By Osheen Arakelian
Over the years since its launch in 1988, the Mille Miglia has become a flagship collection of Chopard. In 2015, Chopard is entirely revisiting this grand classic by introducing the collection dubbed Mille Miglia GTS (for Grand Turismo Sport). This new collection, composed of a three-hand and date chronometer, a power reserve and a chronograph, sees the introduction of a Chopard movement: for the first time, the chronometer and power-reserve models will be equipped with a Chopard movement from the workshops of Fleurier Ebauches. The sleek, sophisticated design of these new creations rejuvenates the Classic Racing spirit embodied by the Mille Miglia collection, while remaining true to the identity codes of the models rolled out over the past 25 years. The Mille Miglia GTS Automatic, Power Control and Chrono models vividly illustrate this renewal.
Chopard has decided to replace their existing range of their very popular Mille Miglia timepiees at Baselworld 2015 with 3 new variants; the 3-hand chronometer with date display, a chronograph and a power-reserve model. These additions to the Mille Miglia range have been created like the previous versions with various cues from old racing cars that took part in the iconic race during the 1940’s unti 1957. The greatest achievement for Chopard with their new introductions is the use of a new set of movements. Caibres 01.01-C and 01.08-C were entirely developed and assembled in the Fleurier Ebauche workshops. The movements are constructed to be robust and accurate. The calibres are automatic winding movements with 60-hour power reserve and COSC certified.
The Mille Miglia GTS collections have been designed for function as well as appearance. The bezel of various models features a graduated black aluminium insert accentuating the sporting nature of the Mille Miglia GTS Power Control. The dials are finished in the iconic red black and white accents found in Mille Miglia timepieces throughout history. The power reserve variant has the inclusion of a power reserve indicator in the shape of an old school petrol gauge typical of the 1950’s. Another cool feature is the stretching of the red arrow logo found around the date window. The red arrow logo has been expended to completely wrap around the date window and provides a cool nod to drivers past and present whereby you can see a different car number based on the day of the month.
The Automatic and Power Control variants have kept the vintage feel alive with oversized numerals located at 6 o’clock and 12 o’clock with painted superluminova. Each timepiece is available with either steel bracelet or rubber strap for the stainless steel GTS or with rubber strap for the rose gold.
It’s great to see Chopard reinventing the Mille Miglia range and providing some vintage mixed in with modern design techniques. It really tells how much love has gone into the new collection and we hope to bring you more exciting news from Chopard during Baselworld 2015 and beyond.
For more info, please visit chopard.com
Osheen Arakelian – Contributing Editor
Drawing on a lifelong love of horology and a more recent introduction to appreciation of fine whisky, Osheen brought the two together with watch & whisky. He is proprietor of the site, which covers everything related to watches and whisky. In between completing a degree in commercial law and supporting a rich social life, he is out and about attending all the latest watch and whisky events Sydney has to offer. His passion has also taken him around Australia attending a number of events and he hopes to continue his career in the watch industry on a more serious level after he graduates. Read his articles here.
