Why Choose Chopard's Mille Miglia? Introducing its history, features, and famous models

2022.04.27

Chopard's Mille Miglia is a watch with strong ties to the automotive industry. Knowing not only the brand and model, but also the history of the race will help you develop a stronger attachment to it. We'll explore the features and appeal of the Mille Miglia, which we recommend for car enthusiasts.

Mille Miglia

©Adam Fussell


Chopard, Past and Present

If you understand the history of the Maison and its capabilities as a manufacture, you will understand why Chopard is such an excellent manufacturer. First, let's explain the history and characteristics of the brand.

The world's leading luxury brands

Chopard, one of the most renowned jewelers, is also a luxury watchmaker. The history of the Maison began in 1860 when it was founded in Switzerland by Louis-Ulysse Chopard (1836-1915).

Combining superior watchmaking and jewelry craftsmanship, the brand gained fame with numerous ladies' watches. With the launch of the "Happy Diamonds" in 1976 and its successor, the "Happy Sports," the brand established itself as a luxury brand.

Since the launch of the classic line "LUC," the brand has been highly popular among men. The luxury sports line "Alpine Eagle" and the racing line "Mille Miglia" are also representative men's collections of the maison.

Chopard's History

Originally founded as a watch manufacturer, Chopard gained popularity for its highly precise and artistically designed watches, and was known as a special brand even in Switzerland, where there were many famous competitors.

After being acquired by Karl Scheufele in 1963, the company entered the jewelry market, embarking on a new challenge as a luxury brand that combined traditional watchmaking techniques with advanced jewelry technology.

Chopard is still run by the Scheufele family, who continue to make decisions based on a long-term perspective and spare no expense in producing truly luxurious products.

Scheufele family

The Scheufele family still manages Chopard. In the center is Karl Scheufele III, who acquired Chopard and made the Scheufele family the owner family. On the right is co-president Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, and on the left is his son Karl-Fritz.

Highly specialized technology and superior quality

Chopard is a brand with top-level watchmaking technology, even in Switzerland, a country famous for its timepieces. In 1996, the brand established its own factory and developed the high-performance movement "LUC," which is the Maison's signature.

Another feature of the brand is that it manufactures all of its watches in-house, from the movements to the decorations, ensuring that all watches produced at the Manufacture are of the highest quality.

Chopard's greatest feature is its continued pursuit of unique and creative watches, combining the advanced expertise it has inherited since its founding with jewelry technology.


"Mille Miglia" is synonymous with street car racing

One of Chopard's most iconic men's watches, the Mille Miglia, is named after the legendary car race. Learn about the background of how the Mille Miglia was born.

Legendary classic car endurance race

The Mille Miglia is a traditional Italian endurance race for classic cars. Its main feature is that it is held on public roads rather than on a circuit.

The event is also known as "the most beautiful sports car festival in the world" due to the large number of historic classic cars that gather here. Only famous cars that have competed in historic races from 1927 to 57 are allowed to participate.

Mille Miglia

Founded in 1927, the Mille Miglia is an event that continues to be held regularly to this day, although it was suspended for about 20 years due to safety reasons. A sister edition is also held annually in Japan.

The history of the Mille Miglia

The Mille Miglia was founded as a race from Brescia to Rome. The name of the race, "Mille Miglia" (1000 miles), refers to the distance of the course at the time.

Initially, it also had the aspect of a speed race, but after a period of suspension and resumption, it has become a regular race with a limited number of cars that can participate.

Mille Miglia

Chopard has been the official partner and timekeeper of the Mille Miglia since 1988.


What makes the Chopard Mille Miglia unique?

What are the characteristics of the Mille Miglia watch, which was born from car racing? Let's take a look at the appeal of the Chopard Mille Miglia.

Design reminiscent of classic cars

The Mille Miglia design is based on actual classic cars, with the interior, exterior, and color of these famous cars meticulously reproduced down to the smallest detail.

Each model has its own unique character, such as a dial that recreates the dashboard of a vintage car or a rubber strap inspired by racing tires.

