Chopard has returned to one of motorsport’s most recognisable references with the launch of the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Raticosa, a new limited-edition piece that continues its long-standing link with the famous Italian endurance race.
The watch draws its identity from the Raticosa Pass, a standout section of the original Mille Miglia route and one of the few stretches still drivable today in a form that closely reflects its 1950s layout.
Enzo Ferrari once described it as a defining test of driving skill, and that sense of demanding precision is central to the story behind this release. Rather than treating it as a decorative theme, Chopard leans into the road’s reputation as a genuine challenge for drivers, tying the watch directly to that heritage.
The model is released in two limited series of 500 pieces, offered with either a black or off-white dial. It is priced at RM 34,680.00 and is positioned clearly towards collectors and enthusiasts rather than general production buyers, with scarcity playing a key role in its appeal.
The stainless steel case measures 12.67 mm thick and is designed to strike a balance between presence and wearability. A screw-down crown adds durability, while water resistance up to 50 metres makes it suitable for everyday use. At the back, a sapphire crystal caseback exposes the movement, keeping the mechanical character visible rather than concealed.
The off-white dial version keeps things deliberately restrained. A circular satin-brushed finish sits behind Arabic numerals coated in beige Super-LumiNova, prioritising legibility over ornamentation. The overall design feels closer to functional dashboard instruments than traditional dress watch styling, reflecting its motorsport inspiration.
Inside, the self-winding mechanical chronograph is COSC-certified as a chronometer, confirming its precision standards. It operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and offers a 54-hour power reserve. The movement supports chronograph timing with 30-minute and 12-hour counters, a central seconds hand, small seconds, a date display and a stop-second function for accurate setting.
The caseback view highlights traditional mechanical detailing, including a flat balance spring, a three-spoke balance wheel and 37 jewels. It reinforces Chopard’s continued focus on classical Swiss watchmaking, even within a design rooted in automotive history.
Completing the piece is a brown perforated calfskin leather strap with a stainless steel pin buckle, echoing vintage driving gear while remaining versatile for daily wear.
With its limited production run and clear link to one of the Mille Miglia’s most challenging road sections, the Raticosa edition sits firmly in the space between heritage-inspired design and modern chronograph engineering.
