Chopard Mille Miglia 2015 Race Edition
Angus Davies reviews the Chopard Mille Miglia 2015 Race Edition, an ebullient variant of the Mille Miglia GTS Power Control, launched earlier this year at Baselworld 2015. This watch joins a long line of octane-rich timepieces referencing the Swiss luxury brand’s role as official timekeeper of the iconic 1000 mile race from Brescia to Rome and back.
This detailed review of the Chopard Mille Miglia 2015 Race Edition includes live images, specification details and pricing.
I feel compelled to warn my fellow residents of Lancashire that my 18 year-old daughter, Isobel, is learning to drive. I have to be honest, she does not seem a natural pilot and I suspect, despite having spent much of my savings on driving lessons, it will remain some time before she is driving alone on Britain’s roads.
As Isobel recently drove past our lounge window in the driving instructor’s tortured Ford Fiesta, I was reminded of my own shortcomings behind the wheel when I was of a similar age, learning to drive. Indeed, I still recall the days when, owing to a lack of experience, I sat behind the steering wheel and the car would ‘kangaroo’ along the road, highlighting my poor clutch control and inability to deftly apply throttle.
With maturity and understanding I learnt when and how much to actuate the throttle. Skill and wisdom guide the consummate driver to appraise their surroundings, road conditions and weather. The experienced driver makes subtle adjustments to make the most of the power available and in the case of racing drivers, maximise it to championship-winning effect.
The fact remains that mastering power presents a challenge throughout our lives. Whether this is understanding how to use the power available behind the wheel of a car or managing the power of ‘high office’, keeping perspective and remaining in touch with those we serve. Handling power can often prove challenging and needs to be controlled.
Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard, competing in the Mille Miglia with his wife, Christine Scheufele
Chopard clearly understands the notion of power control. The Swiss luxury brand has been the official timekeeper of the legendary Mille Miglia race since 1988. Moreover, it has become a tradition that each year the brand produces a timepiece for the delectation of both participants of the race as well as the general public at large.
This year, Chopard has released what is, in my opinion, the finest iteration of the Mille Miglia watch ever offered for sale, the Mille Miglia GTS Power Control. The gravitas of my statement should be placed in context. I have long since been an admirer of the maison’s Mille Miglia branded timepieces and confess to having a strong liking for the Mille Miglia 2014 Race Edition. However, placing the latest Mille Miglia GTS Power Control upon my wrist tempted me more than ever into considering acquisition, owing to its profusion of attributes.
Chopard Mille Miglia GTS Power Control model – 2015
|
Chopard Mille Miglia GTS Power Control in stainless steel on rubber strap Ref. 168566-3001 – RRP £4290 * Chopard Mille Miglia GTS Power Control in stainless steel on steel bracelet Ref. 158566-3001 – RRP £5330 *
Chopard Mille Miglia GTS Power Control in 18-carat rose gold on rubber strap Ref. 161296-5001 -RRP £14,450.00 * |
The Mille Miglia Power Control is available in steel, on a rubber strap or steel bracelet. Alternatively, it is also available in 18-carat rose gold, again on a rubber strap. However, the version which elicits ths most covetous thoughts from my direction is the Chopard Mille Miglia 2015 Race Edition, a limited edition of only 100 pieces in 18-carat rose gold, sporting a vivid ‘Rossa Corsa dial.’ A steel version is also available, limited to 1000 examples.
The dial
A well-conceived watch dial allows the wearer to interpret the information presented in the merest of moments. Indeed, this is critical in the ‘heat of battle’, typically experienced in this arduous motorsport competition. The Chopard Mille Miglia 2015 Race Edition effortlessly elucidates time, proving most helpful to sleep-deprived competitors.
The hour and minute hands are bold, but not excessively so, retaining seemly conduct. The faceted hands are lined with Superluminova, augmenting legibility. Simple, clean batons impart the hours, save for 6 and 12 o’clock where stylised numerals succinctly converse with the wearer.
A date aperture, located at 3 o’clock, is presented within the Mille Miglia red-arrow race logo. This latter aspect tastefully references the numbers sported on the bonnet and flanks of the competing cars.
Positioned opposite the date aperture is a power reserve indicator, providing the inspiration for the non-limited sibling’s nomenclature. Interestingly, the design of this complication resembles a fuel gauge with automotive design influences in evidence. However, whilst Chopard has repeatedly referenced an octane-fuelled world, the collection of models do not look unduly contrived or forced with everything harmoniously coalescing to handsome effect.
