Chopard has unveiled a new UK-exclusive version of its Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph, finished in British Racing Green and limited to 100 numbered examples. The model continues the brand’s long-running association with the Mille Miglia historic rally, which it has sponsored since 1988; Magneto magazine was invited to the watch’s launch at Fiskens in London.
The watch is housed in a 40.5mm case made from Lucent Steel, Chopard’s own alloy. The case features a combination of polished and satin-brushed surfaces, with knurled chronograph pushers and a notched crown designed to improve grip. Water resistance is rated at 50 metres, and the watch is fitted with a sapphire ‘glass box’ crystal, a detail intended to enhance legibility while referencing the profile of earlier acrylic designs.
The dial is finished in a British Racing Green tone, produced using galvanic treatment and a circular satin finish. White printed elements include a railway-style minute track and tachymeter scale, while applied hour markers and rhodium-plated hands are coated with Grade X1 Super-LumiNova. A central chronograph seconds hand features a red tip, referencing the Mille Miglia arrow motif. Subdials for the chronograph are arranged with a 30-minute counter at nine o’clock, a 12-hour counter at six, and small seconds at three, with a date aperture positioned between four and five.
Power comes from a self-winding chronograph movement operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), with a power reserve of approximately 54 hours. The movement is certified by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC). It is visible through a sapphire caseback, which is decorated with crossed flags: one chequered and one featuring the Union Jack.
The watch is paired with a green rubber strap incorporating a tread pattern inspired by 1960s Dunlop racing tyres, secured with a Lucent Steel pin buckle. Chopard was among the earlier manufacturers to introduce rubber straps on chronographs within this segment, and the design remains a signature of the Mille Miglia line.
The use of British Racing Green references the system of national racing colours established in early 20th-century motor sport, notably during the Gordon Bennett Cup races. Great Britain adopted green – initially associated with the 1903 event held in Ireland – as its identifying colour, a convention that has persisted across decades of competition.
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