Excellence, from past to present
Lifetime Magazine continues to promote and showcase excellence. This time, we are taking a closer look at another mechanical marvel – the automobile. Building on our collaboration with last year’s edition of the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace, we joined the German event as a media partner, enriching the coverage with our signature blend of style and in-depth storytelling.
Returning to Gut Kaltenbrunn on Lake Tegernsee for its highly anticipated second edition, the Concours of Elegance Germany 2025 proved to be more than just a celebration of the world’s most exceptional cars: it was also a fusion of mechanical beauty, history, and refined taste, resonating with every true connoisseur of both horology and automobiles.
Having debuted in 2024 to instant acclaim, the Concours has already become a must-attend event for collectors, marque clubs, and luxury aficionados. Set against the lush backdrop of the Bavarian Alps, this gathering is more than a static display; it is a living museum, showcasing rare vehicles ranging from pre-war gems to avant-garde design studies. The 2025 edition, held on 25 and 26 July, set a new benchmark with €95 million worth of vehicles on display, establishing its reputation as Germany’s leading stage for automotive artistry.
This extraordinary showcase is presented by A. Lange & Söhne, the haute horlogerie manufacture based in Glashütte, whose collaboration with the Concours highlights the harmony between fine mechanical watchmaking and the world’s most exceptional automobiles. Wilhelm Schmid, Lange’s CEO, personally presented the ‘Best of Show’ award, reinforcing the synergy between timekeeping masterpieces and works of art on wheels. Guests were treated not only to automotive perfection but also to an intimate glimpse into Lange’s miniature mechanical marvels, displayed within the event’s exclusive lounges. Both disciplines – horology and automotive engineering – find common ground in storytelling, technical excellence, and a passion for beauty.
The Concours line-up featured a veritable who’s who of automotive icons: from the 1987 McLaren MP4/3 Formula One car and the 1976 Lamborghini Countach LP 400 to coach-built masterpieces such as the 1939 Talbot-Lago T23 Baby Cabriolet Prototype by Henri Chapron and the 1931 Delage D8 Roadster. Each entry told a story of engineering bravura and preservation.
The coveted ‘Best of Show’ accolade, voted on by the participating owners themselves, went to the magnificent 1932 Austro Daimler Bergmeister – a paean to Art Deco engineering, celebrated for its rarity and delicate lines. Other distinguished winners included the 1939 Talbot-Lago T23 Baby Cabriolet Prototype by Chapron, which was the recipient of the Chairman’s Award; a 1965 Austin-Healey Mark III (Ladies’ Concours); a 1978 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.3 (Emerging Collectors); and a 2022 Jeep Willys (Junior Concours).
At an event where the sweep of the seconds hand and the turn of the wheel are held in equal esteem, the resonance is clear: both disciplines require unwavering dedication to excellence and a soul attuned to beauty. To admire a Lange Zeitwerk or the curve of a Talbot-Lago is to understand that true luxury lies in subtlety and savoir-faire. The Concours of Elegance Germany 2025 was, once again, not merely a showcase of rare machines, but a testament to humankind’s never-ending pursuit of the sublime.
As we look ahead to the next edition, one thing is certain: the dialogue between the worlds of cars and watches is still writing new chapters. The sound of each engine and the tick of each balance wheel serve as a gentle reminder that the most precious things in life are those crafted with love, patience, and vision.
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