AUSTRALIAN watchmakers, Bausele, will return to partner the Repco Bathurst 12 Hour in 2024 as the official watch partner of the event.

Bausele will also continue to be the major partner of the Bausele Pro-Am class, a key element within the ‘race within a race’ that is long-distance endurance racing.

In doing so they will create a timepiece as iconic as the race itself – as the ultimate prize for those lucky to claim not only the outright race win but victory in the Bausele Pro-Am class as well.

The bespoke and exclusive timepiece for the outright and Bausele Pro-Am class winners will include pieces of the white stone that makes up the iconic ‘Mount Panorama’ sign, that is a hallmark of the iconic circuit, located in country New South Wales.

This rock will be ground and inserted into the crown of the watch to ensure the winners carry an actual piece of Mount Panorama with them wherever they go in the world.

The famous Mount Panorama Bathurst sign was constructed from a locally quarried limestone rock product from Omya Minerals, utilising approximately 1000 tons of material to construct.

The quarry can be seen with its white rockface several kilometres north-west of McPhillamy Park.

Additionally, just 100 replicas of the Bathurst 12 Hour podium watches will be made available for sale to the public.

These unique watches will include actual tyre rubber – ‘marbles’ – from the 2024 Repco Bathurst 12 Hour inserted into their crown, giving fans a unique keepsake or addition to any collection from Australia’s International Enduro.

Limited to 100 pieces, expressions of interest to purchase these unique watches will be available on the Bausele website.

Finally, Bausele will showcase a range of their unique timepieces within the Repco Bathurst 12 Hour Club corporate experience at Mount Panorama next February 16-18.

Bausele – which stands for ‘Beyond Australian Elements’ – was founded in 2011 by Christophe Hoppe out of his passion for Australia and an extensive background in the Swiss watch industry.

Australia’s first premium Swiss watch brand, Bausele has since become globally recognised with sales to more than 40 countries and collaborations with the Sydney Opera House, Royal Australian Air Force, among others.

The Repco Bathurst 12 Hour is proudly supported by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

Shane Rudzis – Event Director, Repco Bathurst 12 Hour

“The first year of our partnership with Bausele was fantastic, they are a great Australian brand with an international history just like the Repco Bathurst 12 Hour.

“Unique timepieces and long-distance endurance racing have longstanding links, be it at Daytona or Le Mans, so it is only appropriate that the winner of Australia’s International Enduro receives a unique and bespoke timepiece of their own.

“We have already seen the Bausele Pro-Am class winners showcasing their Bausele timepiece around the world – and now the outright winners will be able to do the same, showcasing them as part of an elite club to claim a Bathurst victory.

“The fact that fans of the Repco Bathurst 12 Hour can also be involved and purchase their own piece of Bausele and Bathurst 12 Hour history is really exciting for the supporters of the event.”

Christophe Hoppe – Owner, Bausele Watches

“We’re thrilled to announce our enhanced partnership with the 2024 Repco Bathurst 12 Hour, now proudly serving as the official watch of this prestigious event. Building on last year’s success, the 2023 collaboration allowed us to connect with watch enthusiasts and fans, reinforcing our decision to elevate our involvement in 2024.

“This year, we’re excited to unveil an exclusive watch design inspired by Mount Panorama track and surroundings, awarded to both the Pro-Am winners and the outright winners, commemorating their achievements with a unique piece of Australian motorsport history. As we gear up for this exceptional event, Bausele looks forward to creating lasting memories and strengthening our bond with the motorsport community.

“We look forward to foster a long-lasting partnership with Repco Bathurst 12 Hour for years to come, as we continue to celebrate the spirit of motorsport and craftsmanship together.”