classic racing classic racing

Transcription

classic racing classic racing
CLASSIC
C
L ASSIC
RACING
RACING
Catalogue No. 517 – 94104 – 0619
CLASSIC RACING:
PASSION FOR
MECHANICAL
ENGINEERING
“ People say that lovers of fine cars also
have a great weakness for fine timepieces
and vice versa. In both cases, sporting
elegance and outstanding performance
are especially important. ”
The words spoken in 1988 by Chopard Co-President Karl-Friedrich Scheufele – himself
a dedicated classic car enthusiast – upon launching the first Mille Miglia collection,
ring as true today as ever. The brand’s participation in many famous classic rallies
embodies a unique relationship between Chopard and racing. The close ties between
these two worlds have been strengthened ever since, largely due to the impressive
number of common denominators that naturally draw them together. These include
constant innovation, a tireless quest for performance and excellence, unfailing respect
for traditions, the supreme importance of details – and of course a shared passion for
mechanical engineering.
The Classic Racing collection is made up of three distinctive product ranges,
each of which pays tribute in its own unique way to the world of automobiles and
motorsports: Mille Miglia, Grand Prix de Monaco Historique and Superfast. Their
mechanical qualities are matched by those of the speed machines that inspire them:
reliability, sturdiness, and a level of precision attested by a chronometer certificate
issued by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).
We trust that reading these pages will stir a passionate interest, just as Chopard has
been passionate about excellence since 1860.
Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard
MILLE
MIGLIA
Racing in style.
The Mille Miglia line comprises the Mille Miglia Classic
models picking up the aesthetic codes of the oldest cars
having taken part in the race (1927-1940), and the Mille
Miglia GTS watches reinterpreting the design features of
the cars from the subsequent period (1941-1957). Chopard
displays its sporting spirit by presenting an annual limited
edition to mark the latest edition of the race. Year after year,
the inimitable design of Mille Miglia watches and the brand’s
ability to renew the collection without ever betraying it,
contribute to making these models authentic grand classics.
In addition to its steel case and black dial, the iconic design
of the watch is distinguished by its signature red arrow,
oversized numerals and red accents, along with its rubber
strap patterned like the tread of 1960s Dunlop racing-tyres.
“ The Mille Miglia is a ray of sunshine in
your heart. It’s an authentic moment thanks
to the Italian character and love of motorsports ”
Jacky Ickx, nicknamed “ Monsieur Le Mans’
because of his six 24H victories.
The race. Created in 1927 by two aristocrats so as to
compensate for the loss of the Italian Grand Prix by their
hometown of Brescia, the Mille Miglia took the original
option of having racing cars compete on roads rather than
tracks. Discontinued in 1957 for safety reasons, it was
relaunched 20 years later under the name Mille Miglia
Storica and became the world’s most prestigious classic
car endurance race. Reserved for models of which at least
one had taken part in the original race between 1927 and
1957, the Mille Miglia today is synonymous with exclusivity,
since only 450 handpicked teams can take part. The race
nonetheless remains a dream event that is the biggest
date on the Italian sports calendar and attracts impressive
crowds lining the sides of the roads. The Mille Miglia takes
place over four days during which competitors cover
1,000 miles (around 1,600 kilometres) in four stages –
Brescia-Rimini, Rimini-Rome, Rome-Parma, Parma-Brescia
for the 2015 edition – following an east-west (clockwise)
loop along an itinerary dotted with legendary cities (Rome
and Sienna), snowy mountain passes and coastal roads.
MILLE MIGLIA
GTS
The Mille Miglia GTS sub-line comprises three vintage-look
models: the GTS Automatic, the GTS Power Control and the
GTS Chrono. The two first come with a 43 mm case fitted
with a sapphire crystal case-back and house a Chopard inhouse mechanical movement. The GTS Chrono has a 44 mm
case and a screwed-in case-back engraved with the race logo.
The three models are interpreted in three versions – a steel case
fitted with a rubber strap or metal bracelet, and an 18-carat
gold case teamed with a rubber strap – making a total of nine
references in all.
Mille Miglia
Mille Miglia GTS
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The Automatic and Power
Control models are powered
by Chopard movements.
