Chopard Unveils New Mille Miglia Collection
The Swiss manufacture has revealed three limited edition pieces ahead of the famous race.
Related articles
The Mille Miglia is a storied rally, initially beginning in 1927 the endurance event has continued to build a reputation as the world’s most elegant race, with this year’s edition to take place from October 22-25.
And since 1988, Chopard has been the official timekeeper and principal partner of the race, creating a limited-edition timepiece for each event – furthering the link between classic cars and mechanical sports watches.
This year Chopard has unveiled three new special edition timepieces, the Millie Miglia 2020 Race Edition – which is available in two configurations – and the highly technical Mille Miglia Lab One.
The Mille Miglia 2020 Race Edition is a classic looking boasting a beadblasted diamond-like carbon (DLC) treated stainless steel case, limited to 1000 units ($9790) – with a variant featuring an 18-carat rose gold bezel limited to 250 units ($12,300). Both measure 42mm.
The full black theme is complemented by a matte black varnished dial and contrast ‘vintage yellow’ markings. With a focus on racing and legibility, the dial features Arabic numerals also in vintage yellow and coated in Super Luminova.
Furthering its racy appeal, the counter subdials are marked clearly showing the 60 second, 30 minutes and 12-hour markings, further nods to the famous road rally – with a hint of red on the seconds hand and the iconic red Mille Miglia direction arrow.
The watch is strapped to the wrist via a black calfskin strap with perforations – inspired by driving gloves.
Elsewhere, the Mille Miglia Lab One marks a momentous occasion for Chopard.
The futuristic shaped case and new tourbillon movement is inspired by the spirit of high-performance race cars with hopes to pave the road of sports haute horlogerie.
Here, a cushioned shaped case is fitted with the Chopard 04.03-M calibre, the first non-round self-winding tourbillon from the Swiss manufacture.
The titanium beadblasted case is given a black DLC treatment before it is finished in a combination of anthracite and deep black thanks to a new galvanic treatment alongside a shimmering grey that contrasts with the calibre.
Impressively the movement features a patented stop-tourbillon mechanism which halts the tourbillon and allows the movement to be set to the nearest second. The timepiece is fitted with yet another innovation – with a patent also filed for the crown which is hidden under the left side of the watch, as to not create a more ergonomic fit. With 485 parts it is one of the most complex movements delivered by Chopard.
The dial is openworked, echoing the cylinder heads and radiator grille of a race car. A double-disc date display, retrograde day indicator and power reserve ‘petrol tank’ indicator sits under rhodium-plated hollow hours and minutes hands coated with Super-LumiNova.
The 48.6mm x 46mm watch is limited to only 20 editions and is strapped by woven carbon fibres on one side and rubber next to the skin.
The Chopard Mille Miglia Lab One is POA.
Subscribe to the Newsletter
Recommended for you
Watch of the Week: TAG Heuer Formula 1 | Kith
The legendary sports watch returns, but with an unexpected twist.
By Josh Bozin
May 2, 2024
Omega Reveals a New Speedmaster Ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics
Your first look at the new Speedmaster Chronoscope, designed in the colour theme of the Paris Olympics.
By Josh Bozin
April 26, 2024