Automotive
AnthonyTsai announces Chopard's continued sponsorship of the 2012 Mille Miglia Race, a partnership that has shaped one of the brand's most iconic collections. This post delves into the history of Chopard's involvement with the legendary race, detailing how Karl-Friedrich Scheufele's vision led to the creation of the annual Mille Miglia chronograph. It provides essential context for understanding the brand's deep connection to classic racing and the enduring appeal of these automotive-inspired timepieces.
CHOPARD TO SPONSOR
THE 2012 MILLE MIGLIA RACE
From May 16th to May 19th,
the Swiss based watch and jewelry house will sponsor the Mille Miglia Race
and unveil two new Mille Miglia GMT Chrono
timepieces
How It All Began
In 1988, Chopard began it's sponsorship of the famous Mille Miglia race and launched the Chopard Mille Miglia Chronograph that same year. As a family company, founded in 1860, Chopard has always regarded this partnership as much more than a passive commitment, and they have participated every year in the 1000-mile race from Brescia to Rome and back.
It was Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard and a fan of classic racing cars, who came up with the idea of developing a Mille Miglia chronograph. The watch design was to be sporty, and the movement had to ensure precise timekeeping during a race. In 1988, the idea took shape and the cornerstone was laid for one of the most successful and iconic Chopard collections ever. Scores of enthusiasts and collectors now wait impatiently for the annual presentation of the latest Mille Miglia chronograph.
A Trend-Setting Watch Collection
Again and again, the new models delight and surprise enthusiasts with their innovative design, new materials and additional technical functions. In 1998, for example, as a special tribute to the Golden Age of automotive sport, the chronograph appeared for the first time with its characteristic natural rubber strap bearing the unmistakable 1960s Dunlop racing tire tread. With the presentation of the Mille Miglia 2006 Gran Turismo XL, equipped with the largest self-winding caliber (44 mm diameter) to date, the company demonstrated its ability to anticipate the forthcoming "extra-large" trend.
The Mille Miglia Collection by Chopard has also significantly increased general awareness of the race which, after a 30-year hiatus, was brought back to life as the "Mille Miglia Storica". It is now THE classic and vintage car event in the world, largely due to the irresistible charm of Italy and its people.
Mille Miglia GMT Chrono 2012
Unfailing Readability and
Functionality
More than ever an instrument clearly cut out for competition, the new Mille Miglia GMT Chrono 2012 ensures exceptional readability thanks to its oversized counters. Its mechanical self-winding movement also provides an extremely practical dual time function. This sporty and sophisticated watch is issued in two limited editions of 2,012 in steel, and 250 in rose gold.
Consistently reinvented perfection: that is exactly what Chopard is determined to offer in annually unveiling new limited editions of its Mille Miglia collection. All at once sporty and elegant, the new Mille Miglia GMT Chronograph is now enriching the Chopard Classic Racing line that encompasses all watches paying tribute to the automobile world. An instrument that will more than ever prove an indispensable companion for all devotees of fine mechanisms.
Released to celebrate the 2012 Mille Miglia race, the Mille Miglia GMT Chronograph provides peerless readability. The chronograph counters at 12 and 6 o'clock, inspired by the dashboard instruments of classic racing cars, are oversized to ensure an extremely quick read that is further enhanced by the white hour-markers against the black dial. The central sweeping seconds hand is tipped with the collection's signature red arrow.
The mechanical self-winding movement, chronometer-certified by the COSC and equipped with a stop seconds function to ensure highly accurate time-setting, also drives a useful and user-friendly dual time-zone display. A second hour hand, tipped with a white arrow, points to the 24-hour GMT indication around the black bezel forming an authentic visual extension of the dial.
This 42.4 mm-diameter timepiece features a satin-brushed crown guard, as well as the iconic natural rubber Dunlop Racing strap bearing the famous 1960s racing tire-tread motif. The technical, sporty case of this new Mille Miglia GMT Chronograph bears the emblematic "1000 Miglia" arrow as well as a nameplate designed to carry the limited-edition inscriptions.
Press Release
The L.U.C 1860 reference is a notable offering within the L.U.C collection, distinguished by its focus on classical watchmaking principles and refined aesthetics. This particular model, introduced at Watches and Wonders 2023, represents a continuation of Chopard's commitment to high horology, emphasizing traditional craftsmanship and a discreet presentation. It is recognized for its balanced proportions and the integration of a finely finished movement, reflecting the brand's in-house manufacturing capabilities.
This reference features a case crafted from Lucent Steel, a proprietary alloy, measuring 36.5 mm in diameter. The watch is powered by the L.U.C 96.01-L automatic movement, which is visible through a sapphire crystal case back. This movement is equipped with a micro-rotor and offers a power reserve of approximately 65 hours. The dial is presented in a salmon color, complemented by a sapphire crystal on the front.
Appealing to collectors who value understated design and mechanical integrity, the L.U.C 1860 fits into the brand's lineup as a dress watch with significant horological merit. Its limited production and specific material choices contribute to its appeal among enthusiasts seeking a watch that combines traditional watchmaking with contemporary material science. The model is a testament to Chopard's ongoing development in its L.U.C range.
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