To mark the 29th edition of the California Mille car race, as their official timekeeper, Chopard is out with the Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph California Mille Limited Edition Watch. In the two years running, for this year Chopard has crafted a timepiece that is inspired by the beauty of classic cars, capturing the essence of its elegant curves and its vintage styling.
The California Mille is a 1000-mile race that takes its participants through the backroads and towns of northern California. This is a four-day, open-road event that modeled on Italy’s Mille races held from 1927 to 1957. Of course, it pays tribute to those races, and marks new challenges for the current generation of racers.
The Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph California Mille Edition Watch is essentially a polished stainless steel finished watch. It boasts of a 42mm case that is encapsulated with sapphire crystal. This self-winding Chronograph has dominant pushers and a large onion-shaped crown. Somehow the overall aesthetics tie in and the watch looks very robust and appealing.
Limited to only 29 watches, this collection has some significant detailing of the grand scenery that surrounds the California Mille. For example, the color scheme and the elements of the state flag are evident. The strap that teams with the watch is crafted in brown calfskin leather and hosts red stitching, however, it also hosts an interior rubber lining, which represents the Dunlop tire tread finish.
The silver dial of the watch is inspired by vintage car bodies and I think the contrast of red stripe across the dial and green tachymeter on the outermost track of the dial, looks very nice. It breaks the monotony, and it even enhances the ‘USA 1000 Miglia’ logo at the center of the dial. The only thing I think they could have removed or placed elsewhere, is the date window.
Under the hood is a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement, which is a COSC-certified Chronometer that provides 42-hour power reserve. The watch is water resistant up to 50 meters. When you turn the watch, you see the “California Republic” flag across the sapphire caseback. You can pick this watch for $6500 from Chopard.