Racing Heritage Reimagined: The Subtly-Charming Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Raticosa
The race might have finished, but the watch remains. The Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Raticosa also looks good when you’re not behind the wheel of a Mercedes‑Benz 300 SL Gullwing storming the 968 meters-high Raticosa pass in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. This Lucent steel chronograph with its eggshell dial is an all-year, all-rounder that looks classy with a sporty retro twist in almost any setting. Even behind the wheel of your EV, that’s how classy it is.
Last June, a large crowd of classic car enthusiasts could be found roadside, to spot some of the most exotic classic cars driving on some of Italy’s most beautiful roads. More than 400 historic automobiles covered a 1,000‑mile loop between Brescia and Rome, following a figure‑eight route inspired by the original races held between 1927 and 1938. It was, as always, an unforgettable blend of high-octane excitement, mechanical heritage, and spectacular scenery. The Mille Miglia really is one of the most celebrated fixtures in the international motoring calendar. And the Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Raticosa has a solid place in the event’s longstanding history.
The Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Raticosa
One of the keys to the ongoing success of the Mille Miglia watch collection is its longevity. The 2026 edition of the classic car rally, along with the watches that debuted ahead of it, marked Chopard’s 39th consecutive year as World Sponsor and Official Timekeeper. We’re talking about one of the longest‑standing partnerships between a watchmaker and a motorsport event. And that counts and pays off. There is a symbiosis between the watch brand and the car race, rooted in their long-standing partnership and a sincere, shared passion. It is shown in the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Raticosa. The watch is named after the Raticosa pass, and this latest Mille Miglia watch celebrates a place where mechanical endurance, human skill, and landscape come together in spectacular style.
Lucent steel shines brightly
The Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Raticosa features a 40.5mm-diameter, 48.17mm-long, and 12.88mm-thick case made from Lucent steel. It’s Chopard’s proprietary stainless steel alloy that contains a high percentage of recycled material and is known for its brightness and durability. The classically shaped round case combines polished and brushed surfaces and features a glass-box sapphire crystal. It is complemented by a brown perforated calfskin strap. It’s inspired by vintage driving gloves and racing equipment, and it closes with a matching Lucent Steel pin buckle.
Additional details include a steering wheel image engraved on the crown, traditional piston-style chronograph pushers, and welded lugs. Turning the watch over reveals a closed titanium case back engraved with a scene depicting a historic race car at the Raticosa Pass, surrounded by spectators. It is one of the prettiest case backs I’ve seen in a long time, and it takes this Mille Miglia to a higher level, but more on that “level” a bit later.
Just like yesteryear
The dial is a bit like a time machine. The color is a matte eggshell tone, and it oozes the 1950s. The softness is almost tangible, although you have to be careful because it’s also very delicate. I’m usually not a fan of fauxtina, but the beige Super-LumiNova-coated hour markers fit the dial tone just perfectly. The presence of black-printed scales and a classic tri-compax layout are the finishing touches of a dial that is both quite straightforward and subtly charming. Other noteworthy details include the central chronograph seconds hand with a red tip and the famous Mille Miglia red arrow logo.
Apart from central hours and minutes, you will find a small seconds display at 3 o’clock, a 30-minute counter at 9 o’clock, and a 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock. The date aperture between 4 and 5 o’clock is probably not to everybody’s liking, but it doesn’t bother me too much in this colorway. It’s the price you pay for having an ETA A322-11-based movement “on board.” And that needs to be addressed.
Is this the right “engine” for a Mille Miglia chronograph?
The Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Raticosa is powered by an automatic ETA A322-11 modular base movement. What’s nice about it is that it’s a robust, proven design that can be fixed in an emergency by almost any watchmaker. Chopard also got the movement a COSC chronometer certificate, which is a nice touch. The 4Hz, 37-jewel movement delivers a 54-hour power reserve and features hacking seconds and a date. But you know that already. Would the watch look better without a date? Possibly, but it would then have to be outfitted with a different movement. But that couldn’t be the in-house caliber 03.05-C Chopard uses inside its 44mm Alpine Eagle XL Chrono. First, it has a date function; second, it won’t fit. It only fits inside the Mille Miglia XL models.
It would also drive up the price of the Mille Miglia. Since an in-house movement naturally sits above an ETA-based one in the pecking order. And the new Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Raticosa has a price tag of €11,100. Some might question that sum for a steel chronograph outfitted with this kind of movement. Sure, it’s an upgrade over the ETA 2894-2 that powered older Mille Miglia Classic models, but it is not as special as Chopard’s in-house offerings.
In its natural habitat
Back to the more romantic side of mechanical luxury watches. Do you know where the Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Raticosa looks and feels best? In its natural habitat, with its owner taking it easy. And this watch’s most natural surround is, of course, at the top of the Passo della Raticosa. A place where, after driving up, you will find a nice and cozy chalet. It’s a spot where you can relax, have a drink and a bite, and enjoy the view after the climb. You should go try it out for yourself!
Want to know more about the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Raticosa? In that case, please visit Chopard’s website.
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