Philippe Charriol, the man behind the Swiss luxury watch and jewelry brand Charriol, has passed away on Feb. 27 after a race car accident at the Le Castellet track in France. He was 77.
“During a car-racing session that was taking place on the Circuit Paul Ricard… French driver Philippe Charriol was the victim of an accident on the Mistral straight,” says circuit director Stephane Clair in a statement. Charriol received on-site emergency treatment and was rushed to a hospital in Marseille, but he soon succumbed to his injuries.
He was an avid racer and used to frequent major race circuits including Le Castellet where the French Formula One Grand Prix was held last year.
He founded the brand in 1983 which is known for using gold or steel cable as watch bracelets. The brand now has a network of 285 shops around the world.