Swiss Watches
The Swiss watch maker has presented a new pair of Mille Miglia-inspired watches: the Chopard Gran Turismo XL Alfa Romeo and the Chopard GT XL Chrono Alfa Romeo models. Both watches feature the wining black-and-red color scheme, as well as the signature “Dunlop tire-tread” rubber straps that mimic the famous CR65 pattern of the tires that were used by Ferrari and almost all British racing teams back in the 1950s and 1960s.
This new Chopard Gran Turismo XL Alfa Romeo collection of watches is not the first in a long history of partnership between the Swiss watchmaking brand and the Italian car manufacturer known for its sports heritage. I can’t say that I keep a watchful eye on their affair, but at least five years ago they introduced another limited edition model: the 2005 Chopard Mille Miglia GMT Alfa Romeo 6С 1750 GS Automatic Chronograph that, too, looked extremely cool with its bold bezel and overall “F.U.” aura about it.
Just like the 6С 1750 GS, both models from the new collection are limited to only 500 examples and are quite pricey as well. However, trying to sweeten the deal, Chopard offers a couple of goodies with each timepiece: a jet-black PVD-treated travel quartz alarm clock that comes packed in a neat black leather “jacket” with contrasting red stitching and a cool-looking quartz table clock in stainless steel.
The wrist watch itself will be available in two versions: the Chopard Gran Turismo XL Alfa Romeo sporting a standard three-hand dial layout and the Chopard GT XL Chrono Alfa Romeo featuring a normal tri-compax chronograph with a 30-minute counter at 12 o’clock, a 12-hour totalizer at 6 o’clock and a small seconds display at 9 o’clock.
As usual, the central chronograph second hand can be used together with a tachymeter scale placed on the watch’s bezel.
Both watches sport a small date window at 3 o’clock and a special magnifying lens built into the glare-proofed sapphire crystal.
It is also worth mentioning that the chronograph comes in two versions: in polished stainless steel and in s/s body covered with scratch-proof DLC coating.
Chopard doesn’t say a word as to the movements that power both watches saying only that they both are made in Switzerland, but, considering the fact that the watches are sold as COSC-certified chronometers, both movements must be of the highest grade available for a mass produced device.
Frankly, I can’t say anything about their appearance besides the trivial statement that both watches offer adequate legibility as well as superior quality of finish. The reason is simple: neither the XL, nor the XL Chrono strike a single chord in my soul.
See also: Chopard Classic Racing Chronograph limited edition
Photos: Chopard
Chopard GT XL Chrono Alfa Romeo Chronograph watch specification:
Price range: $7940 (Chrongraph) / $6100 (Automatic three-hander)
Movement: automatic, COSC-certified chronometer, Swiss Made
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date / Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph, date
Power reserve: 46 hours
Case material: Stainless steel or PVD-treated stainless steel
Bezel material: Stainless steel or PVD-treated stainless steel
Bezel shape: Round
Case size: 44.00 mm
Case height: No data
Dial: Black and red
Numerals: Arabic (minutes)
Hands: Steel, luminous
Hour markers: Applied, luminous
Water resistance: 100 meters
Strap: Dunlop-inspired black rubber strap
Crystal: Sapphire
Case back: Sapphire