The new Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph is made in two versions, for men and women, with two dial sizes and different colours. They all have a movement that is not made in-house, but in any case COSC-certified. They are lower-cost versions of the spectacular Chopard Mille Miglia Classic XL, and they share a lot of the nice things about that piece. Below, the two versions of the men’s 42 mm version.
Him and her watches
Watches to be bought as a pair by a couple are more popular in Asia than in Europe. Apart from marketing considerations, it’s positive that Chopard have made a more feminine version of what is a classic men’s complication. And there is no doubt that more women are developing an appreciation for mechanical watches.
Clear, logical dial layout
The dial is bold and distinctive, with its large numerals with luminescent coating. The tachymeter and fractional seconds scales are practical and complete, and the red-tipped chronograph seconds hand is long enough for easy readings on any part of the dial. The only thing I don’t like about the dial is the date window squashed in diagonally, but at least the numeral is large enough to be easily legible.
Case and strap
The men’s version is 42 mm in diameter, 12.67 mm thick, in steel, with a 5 atm water resistance, and a black rubber strap. The Dunlop racing tyre-tread strap has become a Chopard classic, used for many of their Mille Miglia watches. The women’s watch is 39 mm in diameter, 11.83 mm thick, with white rubber strap. The dial is in mother-of-pearl and the bezel is set with diamonds. The only thing missing, with respect to the men’s version, is the tachymeter scale. I don’t think that anyone will miss its absence.
COSC-certified movement
Chopard doesn’t tell us who makes the movement, saying that it is simply a self-winding movement running at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hertz), with 42 hours power reserve, and 37 jewels. It is likely to be the ETA 2894-2A, based on the 2892-2 with an additional chronograph module. It is chronometer-certified by COSC. It can be viewed through the sapphire caseback.
Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph ref. 178588-3001
Reference 178588-3001 is in stainless steel with white mother-of-pearl dial, gemset bezel, and a white rubber strap. Price 11.900 Swiss francs, €11,730, £9,800.
Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph ref. 168588-3001
Reference 168588-3001 is in stainless steel with a silver-toned dial, smooth bezel and white rubber strap. Price 4,700 Swiss francs, €4,630, £3,870.
Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph ref. 168589-3002
Reference 168589-3002 is in stainless steel with black dial and black rubber strap. Price 4,900 Swiss francs, €4,830, £4,040.
Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph ref. 168589-3001
Ref. 168589-3001 is in stainless steel with silver dial and a black rubber strap. Price 4,900 Swiss francs, €4,830, £4,040.
See the Chopard website for more details.
