Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph JX7

For watch enthusiasts and racing aficionados alike, few names hold the same weight as Chopard and the Mille Miglia. The Swiss watchmaker Chopard, founded in 1860, has cultivated a reputation for sophisticated timepieces that bridge the gap between luxury and functionality. Their Mille Miglia collection, specifically, is a testament to this rich heritage, boasting a unique synergy between the worlds of haute horology and the exhilarating spirit of classic car racing. The recently released Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph JX7 exemplifies this philosophy perfectly.

The Mille Miglia, Italian for "One Thousand Miles," is a grueling open-road endurance race held in Italy. Dating back to 1927, the Mille Miglia has captured the imagination of motorsport enthusiasts for nearly a century. Chopard's partnership with the Mille Miglia began in 1988, and since then, the Swiss watchmaker has become the official timekeeper of the historic race. This collaboration has fueled a series of Mille Miglia-inspired timepieces, each a tribute to the passion and dedication required to compete in this legendary race.



One of the hallmarks of the Chopard Mille Miglia collection is its subtle nod to the design elements of vintage automobiles. These watches incorporate subtle design cues that would be instantly recognizable to any car enthusiast, from the knurled crowns reminiscent of steering wheel grips to tachymeter scales that were once essential tools for drivers calculating their speed. The Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph JX7 is no exception. While a full technical breakdown of the watch will be covered in part two of this article, a closer look unveils several design features that pay homage to the rich heritage of the Mille Miglia.

The watch itself is 40.5 mm crafted from Lucent Steel™, a special alloy developed by Chopard. This innovative material is not only incredibly strong and durable but is also lighter than conventional stainless steel, making for a timepiece that is comfortable to wear for extended periods. The midnight blue lacquered dial, a color inspired by the Deep Blue hues often seen on classic racing cars, features prominent Arabic numerals coated with Super-LumiNova for exceptional legibility in all lighting conditions. The inclusion of a tachymeter scale around the dial's flange further strengthens the connection to the world of motorsports.



Beyond these aesthetic flourishes, the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph JX7 boasts an impressive pedigree. The watch is equipped with a COSC-certified chronometer movement, a designation that guarantees exceptional precision and timekeeping performance. The watch's automatic winding mechanism ensures that the watch will continue to run as long as it is worn on the wrist, eliminating the need for manual winding. Furthermore, the watch is water-resistant to 50 meters, making it suitable for everyday wear.

One of the most captivating features of the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph JX7 is its limited-edition status. Chopard has produced only 250 of these timepieces, making them a true collector's item. The inscription "Limited Edition 250" engraved on the case back serves as a constant reminder of the watch's exclusivity.

At the core of the Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph JX7 lies a COSC-certified chronometer movement. COSC, the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres, is an independent Swiss non-profit that subjects movements to a very rigorous battery of tests. A COSC-certified movement must meet strict accuracy requirements across various temperatures and positions, ensuring exceptional timekeeping performance.



Powering the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph JX7 is a reliable, self-winding mechanical movement capable of beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz). This automatic movement offers a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. This means the watch will continue running accurately for up to two days without being worn, providing added convenience for wearers.

The Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph JX7 is, above all, a chronograph wristwatch. This genre of timepiece is characterized by its ability to measure short intervals of time with extreme precision. The chronograph function is activated by two pushers located on either side of the crown.

The central chronograph seconds hand allows for accurate timing down to the second. The subdial at 9 o'clock displays a running count of elapsed minutes up to 30, while the subdial at 3 o'clock keeps track of elapsed hours up to 12. This feature is essential for timing various aspects of a race and offers exceptional precision for a multitude of daily tasks as well.

In addition to the chronograph function, the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph JX7 includes a date display located at 6 o'clock for added practicality. The date is positioned subtly below a circular satin-brushed section of the dial, adding a touch of visual interest without compromising legibility.



Every aspect of the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph JX7 reflects Chopard's dedication to impeccable craftsmanship. The watch's midnight blue dial is lacquered, achieving a deep and lustrous finish that catches the light beautifully. The Arabic numerals, as well as the tips of the hour and minute hands, are coated in Super-LumiNova, ensuring optimal readability even in low-light conditions.

The caseback features a transparent sapphire crystal, inviting you to admire the intricately decorated mechanical movement. From bridges adorned with perlage, a circular graining technique often used in horology, to the carefully polished screws, the movement is a testament to the meticulous attention to detail that is a hallmark of Chopard watchmaking.

The Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph JX7 embodies yet another unique aspect of the Mille Miglia and Chopard partnership—the relationship between Chopard co-president Karl-Friedrich and legendary racing driver Jacky Ickx. The watch bears the initials JX7 as a tribute to the famous driver. This JX7 represents the seventh collaborative design between Jacky Ickx and Chopard, a partnership built on a shared dedication to precision and excellence.

Jacky Ickx, with six victories to his name at Le Mans, is considered one of the greatest racecar drivers of all time. His iconic helmet, adorned with a stylized owl design, served as the primary inspiration for the midnight blue dial color and the distinctive typeface used for the numerals. Collectors familiar with Jacky Ickx's legacy will immediately recognize the significance of this design choice.



The Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph JX7 is more than just a beautifully crafted timekeeping instrument. It's a symbol of a rich heritage in precision, dedication, and above all, a shared passion for the thrilling world of classic car racing. The Mille Miglia Collection continues to be a testament to this ongoing partnership, making it a must-have for any watch collector with an appreciation for motorsports, fine mechanics, and enduring legacies.

The Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph JX7, with its limited production run, COSC-certified movement, and captivating design details, offers a rare and compelling opportunity to own a piece of history. From the classic blue lacquered dial to the intricately decorated movement, this timepiece encapsulates the essence of Chopard's legacy, its partnership with the Mille Miglia, and its relationship with the legendary Jacky Ickx.