The race may end, but the watch remains.
The Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Raticosa chronograph looks stunning not only behind the wheel of a Mercedes‑Benz 300 SL Gullwing racing across the Raticosa Pass at 968 meters in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. This chronograph in Lucent steel with an eggshell-colored dial is a versatile accessory for all seasons and occasions, combining classic style with a retro-sporty accent. Even while driving an electric car, this watch maintains its elegant status.
Historical Context and Role of Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Raticosa in Motorsport
Last June, thousands of classic car enthusiasts gathered along the roads to witness some of the rarest vintage cars traveling across Italy's picturesque routes. More than 400 historic cars covered a 1000-mile route between Brescia and Rome, tracing a figure-eight pattern inspired by the original 1927-1938 races. It was an unforgettable combination of adrenaline, engineering heritage, and magnificent landscapes. Mille Miglia is one of the most significant events in international motorsport, and the Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Raticosa chronograph holds a firm place in the history of this rally.
Continuity and Significance of the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Raticosa
One of the reasons for the success of the Mille Miglia collection is its longevity. The 2026 rally, along with the watches released for this event, marked the 39th consecutive year Chopard has served as the official sponsor and timekeeper. This is one of the longest partnerships between a watch brand and a racing event. Such symbiosis is based on a shared passion and mutual respect, embodied in the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Raticosa model. Named after the Raticosa Pass, the watch highlights the fusion of technical endurance, human craftsmanship, and landscape beauty.
Lucent Steel Case: Innovation and Design
The chronograph features a 40.5 mm diameter, 48.17 mm length, and 12.88 mm thickness case made from Lucent steel - Chopard's proprietary alloy with a high recycled material content, known for its brightness and durability. The classic round case combines polished and matte surfaces and is equipped with a sapphire crystal with a "box" effect. The case is complemented by a brown perforated calfskin strap inspired by vintage racing gloves and equipment, with a clasp made of the same Lucent steel.
Additional details include an engraving of a steering wheel on the crown, traditional piston chronograph pushers, and welded lugs. The reverse side features a titanium case back engraved with a historic racing car on the Raticosa Pass, surrounded by spectators. This is one of the most impressive case backs seen in modern watches, giving the model a special status.
1950s Style Dial: Retro Aesthetics and Functionality
The dial resembles a time machine: the matte eggshell color literally transports you to the 1950s. Its softness is almost palpable, but it requires careful handling due to its delicacy. Beige hour markers with Super-LumiNova coating perfectly harmonize with the dial tone, while black scales and a classic tri-compax layout add strictness and sophistication to the design. Features include a central chronograph second hand with a red tip and the legendary red Mille Miglia arrow logo.
Functionally, the watch displays hours and minutes centrally, small seconds at the "3 o'clock" position, a 30-minute counter at "9 o'clock," and a 12-hour counter at "6 o'clock." The date window is located between "4" and "5 o'clock" - a solution not to everyone's taste, but in this color scheme, it does not disrupt the harmony. This is a compromise related to the use of the ETA A322-11 based movement.
The chronograph is equipped with an automatic ETA A322-11 caliber - a modular chronograph movement certified by COSC as a chronometer. This is a proven and reliable movement with a frequency of 4 Hz, 37 jewels, and a power reserve of up to 54 hours. Functions include stop seconds and date indication. Such a movement is easily serviced by most watchmakers if necessary.
While some might prefer a dateless watch, this would require using a different movement, such as the proprietary 03.05-C caliber used in the Alpine Eagle XL Chrono model. However, this movement does not fit the size and functionality of the Mille Miglia Classic Raticosa and would significantly increase the watch's cost. The model is priced at 11,100 euros - a sum that might raise questions among some collectors, given the use of a steel case and an ETA-based movement. Nonetheless, it is an improvement over previous Mille Miglia Classic models with the ETA 2894-2 movement.
Natural Environment and Application of the Watch
The Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Raticosa reveals itself in its natural environment - in a peaceful setting away from races, for example, atop the Passo della Raticosa. Here, after the climb, you can stop at a cozy chalet, relax, enjoy a drink, and take in the view. It is in such conditions that the watch demonstrates its true essence and style.
Main Features of the Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Raticosa
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Raticosa |
| Dial | Matte eggshell color, beige hour markers Super-LumiNova, black scales, rhodium hands with Super-LumiNova, red chronograph hand, Mille Miglia logo |
| Case Material | Lucent A223 stainless steel |
| Case Dimensions | Diameter 40.5 mm × length 48.17 mm (lug-to-lug) × thickness 12.88 mm |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal with "box" effect, anti-reflective coating |
| Case Back | Steel with sapphire window |
| Movement | ETA A322-11, automatic, chronometer, 28,800 vph, 54-hour power reserve, 37 jewels |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM (50 meters) |
| Strap | Brown perforated calfskin with white stitching, Lucent steel clasp |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph (12 hours, 30 minutes, central seconds), date, tachymeter |