Credits: Article and images by Bhanu Chopra @ Revolution Watch Magazine. See the original article here - https://revolutionwatch.com/racing-through-time-with-style-and-precision/
Chopard’s Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph models pay homage to classic cars.
Chopard, renowned for its exquisite timepieces and strong ties to the automotive world, introduces a new addition to its iconic Mille Miglia collection: the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph in Lucent Steel. This timepiece illustrates the spirit of competitive racing and camaraderie, pushing the boundaries of design and performance.
Since 1988, Chopard has been the official timekeeper and world sponsor of Italy’s prestigious 1000 Miglia race, forging an enduring partnership between watchmaking and motorsports. The race was established in 1927 by two young Counts, Franceso Mazzotti and Aymo Maggi, rumored to be unhappy when the Italian Grand Prix moved from their hometown of Brescia to Monza. The format is an open-road endurance race that stretched from Brescia to Rome and back in a roughly 1500km course.
Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard, has personally participated in the race every year since 1989, accumulating over 30,000 miles of competition. This collaboration has resulted in the creation of 35 remarkable watches, capturing the essence of the world’s most beautiful race.
While presenting the 2023 Mille Miglia collection, Mr. Scheufele stated, “This year’s watches represent the 36th variation on the collection. Even more than previous ones, they reflect the unique atmosphere of the 1000 Miglia. One of the challenges for this year’s event will be deciding whether to choose a Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph model that complements my car – or to choose a car that complements my favourite version of the watch.”
The designers of the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph drew inspiration from the elegance and dynamism of classic cars and their recognizable design elements. The case, crafted from Chopard’s exclusive Lucent Steel, showcases a diameter of 40.5 mm, perfectly aligning with the aesthetic of historical racing cars. The reduced size not only enhances its visual appeal but also ensures comfort during both driving and as a daily wear watch.
Lucent Steel, the result of four years of meticulous development, is an exclusive alloy that possesses a luminous and subtly reflective appearance, reminiscent of automotive bodywork. Lucent Steel is 50% harder than conventional steel, providing exceptional durability to withstand the rigors of competitive driving. It is also REACH-certified, an acronym for the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals which is a regulation developed in Europe to protect human health and the environment. Further reflecting Chopard’s commitment to responsible production, the timepiece is produced with 80% recycled content and the steel has anti-allergenic properties to make it skin friendly.
The Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph models feature dials in a selection of vibrant colors, paying homage to the paintwork and interiors of classic cars. The Lucent Steel variants showcase Verde Chiaro (light green) and Rosso Amarena (cherry red) dials, both with a circular satin-brushed finish, while the Nero Corsa (racing black) model features an engine-turned finish. The bi-material version, combining Lucent Steel and ethical 18-carat rose gold, boasts a dial in circular satin-brushed Grigio-Blue (grey blue).
These exquisite dials incorporate white minutes tracks and tachymeter scales for precise speed and distance calculations. The hour and minute hands, as well as the dial markings, are coated with white Grade XI Super-LumiNova, ensuring excellent legibility in low-light conditions. The red-tipped central sweep-seconds hand adds a striking touch, complementing the renowned red ‘1000 Miglia’ logo adorning each dial.
The dial is protected by a glass-box sapphire crystal, giving it a sense of depth and perspective and a stylish vintage vibe. This crystal, secured by a slim bezel, allows light to enter from various angles, creating captivating shimmering effects and adding to the timepiece’s retro aesthetic.
Turning the watch over, a sapphire crystal case-back reveals the mechanical self-winding chronograph movement. Certified by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute, this movement ensures precise timekeeping and a 54-hour power reserve. The knurled pushers, apart from their practical functionality, enhance the visual appeal of the watch.
Racers will appreciate the 4 Hz frequency of the movement, facilitating accurate timing during the intense competition. The layout of the sub-dials, featuring 12-hour, 30-minute, and small seconds counters, allows for efficient time measurement. This timepiece caters to drivers seeking to push their limits, inspired by Chopard’s legendary ambassador and Le Mans champion, Jacques Bernard “Jacky” Ickx. The Belgian former racing driver won the 24 Hours of Le Mans six times and twice finished as championship runner-up in Formula One in 1969 and 1970. Three Mille Miglia limited edition watches were created in dedication to him, and he collaborated on a fourth with Chopard.
The Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph in Lucent Steel captures the spirit of the iconic 1000 Miglia race, combining automotive elegance with cutting-edge watchmaking. Its Lucent Steel case, vibrant dial colors, and meticulous attention to detail pay tribute to the world of classic cars. With a blend of style, durability, and precision, this timepiece is a testament to Chopard’s commitment to excellence and its passion for motorsports. Whether on the racetrack or at a formal event, the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph is a symbol of adventure, speed, and timeless sophistication.
Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph
References: 168619-3001 (Nero Corsa), 168619-3003 (Rosso Amarena), 168619-3004 (Verde Chiaro), 168619-4001 (Grigio-Blue)
Case: 40.50mm x 12.8mm, Lucent Steel or Lucent steel and rose gold, 50 meters
Movement: Self-winding, Chronometer-certified (COSC), 28,800 vph (4 Hz), 54 hours power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph
Dial: Nero Corsa dial, or Rosso Amarena dial, or Verde Chiaro dial, or Grigio-Blue dial
Strap: Rubber strap or brown calfskin leather strap
Price: From USD 8,830
Credits: Article and images by Bhanu Chopra @ Revolution Watch Magazine. See the original article here - https://revolutionwatch.com/racing-through-time-with-style-and-precision/
