Chopard’s Mille Miglia 2016 XL Race Edition throbs to the beat of a new engine: the calibre 03.05-C, a chronograph movement with COSC-certified precision.

Brought out in tribute to the 2016 Mille Miglia classic car rally, the watch is issued in two limited editions of 1,000 pieces in stainless steel and 100 pieces in 18-carat rose gold

Surrounded with a tachymetric scale, the dial revives the aesthetic of vintage dashboards and ensures maximum readability thanks to its large numerals and luminescent hands. 

The Swiss watch and jewellery house's ties with the Mille Miglia began in 1988, when it became partner and timekeeper of the famous rally in Italy and since then it has brought much sought-after Mille Miglia timepieces in limited editions to commemorate each race. 

With their sleek sophisticated designs and high-precision mechanisms, the watches embody the spirit of the legendary Italian competition featuring a blend of elegance, performance and sporting prowess. 

The Mille Miglia 2016 XL Race Edition is inspired by the design codes of the cars that took part in the historical race between 1927 and 1940. Water-resistant to 50 m, its sturdy 46-mm case makes it the largest of the Mille Miglia wrist chronographs created by Chopard. Its classic and refined lines are enhanced by two traditional pushers and a fluted crown. The black dial is enlivened by wide Arabic numerals and luminescent hands, while the bright red sweep-seconds hand stands out clearly to count off the precious seconds of the race. These legibility-enhancing attributes are essential in a timepiece dedicated to competition in any conditions.

Topped by a tachymetric scale, an indication that is useful in calculating average speed which is a decisive factor in endurance racing, the satin-brushed dial displays snailed anthracite and black counters reminiscent of car dashboards. Echoing the sweep-seconds hand, the ‘Rossa Corsa’ red arrow-shaped Mille Miglia logo appears both at 12 o’clock on the dial and around the rim of the exhibition case-back.

In a final nod to the world of classic racing, this performance-driven watch is fitted with a finely weathered strap in Suportlo calfskin, whose waterproofness and superbly supple feel recall the leather tie-down straps on the bonnet of a racing car.

The edition is equipped with a high-precision engine, certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). Entirely developed, designed and assembled in the Chopard workshops, the calibre 03.05-C is a new mechanical self-winding movement equipped with a column wheel. It powers the hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph and aperture-type date functions, while ensuring a comfortable 60 hours of operating autonomy.

Held in the month of May, the Mille Miglia sees cars compete on a 1,000-mile route winding through the magnificent scenery between Brescia and Rome and is reserved exclusively for vehicles which competed in the historical race.