Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. Chopard Mille Miglia 2020 Race Edition (Live Pics & Price)
A matte black case and compelling retro touches for the latest chronographs to join the Mille Miglia team.
Originally scheduled to take place in mid-May but cancelled because of the pandemic, the Mille Miglia 2020 edition starts today. From 22 – 25 October, 400 vintage cars competing in the 1,000-mile regularity race from Brescia to Rome and back will race through the Italian countryside drawing crowds of classic car aficionados. As the partner and official timekeeper of the Mille Miglia race for the past 32 years, Chopard will be presenting every team taking part in the race with the latest Mille Miglia Race Edition chronograph before they arrive at the start line. For the rest of the world, the two chronometer-certified chronographs, one in black DLC-treated stainless steel and the other in two-tone black DLC-steel and 18k rose gold, will be available in limited editions of 1,000 and 250 pieces respectively.
Chopard has been the partner and official timekeeper of the 1000 Miglia since 1988, the most important vintage car regularity race in the world. As co-president of Chopard, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele’s passion for mechanical watches is only matched by his passion for vintage automobiles. Getting involved with the legendary Italian car race was a natural fit, and for the past 32 years, Chopard celebrates the event with new Mille Miglia timepieces. The Mille Miglia watches, grouped under the Classic Racing collection, are represented by the more contemporary style of the GTS editions and more classic, vintage-inspired Race Editions. So far this year we’ve seen the GTS Azzuro Chrono and GTS Azzuro Power Control, two editions with handsome blue dials. Today, Chopard unveils the Mille Miglia 2020 Race Edition, a watch designed to bring the spirit of the classic car race to the wrist.
bodywork
Both chronographs are housed in 42mm beadblasted stainless steel cases with a DLC finish. A more contemporary finish than other Mille Miglia vintage models, the black DLC coating ensures a scratch-resistant, non-reflective surface and is meant to echo the gunmetal finishes often seen on vintage cars. Other references to the world of automobiles include the screw-lock crown that emulates a petrol tank cap and is decorated with a steering wheel motif, and the chronograph pushers designed to look like engine pistons.
The only difference between the two chronographs can be seen on the stepped bezel; one is treated with the same matte black finish as the case, while the second model is dressier thanks to the 18k rose gold bezel. To match the granular texture of the case, the rose gold – ethical, of course – is also beadblasted.
Vintage touches on Dial
The black varnished dial follows the design cues of the case and displays a matte, slightly granular surface. The vintage yellow colour of the minute track and tachymeter scale (a must for racing enthusiasts) stands out clearly against the black background. Arranged in a classic 3-6-9 configuration, the three counters for the 30-min, 12-hour elapsed times and continuous seconds display clear yellow markings. Both the hour and minute hands, and the large vintage-style Arabic numerals, are treated with Super-LumiNova.
Placed between 4 and 5 o’clock is a date window with white numerals and a black background to match the dial. Last but not least, the famous red 1000 Miglia direction arrow is featured just below the inscription Chopard Chronometer at noon. The only other touch of red on the dial can be appreciated on the tip of the central chronograph seconds hand.
Chronometer-certified movement
The Mille Miglia 2020 Race Editions are powered by an automatic chronograph calibre (ETA-2892 with Dubois-Depraz module) with COSC-chronometer certification. With a motor purring at a regular frequency of 28,800vph for stints of up to 42 hours, the watch maintains a steady rate variation of +4/-6 seconds per day. The tinted sapphire crystal caseback reveals parts of the automatic movement, including the rotor decorated with Côtes de Genève stripes.
Strap, Availability & price
Both models of the Chopard Mille Miglia 2020 Race Edition are presented on a black calfskin strap with tone-on-tone stitching and perforations inspired by those found on racing gloves. The black rubber lining is inspired by 1960s Dunlop racing tyres and the folding clasp, in beadblasted DLC-treated steel, matches the case.
The steel Chopard Mille Miglia 2020 is limited to 1,000 pieces and will retail for EUR 6,670, while the two-tone steel and rose gold model is limited to 250 pieces and will retail for EUR 8,360.
More information at Chopard.
