Chopard Unveils the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Raticosa: A Tribute to Racing Heritage

Chopard, a brand synonymous with automotive racing, has once again drawn inspiration from the historic Mille Miglia endurance rally to create its latest chronograph. This newest iteration, the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Raticosa, pays homage to the formidable Raticosa Pass, a crucial and challenging segment of the race's iconic route. Since 1988, Chopard has been an integral part of this prestigious event, serving as its World Sponsor and Official Timekeeper, consistently producing timepieces that capture the essence of classic motoring.

The Raticosa Pass, connecting Florence and Bologna through the picturesque Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, holds a special place in Mille Miglia lore. Rising to an elevation of 968 meters, this mountain road was a staple of the original race between 1927 and 1957. Renowned for its demanding elevation changes and intricate bends, it earned legendary status among competitors, with racing icon Enzo Ferrari famously stating that victories at Mille Miglia were forged on the Raticosa. This enduring legacy is now commemorated in Chopard's latest horological creation, blending vintage aesthetics with contemporary craftsmanship.

This edition of the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Raticosa showcases a vintage-inspired design, featuring a 40.5mm case crafted from Lucent Steel, Chopard's innovative alloy known for its brilliance and durability, which incorporates a high percentage of recycled materials. The watch’s refined details include a glass-box sapphire crystal, a crown adorned with a steering wheel motif, and piston-style chronograph pushers. The reverse side reveals a closed titanium caseback, intricately engraved with a scene of a classic race car navigating the Raticosa Pass amidst cheering spectators. The dial, presented in a matte eggshell hue, boasts beige Super-LumiNova coated hour markers and a classic tri-compax layout. At its heart, the watch is driven by a COSC-certified ETA A322-11 automatic chronograph movement, offering a 54-hour power reserve. Completing the ensemble is a brown perforated calfskin strap, reminiscent of vintage driving gloves, secured with a Lucent Steel pin buckle, priced at EUR 11,100.

This new Chopard timepiece stands as a testament to the enduring thrill of classic racing and the art of fine watchmaking. It is not merely an instrument for measuring time, but a wearable piece of history, celebrating the spirit of competition, human ingenuity, and the timeless beauty of Italian landscapes. The Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Raticosa encourages us to appreciate the meticulous details and dedicated craftsmanship that go into creating objects of lasting value and to find inspiration in the legacies of courage and perseverance.