The Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Patina Salmon Dial Chronograph: A Vintage-Inspired Masterpiece

Drive Through Time with Chopard: Heritage Meets Innovation.

The Enduring Legacy of the Mille Miglia Race and Chopard's Dedication

The legendary Mille Miglia, originally a grueling 1,000-mile endurance race from Brescia to Rome and back, ran from 1927 to 1957. It was later re-established in 1977 as a regularity rally for classic vehicles. Chopard's profound connection to this race has inspired an extensive line of Mille Miglia timepieces, ranging from the contemporary GTS models to vintage-inspired chronographs. This particular model, a classic in its own right, honors Scheufele's racing companion, Jackie Ickx. The 2023 Chopard race-inspired chronograph saw a reduction in size from 42mm to 40.5mm, while retaining its signature retro piston-style pushers, black tachymeter scale, and tricompax layout. A notable advancement was the incorporation of Lucent Steel, an exclusive high-grade recycled stainless steel alloy that boasts 50% greater hardness and a brighter, whiter sheen compared to conventional steel.

Innovative Case Design: Aged Patina and Rugged Elegance

The latest Mille Miglia Classic features a case crafted from Lucent Steel, which undergoes a dark diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating application. This is followed by a unique tribofinishing process that uses vibrating ceramic media to abrade the surface. This technique subtly softens the edges of the steel, imparting a rugged, worn appearance that echoes the rich patina found on vintage automobiles. In keeping with other Classic models, the fluted crown, designed to resemble a petrol tank cap, is adorned with an intricate steering-wheel motif, further enhancing its automotive inspiration.

A Striking Dial: The Allure of Salmon and Vintage Details

In stark contrast to the subdued, aged patina of the case, the dial captivates with its vivid circular-brushed, salmon-colored finish. This vibrant hue is complemented by a black peripheral tachymeter scale, featuring salmon-toned graduations, and black rings that artfully frame the sub-dials, making the dial truly eye-catching. The three counters—small seconds at 3 o'clock, a 12-hour totalizer at 6 o'clock, and a 30-minute counter at 9 o'clock—each display snailed salmon-colored interiors and are marked with black numerals and hands. The large, vintage-style painted Arabic numerals and baton hour and minute hands are coated with Super-LumiNova for enhanced legibility. The date window, subtly angled at 4:30, boasts a matching salmon background. Red accents tastefully highlight the 1000 Miglia arrow on the dial and the tip of the central chronograph seconds hand, adding a dynamic touch. A glass-box sapphire crystal, extending above the dial, further amplifies its retro character by allowing more light into the case and creating a sense of depth for the dial.

Integrated Design: Strap, Movement, and Limited Edition Status

The racing theme continues with the perforated rally-style black calfskin strap, reminiscent of classic driving gloves. Complementing the case's aged patina, the steel pin buckle exhibits the same worn finish, creating a cohesive aesthetic. The smoked sapphire crystal on the caseback, thoughtfully designed to echo the patinated case, offers a tantalizing glimpse of the COSC chronometer-certified ETA A322-11 automatic chronograph movement. This robust movement operates at a beat rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and provides a substantial 54-hour power reserve. The Mille Miglia Classic Patina is a highly exclusive limited edition, with only 100 pieces available, making it a coveted item for collectors and enthusiasts. While the price is yet to be officially confirmed, it is anticipated to be around EUR 11,500.