Chopard Mille Miglia GTS Power Control
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 Power Control model is the first illustration of this renewal.
Since 1988, Chopard has been official timekeeper of “la corsa più bella del mondo” that annually stretches from Brescia to Rome and back. The Mille Miglia collection stems from the fascination for classic cars nurtured by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, co-president of Chopard. A collector and active driver, he takes part in the race each year.
The new Mille Miglia GTS is a complete collection composed of a three-hand chronometer with date display, a chronograph and a power-reserve model. These three models with their eminently masculine curves are inspired by the classic cars that took part in the race between 1940 and 1957.
Their steel cases – featuring featuring a 43 mm diameter for the Automatic and Power Control versions and 44 mm for the Chrono version – are fitted with short, pointed lugs that are carefully tapered to ensure optimal comfort on the wrist, while the sporting nature of these timepieces is enhanced by facetted hands.
The first watch to be unveiled in this new line is the Mille Miglia GTS Power Control, superbly epitomising the “racing” spirit, the high performances and the superlative quality of the Mille Miglia GTS models.
At Chopard, the term Power Control refers to a power-reserve indicator. For the first time in its history, a Mille Miglia model is driven by a Chopard movement. Calibre 01.08-C is entirely developed, designed and assembled within the workshops of Fleurier Ebauches. It meets all the quality demands of the Mille Miglia collection and thus reflects the high standards faithfully cherished by Chopard.
The exclusive nature of this watch entirely matches that of the glorious classic cars that take part in this race. Its construction ensures the robustness that is indispensable on a model dedicated to competitive racing. Its automatic winding ensures essential ease of use. Its 60-hour power reserve enables its owner to find it still running smoothly and accurately after a period of rest.
Finally, its certification by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) testifies to the precision of its rating, a must-have attribute for Chopard watches in general and of course for racing drivers. This much-coveted statute is reflected by the “Chronometer” inscription appearing on the dial of the Mille Miglia GTS Power Control.
Dedicated to Italy’s most famous and closely followed classic car race, the Mille Miglia GTS watches are designed as wristworn auxiliary navigation instruments. The bezel features a graduated black aluminium insert accentuating the sporting nature of the Chopard Mille Mille GTS Power Control.
Its black dial is a tribute to the aesthetic of vintage car dashboards. The power-reserve indicator evokes a petrol gauge typical of the 1950s. The date aperture appears in the Mille Miglia red-arrow race logo, a nod to the numbers on the doors and bonnets of the competing cars.
The lively, dynamic nature of the race as a whole is symbolised by the distinctive presence of red on the dial, particularly on the minutes track and the seconds hand of the Mille Miglia GTS Power Control. The rubber strap also recalls the racing world and draws inspiration from the Dunlop tyres of classic 1960s cars.
The Mille Miglia GTS Power Control introduces a font characteristic of the new Chopard Mille Miglia GTS collection. The dial features oversized 6 and 12 o’clock numerals painted in Superluminova and reminiscent of the dashboards of classic cars that forever preserve the spirit of the “competizione” dear to the hearts of classic racing enthusiasts.
Technical details
Model: Chopard Mille Miglia GTS Power Control
Ref. 168566-3001 – Stainless steel
Case
Steel
Total diameter: 43.00 mm
Thickness: 11.43 mm
Water-resistant to 100 metres
Glare-proofed sapphire crystal
Steel crown
Exhibition back with screws bearing the inscriptions ‘Mille Miglia’ and ‘Brescia > Roma > Brescia’
Movement
Mechanical self-winding movement, Chopard 01.08-C
Total diameter: 28.60 mm
Number of jewels: 40
Power reserve approx. 60 hours
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Chronometer-certified (COSC)
Dial and hands
Matt velvet-finish black dial with white and red transfers
Superluminova-painted rhodiumed numerals and appliques
Power-reserve indicator with black and red transfers
Rhodiumed facetted hours and minutes hands
Red central seconds hand
Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds
Date window at 3 o’clock
Power-reserve indicator at 9 o’clock
Strap and clasp
Rubber strap inspired by 1960s Dunlop racing tyres
Steel folding clasp
