The sporty and sophisticated new Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph model with a vintage touch appears in His and Hers versions. The dial of the former is black or silver with large luminescent numerals, while the latter is in silver colour or crafted from white mother-of-pearl studded with diamonds. These sporty models with a delightful retro touch hum to the beat of a COSC-certified high-precision ‘engine’. Available in 42 mm and 39 mm versions, this watchmaking tandem boldly demonstrates that the classic racing spirit cherished by Chopard is designed and expressed in both feminine and masculine modes.
Like Chopard co-president Karl-Friedrich Scheufele and his wife Christine, who compete together in the “Corsa più belle del mondo” every two years, the new Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph models are intended for passionate devotees sharing their finest epic motoring adventures as a ‘mixed double’. A number of such teams have indeed taken part over the years in the legendary Mille Miglia race from Brescia to Rome and back, covering 1,000 miles of thrills and unforgettable moments experienced amid stunning Italian scenery.
The Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph for women is a worthy heir to its masculine counterpart
The new “His and Hers” chronographs are inspired by cars having taken part in the Mille Miglia between 1927 and 1940. Enhance by two traditional pushers and a fluted crown echoing those of vintage chronographs, the steel cases of the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph models feature pleasingly balanced dimensions – 42 mm for gentleman racers and 39 mm with a gem-set bezel for lady drivers – matched by classic lines. The dials ensure perfect readability thanks to wide Arabic numerals that are luminescent in the dark, as are the hands. The slim cursive fonts and the counters are inspired by 1920s car dashboards and stand out clearly by contrast with their background. The sweep-seconds hand features a bright red tip to tick off the precious seconds of the race. The arrow-shaped “Rossa Corsa” red Mille Miglia logo appears at the heart of the dial at 12 o’clock, as well as around the rim of the exhibition case-back. Embodying an ideal blend of precision, comfort and elegance, these watches are authentic auxiliaries for drivers driving at top speeds along Italian roads. The two models are teamed with the famous rubber strap reprising the 1960s Dunlop Racing tyre-tread profile, in immaculate white for the ladies’ version and a deep shade of black for the men’s interpretation.
The Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph for women is a worthy heir to its masculine counterpart. The collection’s key characteristics are all present, albeit significantly feminised by a wise choice of shades and materials. Witness the mother-of-pearl graving the dial, the soft touch of the white rubber strap, the sparkle of the diamond-set bezel, as well as the slenderness of the case and its more modest 39 mm diameter. The masculine version of the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph for men comes with a generous 42 mm-diameter case and a tachymetric scale, a useful indication for calculating average speed which is a decisive factor in endurance racing.
The precision of a certified chronograph mechanism made by Chopard
As befits models epitomising performance and sporty prowess, the new Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph models are equipped with a high-precision horological ‘engine’, chronometer-certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). Beating at the frequency of 28,800 vibrations/hour and visible through the sapphire crystal case-back adorned with the Mille Miglia logo, this mechanical self-winding chronograph movement drives the hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph and date functions, while delivering a 42-hour power reserve.
Chopard and Mille Miglia, a pair bound by mechanical passion
For almost 30 years, the heart of Chopard and that of the Mille Miglia have been beating as one. They share a love of beautiful engineering and performance, born of Karl-Friedrich Scheufele’s personal passion for classic cars. Sealed in 1988 when Chopard became partner and official timekeeper of the fabled Mille Miglia, this now inseparable bond inspired the creation of an eponymous watch collection launched that same year. Each spring, the prestigious endurance rally sees more than 400 historical cars competing along an enchanting route running from Brescia to Rome and back. This legendary event has given rise to iconic models epitomising the Chopard approach to watchmaking.
The new Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph watches symbolise their owners’ authentic passion for racing, for classic cars and for the inimitable Italian dolce vita: a passion now conveyed by Chopard through both feminine and masculine interpretations.
