Chopard

F or Mille Miglia 2008 GT XL Chrono, there are 2 versions : 
1) limited  numbered edition of:  2008 in steel (Ref: 168459 - 3009)  &
2) 500 in rose gold (Ref: 161268 - 5003). 

For this post will only be showing the steel version.






For comparison, I enclose  the MM GT XL Chrono 2007 (a winner and sold-out)





MM GT XL Chrono 2007(LE  2,007 pcs)... for a full read about it, please click here .



 
The dial design of the 2008 version is the same as the 2007, except for a change in colour-scheme.

The base colour changed from slate-grey to white; and the transfered numerals on the sapphire from white to black.

Total diameter: 44 mm, Glare-proofed sapphire crystal with BLACK transferred numerals for the 12 and 6 o’clock.

View #1: Case-back stamped in relief with the Mille Miglia route map. 

The case-back looks simple but I think it takes multiple processes to manufacture this route map. 
Possible steps:
(1) The route, wordings,flag and the compass are etched out.
(2) The whole surface is 'sand-blasted" to get the "course-grain" effect.
(3) Stamp the rest of the details like the arrows and the rest of the map.
(4) Lightly grind/polished the protruding route, wordings,flag and the compass to have the surface gloss.

The engine behind the solid caseback is the Self-winding Valgrange A07.211.

Some additional details of the movement :

• Number of jewels: 25
• Power reserve:  approx. 48 hours
• Frequency 28,800 vph
• Total diameter 37.20 mm
• Stop seconds during time-setting (It hacks)
  
• Bridges adorned with “Côtes de Genève” motif 
• Chronometer-certified (COSC)

View #2:  Caseback displaying the Water-resistant up to 100 metres.  Serial number was masked for privacy.

A side-view demonstrating the three 'stack-up' sub-dial-rings..

 

This message has been edited by Kong on 2008-06-06 11:23:57

But given these 2 to compare, i will go w Speed Black, partly cos of DLC coating.

Hi David

Have you seen the SpeedBlack 3 yet in the boutique?

Kong

Hi Kong,

Sorry for the late reply. Was in KL this week drooling in the Chopard's boutique... Hehe..

Seems like KL doesn't have the Speed Black yet... I guess arriving at their stores soon..

David

having a big exhibition...all about MM for 5 days!

Kong

Great post, and many thanks for all the information and the side-by-side photo...now I'm REALLY confused because I think they both look great. Although I love the Speed Black, I think it's a little to extreme fashion for my tastes and the 08 Limited Edition is probably more wearable, but it's not an easy decision.

Hi Kingrizla

Seems like you have decided

Please share with us what you finally purchase.
Have a good weekend.
Kong

I currently have a reserve on the LE, but I'm going to be in Los Angeles in a couple of weeks, so I intend to go to the Chopard boutique and try them both before making my final decision. Will definitely keep you posted.

I've usually never been a fan of white dialed watches for some reason, so the Speed Black 3 would be my choice.

Cheers,
Anthony

No message body

numerals on the sapphire glass at 12 and 6, I prefer the Speed Black.

Regards, MTF

"floating white numerals".

Could you share your reason/s?

Thanks.

Kong

is located.

The main function of an instrument is readability and so the numerals 12 and ,that obscure the dial sub-counters, are redundant....and maybe even.....annoying.

It does not matter if they are white or black numerals floating on the sapphire crystal...still redundant.

Just my opinion,

MTF

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I must admit that I love this watch, and it gets plenty of wrist time, however I am a little disconcerted that they have basically copied the LE from 2007 with different color dials for 08.  In business sense I cant blame Chopard if the model is highly popular, but still it just leaves me a little uneasy.

Best,

Scott D

At least the white numerals on the sapphire is not a stark contrast ...so could just see through the dial with 'less noise' than the black numerals.  Would be nice if  the numerals could be translucent.

I share your thoughts, Scott.  I hope there would be new design for next year.

Kong

Im just being a complainer, as Chopard is a manufactuer that I really respect and admire.  Their watches, and company are first rate in the industry.  As far as this years LE, the blacked out version is really cool.  I agree with you in that the contrast on the dial of the 12 and 6 is a little much for my taste on the white dial version.  Both pieces are quite stunning however, and in terms of finish and design in their price range, they are truly hard to beat.  If I had to go with one from this year I would go with the blacked out version. 

Best,

Scott

factual complainers are good.  At least there are inputs from the field
Thanks... have you got yourself any black watch yet?

Kong

... is a Omega Seamaster 300M. 

Best,

Scott

i just prefer the slate dial on the 2007 to the white on the 2008. the black is the overall winner for me though.