Chopard has combined its creativity with that of the Bamford Watch Department to deliver a very special edition of its Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph. A must-have in watch wardrobes belonging to gentlemen drivers, the 33 numbered Mille Miglia Bamford Edition proudly displays a sporty and very contemporary look thanks to a 42-millimetre case in bead-blasted Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) stainless steel, an elegant bracelet ensuring optimal comfort, a dark grey dial and highly legible orange markings. Powered by a Chronometer-certified precision chronograph movement, this watch creation reflects the passion uniting Chopard with the world's most beautiful motor race.
Thanks to the collaboration between Chopard Co-President Karl-Friedrich Scheufele and Bamford Watch Department founder George Bamford, the 33 numbered Mille Miglia Bamford Edition are characterised by attention to every detail and offer vivid proof of a commitment to craftsmanship and quality expressed through an elegant sports watch.
Resulting from a dialogue between these two gentlemen, the Mille Miglia Bamford Edition features an elegant combination of black, dark grey and flame orange. The 42 millimetre-diameter case is made of bead-blasted DLC stainless steel. In addition to its dark grey colour often found on vintage cars, this contemporary and innovative material has the advantage of being scratchproof: a key asset for a sports watch subjected to the trials of racing. On its side, a crown engraved with a steering wheel and two piston-shaped pushers also recall the collection's inspiration. Short lugs ensure a perfect fit on the wrist, as does the cordura-effect black rubber strap punctuated by orange stitching and lined with orange calf leather.
On the dial, the contrast between the matt dark grey surface and the orange touches accenting the seconds hand and chronograph counters enhance legibility. Similarly, the tachymeter scale is offset by an orange gradation on the black inner bezel ring, while the date window between 4 and 5 o’clock is clearly visible.
The Mille Miglia Bamford Edition chronograph is equipped with a high-precision watchmaking ‘engine’, chronometer-certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). Beating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and visible through a sapphire case-back engraved with the iconic 1000 Miglia arrow, this mechanical chronograph movement with automatic winding and an approximately 42-hour power reserve drives displays of the hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph and date functions. These features make the Mille Miglia timepieces the ideal instrument for the speed and distance calculations required during car rallies.
A great fan of classic car racing, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele has always been convinced that lovers of fine automobiles and precious timepieces in fact share a passion for optimal elegance and performance.
Designed to time races, the watches he has created each year since 1988 as part of the partnership between Chopard and the 1000 Miglia feature a certified high-precision mechanism and sporty design paying tribute to the golden age of motor racing.
By customising the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph, the Bamford Watch Department has given its own unique touch to one of gentlemen drivers’ most coveted creations.
"It is an honour to be working with the Chopard family to create this Chopard Mille Miglia x Bamford Watch Department limited edition. I have always loved the Mille Miglia watch for it’s wonderful connection with one of the most amazing car rally's in the world, the most memorable rally I have experienced in my life.
Chopard has been the official timekeeper for the event since 1988 and I love how the art of timing is at the heart of the race. The timing elements of this watch are iconic and it has been amazing to work on this Chronograph which is such a great measure of time and speed.
When designing this watch with Chopard, I wanted to reminisce on the racing connection but also give it a different aspect. The colour combination of dark grey and one of our signature colours, flame orange, is almost a juxtaposition to the traditional red and white colours of the Mille Miglia.
The orange accents ensures the dial is popping and eye catching, clear to read the time and speed. It has a beautiful chic feeling to it and I just love its connection with the automotive world, it is a great watch for any vintage or modern car enthusiast."
- George Bamford, Founder, Bamford Watch Department.
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