CALL 4 OPINION - Chopard ref 16/8201
Dear all
I came across a very hidden Chopard reference of the early Mille Miglia days from around 1994, if I'm not mistaken.
Pic credit: ebay
Some facts:
/ca 37mm SS casing
/Automatic ETA movement
/Small second and date complication
/Famously shaped hands in blue
Sorry for my nervous wristshot
What are your thoughts on this?
What do PuristS remeber about this model?
Does anyone happen to know the original sales price back in the 90s?
Thanks in advance and best regards
Kolosstt
Cannot help you with the details...
If you do pull the trigger, we want to see more of it
It is difficult indeed, but the more we post here, the easier it will get, don't you think?
However, I always remember its charm and exclusivity. How many times we see such off-centered small seconds and who lend these hands to Chopard?
Thanks for your reply KMII and I wonder what others think of it.
BR,
kolosstt
Absolutely agree with you :)
A bit like a joint archaeological project As for not being on the list, I know exactly what you mean. But as they say, while waiting for Ms. Right, there is no harm in having fun with Ms. Wrongs, too
you are on a slippery slope my friend...
Acrtually I think of the watch on a blue strap complementing the blue hands...
On the other side, it is very tempting to catch some Chopard rarity like that... left-right-back-forth ... not sure which way I will slide off from this slippery slope ... :/
Maybe Chopard Mille Miglia non-Race model from 1993/4
Please read my previous article; CLICK the following link:
CHOPARD Mille Miglia Race Watches 1997 - 2014 Retrospective
From 1997, all Mille Miglia watches had mechanical self-winding movements and Chopard started selling Annual Race Editions in limited numbered series. Prior to that, only competitors had access to Mille Miglia Race watches.
From the reference number and design cues, the reference 16/8201 watch looks like a regular model from the Mille Miglia collection. It is not the Mille Miglia 1993 nor 1994 Race Edition watch. In fact, the reference number makes 1993 launch and 1994 purchase year more likely.
It is unusual in that the fashion at that time was for the susidiary seconds counter to be at 6 o'clock position. Instead, the ref 16/8201 has seconds display at 9 o'clock.
Chopard Mille Miglia Race Watches or Souvenirs 1988 - 1995
Increasing ref numbers for increasing year numbers
Dear MTF,
it makes pretty much sense, how you explain that model ref is from year '93ish.
Just for curiosity, I'll explore if this is still applicable today.
It can surely be stated that 16/8201, 16/8182 and 16/8211 have the same casing. Did you ever handle one of these yourself? I especially remember the special lug shape.
Apparently, the said ref 16/8201 was ahead of time already housing the automatic ETA movement 2842, if I remember the watchmaker's words correctly.
Based on the accompanying papers that I saw, they do underline that it is most likely a regular MM model as I also studied your valuable race watch overview extensively.
Would still love the find an old catalogue from that time.
Thanks a lot and best regards,
kolosstt
Modern Chopard model reference numbering is a mystery
kolosstt,
Modern Chopard model reference numbering is a State secret
I cannot work it out. Maybe because they have now reached the stage when certain significant anniversaries and dates have been reserved. 1860 Foundation year, 1937 Relocation to Geneva, 1963 Family Owner changeover, 1976 Happy Diamonds, 1996 Chopard Manufacture established, 2006 L.U.Ceum established....
Until Chopard got fully computerised inventory stock control, they were still using huge catalogues that contained everything they ever made since 1963. In theory, Chopard may cease production of the model but never stop supporting it, so the employees used to complain that their catalogues kept getting bigger.
It is spooky that PuristS also used the venerable and C.O.S.C. capable ETA 2842 movement in our community watch - St Gallen All-Black RESCUE PuristSPro Edition.
Still a few left...
St Gallen All-Black RESCUE PuristSPro Edition Black strap
St Gallen All-Black RESCUE PuristSPro Edition Red strap
Galuchat strap
Mk II Orange strap
Regards,
MTF
It's one of those early Chopards where
Some may conisider that a good reason to be a desired collectible
Mostel,
Like the early 1960s VW Beetle with small taillight is more desirable than the big taillight later model
or
DC comics from the "Golden Age" are more sought after than the "Silver Age", for the avid Chopard collector, a watch from the 1990s before the start of the Chopard Manufacture building in Fleurier may be attractive. Especially if in good condition.
Chopard was moving from quartz to mechanical movements again; It fills in the back story....
Porsche 550 Spyder
Chopard Mille Miglia c.1993
Renault EF (1914)
Regards,
MTF
Desirability by rarity
Good point MTF,
one of the major attractions with these watches would be how seldom they are. It seems natural that product DNA is changing, which even applies to design icons like a the Porsche 911. Change can be in both ways, the better or the worse, and always depends on opinion.
As far it concerns Mostel's point, I also see that the ref 16/8201 has maybe elements that are connecting to the Mille Miglia event.
While I am not really sure how many of would consider purchase of such a piece in today's time, if they aren't Chopard aficionados. Am I an aficionado?
Best regards,
kolosstt
Thank you