The partnership between Chopard and Mille Miglia is still-continuing since its beginning year 1988. Chopard continues to be the official time keeper of the legendary racing organization for 28 years. Today, we put our hands on the GTS Automatic Speed Black model from the Mille Miglia Collection to bring you it’s first live review on the internet.
Mille Miglia is called “ the most beautiful race in the world “. The first race in the story of the organization, which was started at 2nd of December 1926, took place in 1927. The winners Nando Minoja and Giuseppe Morandi won the race with their O.M.( Officine Meccaniche) 665 Sport Superba by driving 1600kms in 21 hours. Many racing enthusiasts hardly believe that they actually crossed Italy from one end to another in such a short time with their 80HP car, despite the harsh weather conditions.
Well, we won’t be exaggerating if we say Chopard has brought a new style and excitement with its Mille Miglia Collection which was dedicated to the traditional racing organization gathering many important personalities together since 1988.
Being one of the members of Chopard’s Classic Racing Collection, Mille Miglia timepieces are easily distinguished by their characteristic style. It seems Chopard has its share of the trending “all black watch” concept. We were all mesmerized with the beauty of the GTS Automatic Speed Black model during the exclusive presentation of Chopard at Baselworld 2016 and I immediately ordered one for my personal collection. This model, which was announced to be a limited edition of 1000 pieces only, became an instant following piece for many watch enthusiasts with its high quality DLC coating, comfort, trade mark tire pattern rubber strap and immaculate color scheme.
I must say that the first thing got my attention was the caseback when I started to examine the watch. The caseback which is attached to the case with 8 screws, is simply beautiful. The movement which can be seen through the smoked crystal caseback is truly amazing. Designed and manufactured fully in-house by Chopard, the movement Caliber CHOPARD 01.01-M features a striking bridge design which fits the timepiece’s motorsports inspiration.
COSC certified automatic movement offers 60h power reserve when fully wound.
This year, 34th of the Mille Miglia Classic Automobile race welcomed 400 individual teams which raced a total of 1600kms through the Brescia-Roma-Brescia route. The co-president of Chopard –Mr. Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, who is also known with its passion for racing and collecting, was in the race with his Porsche 550 Spyder RS.
I would like to say a few words about Brescia. They say that the people of Brescia has gasoline in their vessels instead of blood. The people of Brescia are very well known with their passion for cars as they had started to arrange their own automobile races in late 1900s.
The 43mm case is DLC coated case features a stunning black color which gives the watch a vintage look. The stainless steel winding crown, which we are familiar from the Classic Racing Collection models, is also DLC coated. The crown guards add a sporty touch to the timepiece.
The legendary rubber strap of the watch deserves exclusive attention. The black rubber strap, which features the tread pattern of the 1960s Dunlop tires, grants the Mille Miglia models a unique look along its strong vanilla smell. The strap is secured with the folding clasp that we know from the other Chopard models.
The front crystal of the watch is AR coated on both sides providing a clean, reflection free look. The dial, which brings out its brand features exquisite details. You cannot stop watching the second hand which shares the same color with the Mille Miglia logo over the date display. The white tip of the second hand is a classy touch which defines the brand’s attention about details. The glossy frames of the white SuperLuminova applied indexes makes the dial more appealing with their reflections.
The integrated bezel features nice details as well. Especially the red circle inside the bezel look pretty cool.
Chopard Mille Miglia GTS Automatic Speed Black model is limited to 1000 pieces only. The list price varies depending on the region and it’s about 7500,00 CHF.
