PEAKLIFE

The spirit of Mille Miglia, Italy’s famous rally race infuses deep in the new versions with blue accents.

Ever since 1988, Chopard has been the main sponsor of the iconic Mille Miglia rally race. Chopard has now unveiled its latest limited editions the Mille Miglia GTS Azzuro to 500-time pieces and Chrono to 750-time pieces.

Both the Mille Miglia GTS Azzurro Power Control and Chrono time-pieces are opulent in design being inspired by the automotive world. Each steel case features sides that are grooved in the style of an engine’s piston, while the smoothly-sloping strap lugs are reminiscent of the curvature of hand-crafted coachwork.

The oversized winding crown, recalls the chunky cap of a race-style fuel filler, while the chronograph’s push-pieces are deeply engraved in the manner of the anti-slip pattern often applied to the control pedals of competition cars.

Even the straps take their cue from the motoring world, combining the classic, perforated leather favoured by gentleman drivers of the 1950s and ’60s with a rubber lining that replicates the tread pattern of a Dunlop racing tyre.

The Mille Miglia GTS Azzurro is offered in a 44m steel case with blue tachymeter bezel and mushroom-type pushers featuring a satin-brush finish. The caseback is engraved with a chequered flag pattern topped by a Mille Miglia arrow.

On the other hand, the GTS Azzurro comes in a two-tone variant of a steel case and pink gold details on the crown, bezel and hour makers. The 43mm diameter timepiece is made in blue aluminum to facilitate time recording. On the backside, case-back allows a clear view of the in-house 01.08-C self-winding movement, whose precision is certified by the COSC.

Mille Miglia GTS Azzurro Power Control limited to 500 pieces in stainless steel and 18-carat rose gold, with a power reserve indicator based on an automotive fuel gauge, and the Mille Miglia GTS Azzurro Chrono in stainless steel is a 750-piece limited edition featuring a sub-dial layout inspired by a classic car instrument cluster.