Night of Racing Stories and Watchmaking Passion

Unlike many corporate events, the Sydney gathering was far from formal or scripted. Ickx’s charisma, storytelling, and genuine passion for motorsport and horology turned the evening into an engaging affair. Discussing the similarities between high-performance racing and fine watchmaking, he reflected:

“There’s so much going on behind the scenes by people who are just as passionate as you that you might never meet.”

For Ickx, watchmaking and racing are not just about individual excellence—they are about teamwork, precision, and relentless pursuit of perfection.

When asked by Supercars reporter Riana Crehan about his record-breaking career, Ickx dismissed nostalgia in favour of forward-thinking optimism:

“I’m not nostalgic about the past. I’m nostalgic about the people I shared my past with… I’m excited about the present and what the future has to offer.”

His words resonated with the audience, reaffirming why he remains one of the most respected figures in both motorsport and luxury watchmaking.

Jacky Ickx and Chopard: A Partnership That Endures

Despite his age, Ickx shows no signs of slowing down. Late last month, he returned to Mount Panorama in Bathurst, Australia, where he took the wheel of the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Concept for its global racetrack debut—proving once again that his passion for speed remains as strong as ever.

Meanwhile, his partnership with Chopard continues to flourish. With seven timepieces already released under his name, collectors eagerly anticipate the next chapter of this extraordinary collaboration. Each new watch reflects Ickx’s racing heritage, endurance spirit, and commitment to precision—qualities that have defined both his career and Chopard’s watchmaking excellence.

As the evening in Sydney wrapped up, the sentiment was clear: Jacky Ickx’s legacy extends far beyond the racetrack. His influence on motorsport, fine watchmaking, and the people who have had the privilege of meeting him will endure for generations.

For now, enthusiasts can only hope that this legendary partnership continues to produce more timepieces that capture the thrill of racing and the art of horology. If Ickx’s words are any indication, the best is yet to come.