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.