Mille Miglia 2021 Race Edition

The photo shows the Mille Miglia 2021 Race Edition. The case back features the Mille Miglia "Red Arrow" logo in the center, resembling a checkered flag, and the strap features a pattern inspired by Dunlop racing tires from the 1960s.

The designs of the watches are reminiscent of many famous cars, making this a must-have collection for classic car enthusiasts. Watches made in collaboration with car manufacturers around the world are also popular.

A unique lineup

One of the features of the Mille Miglia is its diverse lineup. Since its launch in 1988, it has produced a large number of unique models.

The collection is divided into two categories: "Classic" and "GTS." Classic models incorporate the aesthetic codes of famous cars from 1927 to 1940, while GTS models reflect the characteristics of classic cars that competed in races from 1941 to 1957.

Another feature of the brand is that it releases limited editions every year while completely renewing the design. The chronograph model released in 2021 includes a rare edition limited to 33 pieces worldwide.


Introducing the featured models of the Mille Miglia

We will introduce some of the most popular models from the Mille Miglia collection. By learning about the collection's features, you will be able to gain a deeper understanding of the Mille Miglia.

"Mille Miglia 2021 Race Edition"

Mille Miglia 2021 Race Edition

Chopard "Mille Miglia 2021 Race Edition"
Automatic (Cal. ETA7750). 25 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 48 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 44mm, thickness 13.79mm). Water resistant to 100m. Limited to 1000 pieces worldwide. 990,000 yen (tax included).

The Mille Miglia 2021 Race Edition is a limited edition model released in 2021. The bezel, inspired by the gauges of vintage cars, is engraved with a detailed tachymeter scale.

The calfskin strap design is reminiscent of the traditional racing gloves, and the iconic Mille Miglia "Red Arrow" logo is placed at the 3 o'clock position.

Behind the scenes, the watch is powered by a high-precision movement certified by COSC. Each watch is engraved with a unique serial number, making it a truly special piece.

"Mille Miglia Bamford Edition"

Mille Miglia Bamford Edition

Chopard "Mille Miglia Bamford Edition"
Automatic winding. 37 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 42 hours. Stainless steel + DLC (diameter 42mm, thickness 12.67mm). Water resistant to 50m. Limited to 33 pieces worldwide. 1,034,000 yen (tax included). Sold out.

Chopard and Bamford have teamed up to release the Mille Miglia Bamford Edition, a limited edition of 33 pieces. Its color palette of black, dark gray, and flame orange creates a sporty yet elegant look.

The steering wheel-inspired crown and piston-shaped pushers evoke Mille Miglia inspiration, while the short lugs and Cordura-finish strap ensure a comfortable fit.

The chronograph movement, which boasts a power reserve of approximately 42 hours, can be viewed through the case back, which is engraved with the arrow logo.

"Mille Miglia GTS Azzurro Chrono"

Mille Miglia GTS Azzurro Chrono

Chopard Mille Miglia GTS Azzurro Chrono
Automatic movement (Cal. ETA7750). 25 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 48 hours. Stainless steel case (44mm diameter). Water resistant to 100m. Limited to 750 pieces worldwide. Price: 962,500 yen (tax included).

The Mille Miglia GTS Azzurro Chrono, announced as a limited edition model of 750 pieces worldwide, features a dial inspired by a car dashboard. The case back is engraved with a limited edition serial number.

The dial, inscribed "Azzurro," which means blue in Italian, blends beautifully with the Red Arrow logo that frames the date window.

The chronograph movement, which has a power reserve of approximately 48 hours and a stop-seconds function, is a COSC-certified chronometer that beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour, and is characterized by the precision and elegance that are characteristic of the Maison.


If you're a car lover, you'll want to own the Mille Miglia at least once.

Chopard's Mille Miglia watches were born from the legendary car race, and are characterized by their designs reminiscent of classic cars and their unique lineup.

Another big attraction of the Mille Miglia is that limited edition models are released almost every year. If you are a vintage car lover, you will surely find a one-of-a-kind car from the wide range of models on offer.



Contact info: Chopard Japan Press Tel. 03-5524-8922


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