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Chopard Unveils New Mille Miglia Classic Chronographs Inspired by Historic Racing Colors
Chopard, deeply rooted as the official timekeeper of the Mille Miglia race since 1988, continues its enduring legacy by introducing three distinct limited-edition Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph timepieces. These new models, inspired by the iconic national racing colors of the past, revisit the refined 40.5mm case design launched in 2023. Each variant—British Racing Green, French Blue, and Speed Silver—is a homage to the golden era of motorsport, combining classic aesthetics with contemporary watchmaking precision, and is exclusively available in its respective country.
These chronographs are crafted from Chopard's innovative Lucent Steel, known for its enhanced hardness and brilliant sheen, and boast a 40.5mm diameter and a slender 12.88mm thickness. The cases meticulously blend polished and satin-brushed finishes, incorporating intricate automotive-inspired elements. The pushers are textured like brake pedals, and the crown features a steering wheel motif for optimal grip. A domed sapphire crystal augments the vintage appeal, while a 50-meter water resistance ensures practicality. Each watch’s sapphire caseback proudly displays a unique crossed-flag design, pairing a checkered racing flag with the national flag of the UK, France, or Germany, offering a glimpse into the COSC-certified automatic chronograph movement based on the ETA A322-11, which operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides a 54-hour power reserve.
The Legacy of Racing Colors: British Green and French Blue Editions
The British Racing Green model presents a galvanic green dial with a circular satin finish, complemented by white numerals and rhodium-plated hands. Its classic tricompax layout features a small seconds sub-dial at 3 o'clock, a 12-hour counter at 6 o'clock, a 30-minute counter at 9 o'clock, and a date display positioned between 4 and 5 o'clock. The only vibrant accents are the red-tipped chronograph seconds hand and the distinctive Mille Miglia arrow emblem. This timepiece is elegantly paired with a dark green rubber strap, embossed with a tire-tread pattern reminiscent of 1960s Dunlop racing tires, reinforcing its connection to classic British motorsport.
In a more vivid expression, the French Limited Edition draws inspiration from the national tricolor flag, showcasing a varnished blue dial adorned with silver-toned counters and delicate white and red detailing. Red hands highlight the chronograph sub-dials and the central chronograph seconds, providing a striking contrast. A silvered tachymeter scale gracefully frames the dial, enhancing its sporty appeal. The watch is completed with a matching blue rubber strap, featuring the same iconic tire-ttread pattern, further solidifying its automotive heritage. This particular edition made its debut at the prestigious 2026 Salon Rétromobile in Paris, underscoring its French provenance and sophisticated design, embodying the spirit of French racing history with vibrant elegance.
The German Speed Silver Edition and Technical Craftsmanship
The German-exclusive Speed Silver edition pays tribute to the legendary Silver Arrows era, featuring a refined silver opaline dial with subtle grey and black markings. This nearly monochromatic aesthetic is thoughtfully punctuated by a red-tipped chronograph seconds hand and the iconic Mille Miglia logo, adding a touch of dynamic contrast. Unlike its British and French counterparts, this timepiece is fitted with a perforated black calfskin strap, accentuated with elegant grey stitching, capturing the essence of German racing heritage and engineering precision. This design choice highlights a distinctive and understated yet powerful aesthetic, reflecting the historical significance of the Silver Arrows.
Each of the Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Racing Colours timepieces—British Racing Green, French Limited Edition, and Speed Silver—is produced in a limited series of 100 pieces, making them highly exclusive. These editions are specifically allocated to the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, respectively. The British Racing Green model is priced at GBP 8,050, while the French Limited Edition is available for EUR 11,100, and the German Speed Silver edition for EUR 11,300. The movement, a COSC-certified automatic chronograph based on the robust ETA A322-11, features 37 jewels, a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, and a substantial 54-hour power reserve, ensuring reliability and precision. These technical specifications underscore Chopard’s commitment to combining sophisticated design with exceptional horological performance.