Decade after decade, these timepieces have become extremely sought-after collectibles, both for their rarity – all being made in extremely limited series – and for how they perfectly express the indissoluble link between the world of classic cars and that of mechanical sports watches. In a rally, every self-respecting competitor considers the chronograph as an essential element of their equipment; for this reason, the teams participating in the 1000 Miglia, before lining up on the starting line, receive the latest Mille Miglia Race Edition chronograph. The 2020 edition is available in two versions that house a chronometer-certified movement: 1,000 pieces in microbillé DLC-treated stainless steel and 250 pieces in microbillé DLC-treated stainless steel and 18-karat ethical rose gold.

The Mille Miglia 2020 Race Edition is a reinterpretation of the total black theme, with its microbillé Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) treated case and its matt black dial on which the “vintage yellow” elements stand out. Result? A retro look that perfectly matches the style of those who drive a classic car but which is equally ideal for daily use, during the day as in the evening, and which will not fail to win over the youngest, increasingly attracted to events such as the 1000 Miglia .

Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-president of Chopard, a fan of vintage cars with 31 stakes in the Mille Miglia, explains: “In making this year’s watch, we thought of our young clientele. The new generations are increasingly interested in vintage cars and we see newlywed couples, but also fathers and children, participating in events such as the Mille Miglia. This year’s watch is for them. “

Successful combination of functionality, readability and comfort

The DLC treatment, inspired in part by the satin black and gunmetal finishes found on vintage machines, gives the 42 mm microbillé stainless steel case not only an interesting look but also anti-scratch and anti-reflective properties. Comfort on the wrist is guaranteed by the use of short lugs while the practicality of the watch is demonstrated by its extreme legibility, the result of the marked contrast between the matte black surface of the dial and the minute scales and the vintage yellow tachymeter.

Thanks to these features, it is the ideal timepiece for calculating speeds and distances, fundamental operations during special rally stages. The Arabic numerals, also vintage yellow, are coated with an extremely intense Super-LumiNova® that allows easy reading of the watch even in low light conditions, while the counters are clearly visible to indicate 60 seconds, 30 minutes and 12 hours. The date window is located between 4 and 5 o’clock, while the touch of red on the end of the second hand and the integration of the famous red arrow, emblem of the 1000 Miglia, clearly indicate, on the dial side, that this chronograph is a tribute. to what Enzo Ferrari used to call the “most beautiful race in the world”.

One watch, two versions

The Mille Miglia 2020 Race Edition will be available in two versions: an all black version proposed in a limited series of 1,000 pieces and a second version with a contrasting bezel in ethical 18-carat microbillé pink gold, available in a series of 250 pieces. Both variants feature a self-winding chronometer-certified mechanical movement that provides a convenient 42-hour power reserve.

The back of the watch features a sapphire crystal case back with the 1000 Miglia logo and the number of the unique edition of each piece along the circumference, while the black perforated leather strap completes the ensemble, embellished with tone-on-tone stitching and with a rubber lining that reproduces the 1960s Dunlop tire tread characteristic of Chopard models.

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