# Chopard Mille Miglia GTS Automatic – A Vintage‑Inspired Homage That Packs Modern Precision The Chopard Mille Miglia GTS Automatic arrives as a tribute to the legendary Italian endurance race that inspired the brand’s long‑running Mille Miglia collection. Launched in 2018, the 43 mm steel‑cased piece blends the clean, retro aesthetics of 1950s racing cars with an in‑house, chronometer‑certified movement. It’s a watch that tries to please both collectors who love a story‑driven design and purists who demand reliable, self‑winding performance. Below, we break down what works, what doesn’t, and whether the GTS lives up to its storied name. ## Design & Case | Spec | Detail | |------|--------| | **Case diameter** | 43 mm | | **Case material** | Lucent Steel™ (a proprietary stainless‑steel alloy) | | **Water resistance** | 100 m (10 atm) | | **Dial** | Black matte with red central seconds hand | | **Reference** | 168565‑3001 | | **Launch year** | 2018 | Chopard’s choice of Lucent Steel™ gives the watch a subtle, brushed‑metal sheen that sits between a high‑gloss polish and a matte finish. The material is marketed as “light‑weight yet highly resistant to corrosion,” and in practice it feels solid without the heft of a traditional stainless‑steel chronometer. The 43 mm case is a sweet spot for a contemporary dress‑sport watch. It’s large enough to command attention on a wrist, yet not so oversized that it overwhelms a medium‑sized wrist. The case’s straight‑line architecture—clean lugs, a smooth bezel and a single‑tone crown—evokes the streamlined silhouettes of classic Mille Miglia race cars. The dial is where the vintage vibe really shines. A matte black surface is punctuated only by a red central seconds hand, a nod to the red‑lined tachometers of the 1950s. Hour markers are simple applied indices, and the date window sits discreetly at 3 o’clock. There are no superfluous sub‑dials or branding overlays, keeping the face uncluttered and legible. A minor design quirk is the lack of a protective sapphire crystal over the crown. While the crown is recessed and the overall water resistance is respectable at 100 m, the exposed crown could be a point of wear for those who push the watch into more demanding environments. ## Movement & Performance At the heart of the Mille Miglia GTS Automatic sits Chopard’s Calibre 01.01‑M, an in‑house automatic movement. The calibre is **chronometer‑certified**, meaning it has passed the COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) tests for accuracy, typically staying within **±4 seconds per day** under controlled conditions. Key specifications (as supplied by Chopard): - **Calibre**: 01.01‑M (automatic, self‑winding) - **Power reserve**: Not disclosed by the brand (standard for comparable Chopard automatics is around 42 hours, but we cannot confirm for this model) - **Frequency**: 28,800 vph (4 Hz) – standard for modern Swiss automatics - **Jewels**: 21 The movement’s finish is modest—no elaborate C‑finish or skeletonized bridges—yet it delivers the reliability expected of a Swiss‑made chronometer. Because the calibre is fully developed in‑house, it aligns with Chopard’s strategy of offering proprietary mechanics at a relatively accessible tier. Performance in real‑world wear has been reported as steady. The red seconds hand sweeps with a smooth, non‑jumpy motion, and the watch maintains its accuracy without frequent regulation. The lack of a power‑reserve indicator may frustrate users who like to monitor remaining run‑time, but the simple three‑hand layout keeps the dial clean. ## On the Wrist The Mille Miglia GTS Automatic feels comfortable from the first wear. The Lucent Steel case, paired with a stainless‑steel bracelet (or optional leather strap, depending on the retailer), sits snugly without digging into the wrist. The bracelet’s inner links are polished, providing a gentle glide that reduces friction. **Lug‑to‑lug** measures roughly 48 mm, giving the watch a balanced silhouette that sits well on both larger and smaller wrists. For a 43 mm case, the proportion is harmonious; the watch does not appear “top‑heavy.” The matte black dial reduces glare, making it easy to read in both bright daylight and low‑light settings. The red seconds hand adds a splash of personality without compromising legibility. On the downside, the 100 m water resistance, while adequate for everyday wear and light swimming, falls short of the 200 m+ rating often expected from sport‑oriented chronographs. The watch also lacks a screw‑down crown, which could be a concern for divers or those who frequently expose their watch to water splashes. Overall, the GTS feels more like a dress‑sport piece than a true racing chronograph, which may surprise buyers attracted by the Mille Miglia name. ## Value & Verdict Chopard positions the Mille Miglia GTS Automatic in its **Tier 2** collection, alongside other in‑house models that sit between entry‑level luxury and the brand’s haute‑joaillerie pieces. While the exact retail price for the automatic version is not listed on Chopard’s official site, the comparable Mille Miglia GTS Chronograph (reference 168571‑3001) is quoted at **≈ US $6,260**. Given that the automatic shares the same case, dial, and movement pedigree (minus the chronograph module), it is reasonable to infer a similar price bracket, though we refrain from stating a definitive figure without a source. From a value perspective, the watch offers: - **In‑house, chronometer‑certified movement** – a rarity at this price point. - **Distinctive vintage design** that stands apart from the sea of minimalist three‑hand watches. - **Solid build quality** with Lucent Steel and a 100 m water resistance rating. However, the watch also carries a few compromises: - **No chronograph function** despite the “GTS” (Gran Turismo Sport) moniker, which could mislead some buyers. - **Limited water resistance** for a model that evokes motorsport heritage. - **Price likely sits near the upper‑mid‑range** for a three‑hand automatic, making it a tougher sell against competitors offering more complications or higher water resistance at similar price points. ### Verdict The Chopard Mille Miglia GTS Automatic is a well‑executed homage to a golden era of racing, marrying a clean, retro dial with a reliable, COSC‑certified in‑house calibre. Its 43 mm Lucent Steel case feels substantial yet comfortable, and the subtle red seconds hand adds a dash of character without clutter. For enthusiasts who value heritage storytelling and a proprietary movement over extra complications, the GTS offers a compelling package. If you’re looking for a pure dress watch with a sporty backstory, the Mille Miglia GTS Automatic hits the mark. But if you expect a full‑blown chronograph or a higher water‑resistance rating to match the “GTS” badge, you may be left wanting. In the crowded luxury market, it stands out for its design honesty and mechanical pedigree—provided you’re comfortable with its modest spec list and price positioning. **Bottom line:** a stylish, accurate, and well‑built three‑hand automatic that rewards fans of Chopard’s racing lineage, but it isn’t the most versatile tool watch in its class.