A functional and readable chronograph
Who ever says chronograph says pilot, says theoretically a sports watch, readable and functional.
In that capacity, Chopard puts up a faultless performance and delivers a simple and efficient chronograph.
This Mille Miglia GMT Chrono has indeed been conceived in that state of mind:
- black dial with very readable luminescent markers
- large silvery hands, also luminescent and readable
- a black GMT hand in order not to disturb the readability of the other information, with just a mere luminescent small triangle at the end of it
- internal magnifying glass for the date – really practical for the forty-year-old that is affected by farsightedness
- an efficient single-face crystal with anti-reflective coating.
The finishing
Two “eccentricities” give a bit of spice to this watch while giving it a proper identity.
First of all, the number's font of the chronograph and of the sub-dials remind of the gradation of car's speedometers.
Then, two red strokes emphasize the whole: the arrow at the end of the seconds' hand of the chronograph and the logo “1000 Miglia”, all in red.
The finishing of the casing are well manufactured but simply polished.
An alternation of polished/brushed surfaces would have brought an additional charm to this chronograph.
Interesting detail: the sapphire glass seems really close to the dial and gives the impression that the watch is quite thin and even light.
A heavy but comfortable watch
Yet, when wearing it, even if this Mille Miglia GMT Chrono remains comfortable, it is quite imposing and heavy.
First, because of its thick steel casing with its straight case middle that enhances the massive side of the watch – which is nevertheless not shocking for a sports watch.
And on the other hand, because of the caliber that equips it.
Indeed, far from the in house L.U.C calibers, Chopard uses here an ETA 7754 (basis 7750 with a GMT function).
And if the caliber is famous for its reliability, it is very much less known for its “slenderness”!
The movement
The movement is here in its high ETA finishing: circular-grained plate, a rotor axis bridge and oscillating weight with “Côtes de Genève”.
The whole certified chronometer by the C.O.S.C.
But no technical changes have been undertaken: the display of the sub-dials remain at 6-9-12, less elegant than 3-6-9 – but nevertheless a judicious choice in order to balance the whole: the date under magnifying glass at 3 o'clock.
Without surprise, the chronograph's commands are firm.
But, at least, we know that it is a real chronograph that can be used everyday.
As for the GMT indication, it is well designed: both discreet and readable.
A watch delivered with 2 straps
The watch is delivered with two straps that are car-race connoted: one made of rubber with “tire” look sculptures (named Dunlop) and one made of leather, the “rally” kind, with big aeration holes, endowed with an interesting folding strap that has a pin buckle looks: well done!
Conclusion
To put it in an a nutshell, Chopard delivers, with this Mille Miglia GMT Chrono, a sports chronograph that, albeit neither original nor endowed with an exceptional movement, is efficient, well designed and sold at a “relatively” affordable price – the reference to the prestigious car race did not lead to any wild excess.
Pros:
- a functional and readable chronograph
- a movement famous for its sturdiness and its reliability
- a multitask watch
Cons:
- an imposing watch
- a movement that lacks a little of nobleness
Further information:
- the watch tested was loaned to us by Tempoinverso.com
- journalist's wrist = 17,5 cm
