Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph 2024 Watch Review
On the eve of the 1000 Miglia, Chopard unveils the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph 2024, its latest addition to the collection of models inspired by the legendary race. Sharing some elements in common with the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph JX7, released just a few weeks ago, Angus Davies applauds the Swiss Maison for its consistent approach to design.
Karl-Friedrich Scheufele – driven by passion
A roaring engine and a ticking watch, both sounds that have stirred many souls, including that of Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard. They are two soundtracks that have accompanied him throughout his adult life, igniting a passion for creating high-octane watches and inspiring him to compete in ‘the most beautiful race in the world’; the Mille Miglia.
Chopard x 1000 Miglia
In 1988, Chopard became the world sponsor and official timekeeper for the 1000 Miglia and the following year (1989), Mr Scheufele participated in the regularity race for the first time. Throughout its association with the Mille Miglia, the luxury Maison has released numerous watches sporting the iconic 1000 Miglia arrow-shaped motif. For more information regarding Chopard’s relationship with the 1000 Miglia – see our review of the Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph French Limited Edition.
Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph JX7
A few weeks ago, Chopard created the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph JX7 timepiece, celebrating the Maison’s longstanding relationship with Ambassador Jacky Ickx. The Belgian racing driver is often termed ‘Monsieur Le Mans’, having won the iconic 24-hour endurance race on six occasions.
The Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph JX7 is offered in two limited-edition versions, a Lucent steel model and a bi-metallic option, combining Lucent steel with ethical 18-carat yellow gold.
Lucent steel is the brand’s proprietary recycled stainless steel that’s smelted twice to enhance its purity. Formed of ‘at least 80% recycled steel’, the highly refined metal is yet another example of Chopard’s long-term vision for sustainable luxury. The resultant material is hypoallergenic, less prone to scratching and evinces a whiter than normal appearance.
On both versions, the dial sits beneath a ‘glass box’ sapphire crystal and is dressed in midnight blue, a colour inspired by Ickx’s racing helmet and a first for a Mille Miglia model. The rubber strap, in common with several previous Mille Miglia models, emulates the appearance of a Dunlop racing tyre of the 60s.
Visible to the rear of the watch, a pane of sapphire crystal, adorned with a depiction of said blue racing helmet, affords sight of a COSC-certified self-winding movement.
Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph La Gara dial
With this year’s Mille Miglia just around the corner (11th – 15th June 2024), the Swiss luxury marque has unveiled a new chronograph bearing the iconic red arrow-shaped motif.
Termed a ‘La Gara’ dial, this year’s Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph juxtaposes black and white hues, emulating the appearance of a chequered flag. The central area of the dial is executed in a subtle circular satin finish. A high-contrast shade of black adorns the three counters and the tachymeter scale, subscribing to a stylish two-tone aesthetic, while delivering a high quotient of legibility.
In common with the Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph JX7, this latest model features a ‘glass box’ sapphire crystal and is endowed with a COSC-certified self-winding movement. The new Chopard Mille Miglia La Gara dial is housed in a 40.5 mm Lucent steel case and is presented on a black perforated calfskin strap with contrasting stitching.
Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph 2024 – a welcome familiarity
Both of these recent additions to the Chopard Mille Miglia family share much in common with earlier references. This is not a criticism, on the contrary, it’s an attribute. Chopard has consistently applied several details over the years such as the baton-style hour and minute hands, the same font for the hour markers and the steering-wheel motif on the flank of the crown. By embracing these design codes repeatedly, Chopard has sidesteped obsolescence and imbued these new models with a lasting allure that remains untouched by the fickleness of fashion. Once again, Chopard demonstrates its talent for skilfully negotiating the route to luxury while attentively listening to the needs and wants of the market.
Further reading
Technical specification
- Model: Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph 2024
- Reference: 168619-3005
- Case: Lucent Steel, diameter 40.5 mm, height 12.88 mm, water resistance 5 ATM (50 metres), sapphire crystal to front, exhibition caseback.
- Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph
- Movement: self-winding movement, frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz), 37 jewels, power reserve 54 hours, certified-chronometer (COSC)
- Strap: black perforated calfskin strap with ecru bridle stitching. Buckle in Lucent Steel
- Price: £8,420 (RRP as of 10.6.2024)
- Model: Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph JX7
- Reference: 168619–3006
- Case: Lucent Steel, diameter 40.5 mm, height 12.88 mm, water resistance 5 ATM (50 metres), sapphire crystal to front, exhibition caseback.
- Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph
- Movement: self-winding movement, frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz), 37 jewels, power reserve 54 hours, certified-chronometer (COSC)
- Strap: blue rubber strap with pin buckle
- Price: £9,280 (RRP as of 10.6.2024)
- Limited to 250 pieces (boutique exclusive)
- Model: Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph JX7
- Reference: 168619–4002
- Case: 18-carat yellow gold and Lucent Steel, diameter 40.5 mm, height 12.88 mm, water resistance 5 ATM (50 metres), sapphire crystal to front, exhibition caseback.
- Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph
- Movement: self-winding movement, frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz), 37 jewels, power reserve 54 hours, certified-chronometer (COSC)
- Strap: blue rubber strap with pin buckle
- Price: £10,900 (RRP as of 10.6.2024)
- Limited to 50 pieces (boutique exclusive)
