Of course Chopard’s big watch unveil for 2012 is the Chopard Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Chronograph 2012, but I also really love the Chopard Mille Miglia line.  The Chopard Mille Miglia, refreshed annually and with a few different variations, is one of the iconic racing-style watches, right down to the tire-tread racing which is inspired by a 1960s Dunlop tire motif.  For this 2012 GMT, there are the oversized chronograph subdials and the “1000 Miglia” logo on the crown/caseback/dial; but in place of a tachy scale on the bezel is a 24-hour ring for the GMT function.  On the back is the logo and a ring of perlage (the small, circular shaped pattern); perlage is typically a decoration reserved for the movement of a watch, but it actually looks pretty good on the caseback in this instance.  Powering the Mille Miglia 2012 is a modified Swiss ETA Valjoux 7750 automatic movement — the movement has been upgraded with a GMT hand for a second time zone, and COSC certified.  Lots of photos, check ‘em below.

Chopard Mille Miglia Compare: 2011 Chopard Mille Miglia GT XL Chrono and  2010 Chopard Mille Miglia GT XL Chrono

Chopard Mille Miglia GMT Chrono Watch 

2012 pieces in steel ($6,610) and 250 in rose gold ($20,880)

42mm steel or rose gold case (15mm thick), automatic mechanical movement (modified ETA 7750, GMT, COSC)

Mille Miglia VIDEO

Did You Know?

The Mille Miglia (literally “1000 miles”) covers a 1,000-mile (1,600 km) stretch from Brescia to Rome and back.  Formerly a speed trial (1927-57), it is now the worldwide rendezvous for connoisseurs of collector’s cars.