After the pleasant chaos and hullabaloo that is the Baselworld 2016 trade show, where we were treated to numerous watch 'novelties', I would like to reflect upon an understated watch from Chopard – Mille Miglia GTS Automatic Speed Black – which deserves more attention.

Whilst most of the media frenzy reported the L.U.C introductions of a steel-cased, extra-flat watch (L.U.C 1860 XPS) and a new automatic perpetual calendar movement also encased in steel (L.U.C Perpetual Twin), fewer column-inches were devoted to the Chopard Mille Miglia range.  I would like to redress this because there are many Chopard Mille Miglia owners amongst us.

Bottom Line
As 'Joe Cool' a.k.a. Snoopy used to say, "When in doubt, look Suave"
The CHOPARD Mille Miglia GTS Automatic Speed Black watch is just plain COOL
Now that I have got my conclusions out of the way, please read my review.....

First impressions.
When you first glimpse the Chopard Mille Miglia GTS Automatic Speed Black, there is an overwhelming desire for "more". You either do a 'double take' and want to inspect it closer or just simply get tactile !  Whether you are a tyro or seasoned watch collector, you cannot help but be drawn to its sporty 'cool' or is that its 'cool' sportiness?

Black is the new Black.
The most obvious feature is the sheer 'blackness' of the whole timepiece, made gloriously light, by the blood red accents utilised both front and back. Your eye is drawn betwixt the oversized numerals (6 or 12) and the red bezel gasket at the front elevation. In truth, the colour is called 'Rossa Corsa' as a nod towards the vintage car Mille Miglia race that Chopard has sponsored since 1988.

There are actually 5 shades or textures of Black viewed from the front. Upon closer inspection, one can discern the subtle differences between the blackness of DLC (diamond-like carbon) coating on the steel case, black aluminium bezel with shiny black numerals, velvet-finish matte black dial and 'Dunlop tyre' patterned black rubber straps.

That is why you just have to stroke the case, lugs and bezel - just because.

The most obvious red accents are the bezel gaskets on the front and back of the watch. They delineate the areas covered by sapphire glass on the front and back of the watch. Perhaps the red is a boundary line of inaccessibility, where my errant fingers cannot touch the dial or mechanical movement; my dignified curiousity now in tatters! The red 1000 Miglia arrow signpost and seconds hand complete the trio of red accents on the front.

This new watch joins the Mille Miglia GTS collection launched in 2015, They are all powered by the in-house engine known as Cal. 01.01-M. The movement is distinguished by the distinctive grill cut-outs on the bridges and mainplates as well as the openworked rotor.

Attention to Detail

When you are not distracted by the attention to detail like the eight PVD-treated black screws that secure the caseback engraved with the inscription “Mille Miglia GTS Speed Black”, the tinted crystal surrounded by a bright red gasket exudes a sultry air of mystery. At certain angles, the recalcitrant tint obscures the view of the movement rather like an experienced burlesque artiste wielding one of her seven veils. It takes some eyestrain and handling to coax the little minx into revealing her inner pulchritude.

Its short, streamlined lugs – designed to mould against the curves of the wrist to perfection – ensure optimal comfort. Even for smaller wrists, it affords some succour. More attention to detail is demonstrated by the integrated black rubber strap inspired by 1960s Dunlop racing tyres and fastened by a black DLC-coated stainless steel folding clasp. The date disc background is matte black and of course, the winding crown is DLC treated to match the case.

Chopard Mille Miglia Speed Black Forebears
In contrast to the sublime elegance of the L.U.C collection, Chopard also plays the Sporty Chic of the Classic Racing division with Mille Miglia, Grand Prix de Monaco Historique and Superfast collections.

In the mists of Time, the first Chopard Mille Miglia GMT Chrono Speed Black ref. 168992-3023 was introduced in the early years of this millennium. It was a 1000-piece limited edition with black PVD coating on steel.

In 2007, the the Speed Chopard Mille Miglia GMT Chronograph Speed Black 2 ref. 168992-3004 was launched as a 1000-piece limited edition with black DLC (diamond like carbon) coating on steel.

There was even a rose gold bezel version of Miglia Miglia GMT Chrono Speed Black 2.

In 2008, the Chopard Mille Miglia GT XL Chrono Speed Black 3 ref. 168459-3008 appeared as a 1000-piece limited edition with black DLC (diamond like carbon) coating on steel.

In 2009, a Chopard Mille Miglia GT XL Chrono Split Second Speed Black ref. 168513-3002 was offered as a 1000-piece limited edition with black DLC (diamond like carbon) coating on steel.

High-precision watch ‘engine’
The impressive lines of the Mille Miglia GTS Automatic Speed black house an ‘engine’ boasting equally remarkable precision and performance. Chopard Calibre 01.01-M, entirely conceived, developed and assembled in the Chopard workshops, is chronometer-certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). Endowed with a generous 60-hour power reserve, this mechanical self-winding movement powers the hours, minutes, seconds and date functions.

Mille Miglia GTS Automatic Speed black
Technical details

Case:
Scratch-resistant DLC-coated blackened steel case
Total diameter  43.00 mm
Thickness  11.43 mm
Water-resistant to 100 metres
DLC-coated blackened steel crown  7.00 mm
Bezel with aluminium insert with shiny black numerals
Glareproof sapphire crystal
Exhibition back with Mille Miglia GTS Speed black inscription, red gasket and tinted crystal
PVD-coated case-back screws

Movement:
Self-winding movement Chopard 01.01-M
Total diameter  28.80 mm
Thickness  4.95 mm
Number of jewels  31
Frequency  28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve approximately 60 hours
Chronometer-certified (COSC)

Dial and hands:
Velvet-finish matt black dial with white transfers and red gasket
Facetted hands, black metallised numerals and appliques painted with Superluminova
Red sweep-seconds hand

Functions:
Hours, minutes and seconds
Aperture-type date display at 3 o’clock

Strap and clasp:
Rubber strap inspired by 1960s Dunlop racing tyres
Beadblasted DLC-coated blackened stainless steel folding clasp

Ref. 168565-3002 – in DLC-coated stainless steel with a rubber strap
1,000-piece limited edition

Regards,

MTF
This message has been edited by MTF on 2016-04-26 14:21:02