This Vintage-Inspired Chronograph Watch Is Steeped In Auto Racing History

Italy’s Mille Miglia is an auto race that possesses an unmatched combination of rich history and scenic beauty. This makes Chopard’s job as Official Timekeeper, a role held since 1988, incredibly easy because there is a seemingly endless font of inspiration to draw from.

For example, last year’s official Race Edition chronograph was dedicated to Sir Stirling Moss’s still-standing record finish from 1955. For 2026, Chopard is celebrating a critical stretch of the course that has remained virtually untouched since the race began in 1927.

Chopard

The Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Raticosa is named after the Raticosa Pass in Italy’s Tuscan-Emilian Apennines National Park. The twisting, turning mountain road is heralded by racers for its challenge and visual beauty.

Aside from an engraving on the caseback, which we’ll get to later, this dedication is in name alone. Chopard’s Classic Chronograph remains the official race model, and the 2026 edition is one of the most attractive renditions yet.

While the dial’s blueprint is unchanged, the color scheme is drawn directly from the Mille Miglia’s golden age in the 1950s. It is a tonal khaki and eggshell white motif with black detailing. The only dash of color is the race’s logo near the center.

Chopard

Of course, the dial is far more intricate than stamped chronograph dials from the 1950s. The segmented subdials, featuring a small seconds at 3:00, a 12-hour totalizer at 6:00 and a 30-minute totalizer at 9:00, have smooth lacquered chapter rings and snailed centers.

The stencil-style hour markers are printed in beige Super-LumiNova, matching the inserts in the rhodium-plated hour and minute hands. A printed black tachymeter encircles the dial, and a color-matched date window is tucked away at 4:30.

Nice pass!

As mentioned above, the only visual acknowledgment of the chronograph’s titular landmark is a finely detailed engraving on the caseback. It depicts a historical scene of an early twentieth-century sports car approaching the scenic mountain pass.

Chopard

Interestingly, the case, crown and piston-style pushers are made of Chopard’s proprietary Lucent Steel alloy, which possesses a brilliant luster, but the caseback is made of titanium.

Beneath the caseback, secured by eight small screws, ticks a COSC-certified ETA Caliber A322-11 automatic movement. It beats at 4Hz and provides a 54-hour power reserve.

Strapped in

The Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Raticosa comes on a brown perforated calfskin racing strap with a matching Lucent Steel pin buckle and khaki side stitching. It is familiar from previous models with burgundy and pistachio dials, but has found its perfect match in the new tonal eggshell Raticosa dial.

Chopard

One of the Mille Miglia’s principal rules is that participating cars must be produced in or before 1957. Accordingly, Chopard’s last two race edition chronographs, the 2026 and 2025, make far more sense than their modern-looking predecessors.

This year’s model, in particular, is the best fit for the esteemed Italian auto race.

Availability and pricing

Chopard’s Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Raticosa is available now from Chopard for $11,700. Unlike the 2025 edition, which was limited to just 70 pieces, the Raticosa joins the regular production line.

Chopard

Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Raticosa

Specs

Case Size	40mm
Movement	ETA Caliber A322-11 automatic
Water Resistance	50m

• $11,700 at Chopard

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