The case
The case of the Chopard Mille Miglia 2015 Race Edition shares the same dimensions as the non-limited Mille Miglia GTS Power Control with the case measuring 43mm in diameter and 11.43mm in height. This model is evidently bulkier than some of the lithe offerings within the Chopard L.U.C collection but, in this instance, the watch is intended for a different audience. Indeed, an aspect I appreciate with Chopard is that each family of models has its own character and yet, irrespective of the persona portrayed, they all share the same excellent engineering integrity.
The caseback and black calfskin Barenia strap interface with the wrist superbly. Clearly, the talented design team at Chopard, led by Guy Bove, has once again expended much effort on the ergonomics and their efforts are vindicated by the matchless comfort proffered.
Positioned within the bezel is a ‘graduated’ black aluminium insert, indicative of the exacting design process. It would have been simple to have incorporated one uniform shade of black, but the protracted pursuit of perfection by Bove is clear to see.
Symbols of motoring abound on the Mille Miglia collection including the non-limited GTS Power Control. It is not surprising, therefore, that the watch company has chosen to equip the model with an exhibition caseback, revealing the engine within.
Movement
Talking of ‘engines’, the Swiss brand has equipped the Chopard Mille Miglia 2015 Race Edition with its own in-house movement, the Calibre 01-08-C, made in its Fleurier Ebauches workshops in the Val-de-Travers area.
A few years ago I toured the Fleurier Ebauches workshops and was profoundly impressed. Chopard has clearly invested a significant amount of money in the facility, embracing modern technology to deliver incredible quality timepieces at remarkably affordable prices. Furthermore, the Calibre 01.08C is a chronometer, certified by the COSC.
Despite the relatively modest asking price of this watch, Chopard has not eschewed quality and as a result, the Mille Miglia 2015 Race Edition should confer years of owner enjoyment.
Chopard L.U.C models harness a higher quotient of hand finishing and, in my opinion, these watches rival the finest exemplars of haute horlogerie. However, those watches made at the nearby Chopard Manufacture are justifiably more costly to acquire. Fleurier Ebauches provides greater customer choice through more accessible pricing, which can’t be a bad thing. Furthermore, the positioning of those timepieces equipped with Fleurier Ebauches movements places high quality, in-house movements within the financial grasp of some would-be buyers who previously could only dream of owning a watch of this calibre.
Closing remarks
Regular readers of ESCAPEMENT will know that I am a huge advocate for the work of Chopard. The watches are imbued with superb styling, magnificent mechanical integrity and excellent ergonomics.
The Chopard Mille Miglia 2015 Race Edition builds on this reputation and demonstrates the company’s commitment to continuous improvement and the persuit of perfection.
Clearly, the construction of a case in 18-carat gold is reflected in the asking price of £14,670* and may prove beyond the means of some prospective purchasers. However, the relatively modest asking price of the Mille Miglia GTS Power Control in steel with rubber strap at £4290* delivers a plethora of virtues at a remarkably competitive price. Alternatively, for a small price premium would-be buyers may wish to consider the Mille Miglia 2015 Race Edition. This will undoubtedly prove more scarce, yet costs only marginally more at £4510*.
Jacky Ickx, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele and Karl Scheufele
However, as my wife will attest, I have never shied away from spending and, money no object, I would have to select the Mille Miglia 2015 Race Edition in 18-carat rose gold. The blend of the Rosso Corsa dial with the warm, sumptuous case material and the towering tactility of the black Barenia leather strap confer a seductive blend of attributes I would find difficult to argue against.
Chopard is known for being a vertically integrated company, with extensive experience making cases, movements, bracelets etc. It is this power which has allowed it to control its destiny and create watches of exceptional renown. Perhaps it is this ability to handle power that makes the Mille Miglia GTS Power Control a wonderful metaphor for a company at the vanguard of horological design.
* Prices as at 9.7.2015
Technical Specification
- Model: Chopard Mille Miglia 2015 Race Edition
- Reference: 161296-5002
- Case: 18-carat rose gold; diameter 43.00 mm; height 11.43 mm; water resistant to 10 bar (100 metres); sapphire crystal to front and caseback.
- Functions: Hours; minutes; central sweep seconds; power-reserve indicator; date.
- Movement: Chopard 01.08-C, self-winding movement; frequency 28,800 vph (4Hz); 40 jewels; power reserve 60 hours.
- Strap / Bracelet: Black calfskin Barenia leather presented on a 18-carat rose gold folding clasp
- Price: £14,670 (RRP as at 9.7.2015)
Related Links