Swiss Watches
Marking the 150th Anniversary of the brand, the Swiss watchmaking company has revealed a new Chopard Mille Miglia Speed Black Power Control limited edition version of their Mille Miglia GT XL Power Reserve COSC-certified chronometer watch. The new piece is powered by a high-grade self-winding chronometer movement, which is packed inside an ominous-looking oversized stainless steel case covered with a layer of scratch-resistant DLC coating. Too bad that it will only go on sale in Singapore, one of the world’s most expensive cities.
Let me start this brief review on a personal note: this is the first Mille Miglia Gran Turismo XL Power Reserve version that I actually like. While the normal editions of the timepiece look somehow cheap, this DLC-coated beast with its black and intense yellow color scheme of the dial looks a lot more expensive, more mature, if you will.
To achieve this effect, Chopard has also amputated the large Arabic numeral “12” and the small “1000 Miglia” tag from the 3 o’clock making the dial not only more laconic and stylish, but also easier to read: something that you expect from a racecar-inspired timepiece.
Although the problem is partially mitigated with a traditional “fisheye” magnifying lens, the date window seems to be rather small. In fact, numerals on this indicator are smaller than numerals on the chapter ring, especially when it comes to double-digit numbers, which makes reading them a tad different at times.
The trademark Dunlop tire-thread-inspired rubber strap is still here, but, thankfully, the Chopard Mille Miglia Speed Black Power Control comes with a free and easy to install black calf leather strap, embellished with contrast orange stitching.
In its press release Chopard curtly says that the watch is powered by an automatic movement without going into further details. However, I can assume that the movement in question is a COSC-certified ETA A07.161 base caliber that features Etachron regulator and is superior to devices installed in the Glycine Incursore Power Reserve DLC military-style watch and the Longines Master Collection Power Reserve model that feature the same caliber but sans modfications.
Being 36.60 mm in diameter and about 7.90 mm in height, the movement demands a generously proportioned body and Chopard is actually happy to provide the caliber with twice the living space it actually needs. The watch is supplied in stainless steel case 44 mm in diameter and 14.2 mm in height. One must admit, however, that the watch looks quite nice on a normal wrist.
Alas, the model’s total production run is limited to mere 150 pieces and all the party is destined to go on sale to the Hour Glass network of boutiques located in Singapore. Well, there is still chance that some of these beauties will surface on eBay.
See also: Chopard GT XL Alfa Romeo collection
Photos: Chopard
Chopard Mille Miglia Speed Black Power Control watch specification:
Price range: TBD, around $10,000
Movement: Caliber ETA A07.161, automatic, COSC-certified chronometer, 36.60 mm in diameter, 7.90 mm in height, Swiss Made
Jewels: 25
Frequency: 28,800 vph
Functions: Power reserve, date
Power reserve: 46 hours
Case material: Stainless steel in black DLC coating
Bezel material: Stainless steel in black DLC coating
Bezel shape: Round
Case size: 44.00 mm
Case height: 14.20 mm
Dial: Black
Numerals: Arabic (on the minute ring)
Hands: Steel, black, yellow Superluminova
Hour markers: Luminous, applied
Water resistance: 100 meters
Strap: Black rubber with steel deployment buckle
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective
Case back: Sapphire