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The Mille Miglia – A Fascination with Time

The month of June saw motoring enthusiasts flock to Brescia, Italy, for one of the industry’s most iconic events. Translating to "thousand miles", the Mille Miglia is an open road roundtrip to Rome and back, bypassing summery stretches of Adriatic coastline and bustling streets of metropolitan cities. Each year, Chopard honours this iconic racing event with a reinvention of its timepiece, this year unveiling the Chopard Mille Miglia GTS Race Edition 2022.

Mille Miglia Course

First held in 1927, the race saw classic cars and intrepid racers participate, with lucrative bragging rights and prizes to be won. However, just three decades later, the race was terminated to protect the safety of its drivers. Re-emerging in 1977, the Mille Miglia has celebrated 40 races since its comeback, maintaining the nostalgia of past eras by only allowing models made between the original race period of 1927-1957 to participate. The high maintenance of the precious vintage vehicles has meant the Mille Miglia, as we know it today, is more of a vintage motoring showcase than the once daredevilish competition. Nevertheless, thousands of spectators adore the legacy of such an established institution, travelling hundreds of miles and lining the streets for a glimpse of the cars they cherish.

“In 2019, I attended the race as a guest of Chopard. The atmosphere was electric –  truly an assault on the senses! The noise of the cars, the sophistication of its clientele and luxury of the whole day made for a truly unforgettable experience” – Mark Wan, Client Relationship Manager.

Chopard 2022 Mille Miglia watch

The 2022 race marks 95 years of the Mille Miglia, the biggest event in the country’s sports calendar. With wondrous feats of construction and a celebration of the Italian art of living, the race is much more than a competition, expressing the long-standing culture and appreciation of craft. Chopard’s Mille Miglia timepiece reflects this, with its contemporary design and precision movements radiating a devotion to excellence. The historical collaboration with the Mille Miglia is fuelled by passion, with its precious watch collection pioneered by the co-president’s love for vintage cars.

Releasing limited edition models with each race, the Chopard Mille Miglia is the ultimate sports watch series. The edition is inspired by classic racing designs and vintage spirit, building a bridge between automotive engineering and mechanical watchmaking by merging accuracy, comfort and sophistication. Making for the perfect driver’s auxiliary, the new timepiece features a silver-grey dial marked by a subtle circular satin-brushed finish, and the use of an intense blue for the hands, hour-markers and bezel inlay. Staying true to the principles of its very first creation, the 2022 Mille Miglia ensures absolute legibility, a chronometer-certified high-precision movement and an effective grip.

“In contrast to previous editions in the collection, this year’s watch appears in silver and blue. Combined with rose gold accents and 44mm case size, the 2022 model is a depiction of masculine elegance.” – Mark Wan, Client Relationship Manager

Laings is the exclusive home to Chopard in Edinburgh, Southampton, and Cardiff, the only place to experience the Mille Miglia watch in each city. With each of our experts immersed in the enchanting legacies of each collection, allow our team to guide you through the legendary series.

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