Chopard Mille Miglia 1988 Competitor Watch

The historic Mille Milglia 1000KM endurance race from Brescia to Rome has captured the hearts and imagination of motorsport enthusiasts since its inception in 1927. Echoing the bygone era of motorsports' golden age, modern runnings of the Mille Miglia captivate enthusiasts and draw competitors from around the world, flogging vintage machines on grueling road stages through densely populated towns and the  scenic Italian countryside.

This legendary event is a symbol of endurance, elegance and precision. Among the many luxury brands that have embraced the spirit of the Mille Miglia and step up for sponsorship, Chopard stands out as a special partner, becoming synonymous and almost indistinguishable from the event itself since becoming its official timekeeper in 1988.

Since that year, It has been tradition to present each competitor with a commemorative timepiece, just like the one we have here. This particular example is from the very first year of Chopard's involvement, and was gifted to Geoffrey Vogel, pilot of entry #184 - a spectacular Ferrari 250 MM Vignale Spyder (rebodied at the time as a GT LWB Berlinetta) - to mark the occasion. This model, a Chopard Reference 8141, features a 35mm stainless steel case with a polished bezel displaying an engraved Mille Miglia logo at 12 o’clock and Arabic numerals at the quadrant positions. The case offers a screw-down crown and steel pusher at 4 o’clock to operate the central seconds chronograph hand.  Its gloss white dial houses a peripheral tachymeter scale, applied indices, and a 30-minute totalizer at 6 o’clock, along with a date at 3 o’clock.

The caseback is engraved with the car's racing number cementing its connection with this historic event. Fitted to its original signed leather strap with pin buckle, this watch is accompanied by its presentation box and period photographs of the car and in action during the race!

This example comes from the collection of its original owner, and is a wonderful piece of history that ties motorsports and perhaps its greatest horological sponsor, making it the perfect addition to any automobilia or timepiece collection alike.

Established in 1860 in Solvilier, Switzerland, Chopard has been making watches and jewelry for over 160 years, with clients that include Tsar Nicholas II of Russia. Known for its “Happy Diamond” watch in which diamonds appear to float on the dial, the brand boasts its own movement manufacture in Fleurier and a headquarters in Geneva.

If you’re interested in cars, you probably know Chopard for its longtime sponsorship of the famed Mille Miglia race, with which it has been associated since 1988. It’s also the official timekeeper of the Historic Grand Prix of Monaco, a title it has held since 2002.

Today, Chopard’s Alpine Eagle — based upon the St. Moritz watch from the 1980s — sits alongside the likes of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus in the “luxury sports watch” category, proving that the maison is more than just a purveyor of fine jewelry, but also a first-class watchmaker.

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Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.