Mille Miglia GTS Automatic
Ref. 168565-3001
Material Stainless steel
Ø 43.00 mm
Movement Chopard 01.01-C
Self-winding
Certification Chronometer
certificate (COSC)
Power reserve 60 hours
Frequency 28,800 vibrations
per hour (4 Hz)
Mille Miglia GTS
Mille Miglia GTS Automatic
Ref. 158565-3001
Material Stainless steel
Ø 43.00 mm
Movement Chopard 01.01-C
Self-winding
Certification Chronometer
certificate (COSC)
Power reserve 60 hours
Frequency 28,800 vibrations
per hour (4 Hz)
Mille Miglia GTS Automatic
Ref. 161295-5001
Material 18-carat rose gold
Ø 43.00 mm
Movement Chopard 01.01-C
Self-winding
Certification Chronometer
certificate (COSC)
Power reserve 60 hours
Frequency 28,800 vibrations
per hour (4 Hz)
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Mille Miglia GTS
Mille Miglia GTS Power Control
Ref. 168566-3001
Material Stainless steel
Ø 43.00 mm
Movement Chopard 01.08-C
Self-winding
Certification Chronometer
certificate (COSC)
Power reserve 60 hours
Frequency 28,800 vibrations
per hour (4 Hz)
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15
Mille Miglia GTS
Mille Miglia GTS Power Control
Ref. 158566-3001
Material Stainless steel
Ø 43.00 mm
Movement Chopard 01.08-C
Self-winding
Certification Chronometer
certificate (COSC)
Power reserve 60 hours
Frequency 28,800 vibrations
per hour (4 Hz)
Mille Miglia GTS Power Control
Ref. 161296-5001
Material 18-carat rose gold
Ø 43.00 mm
Movement Chopard 01.08-C
Self-winding
Certification Chronometer
certificate (COSC)
Power reserve 60 hours
Frequency 28,800 vibrations
per hour (4 Hz)
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19
Inimitable DNA and a redesigned look. The dial font is now
broader, more masculine and more readable, in keeping
with the purest Italian vintage style. The Mille Miglia arrow
incorporates the date window in the style of racing-car
numbers. The large-diameter screw-lock crown is inspired by
the petrol tank caps on vintage cars. The side of the bezel is
a discreet reminder of cylinder heat gaskets and the flat glass
reduces glinting so as to enhance legibility. The lugs feature
a new shape flattened on top to ensure optimal comfort on a
slim wrist. Aesthetes will appreciate the shimmering effects
of light created by the traditional satin-brushed and polished
case finishes. On the GTS Chrono model, the design of the
counters is directly inspired by the dashboards of historical
cars. In the same spirit, the piston-shaped pushers feature a
non-slip grip reminiscent of brake pedals and the hour-markers
are coated in green Superluminova which accentuates their
vintage charm.
Mille Miglia GTS
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All the steel Classic Racing
Racin
watch cases are machined
from a premium stainless steel
Mille Miglia GTS Chrono
Ref. 168571-3001
Material Stainless steel
Ø 44.00 mm
Movement Self-winding
Certification Chronometer
certificate (COSC)
Power reserve 48 hours
Frequency 28,800 vibrations
per hour (4 Hz)
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Mille Miglia GTS
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Mille Miglia
Mille Miglia GTS Chrono
Ref. 158571-3001
Material Stainless steel
Ø 44.00 mm
Movement Self-winding
Certification Chronometer
certificate (COSC)
Power reserve 48 hours
Frequency 28,800 vibrations
per hour (4 Hz)
Mille Miglia GTS Chrono
Ref. 161293-5001
Material 18-carat rose gold
Ø 44.00 mm
Movement Self-winding
Certification Chronometer
certificate (COSC)
Power reserve 48 hours
Frequency 28,800 vibrations
per hour (4 Hz)
MILLE MIGLIA
2015 Race Edition
Each year, Chopard creates a limited edition of its legendary
watch, presented on the occasion of the race. The Mille Miglia
2015 Race Edition sports a red dial in tribute to the historical
Racing Colors, and particularly the “ Rosso Corsa ” of Italy.
By way of reminder, the term comes from the Gordon Bennett
Cup auto races at the turn of the 20th century, which assigned
various colours to the national teams taking part in order
to differentiate between them. Alongside its limited-edition
numbers – 1,000 in steel and 100 in 18-carat gold – and its red
dial, the Mille Miglia 2015 Race Edition has the same chassis
and the same technical characteristics as the Mille Miglia
GTS Power Control, as well as the same Chopard 01.08-C selfwinding movement beating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations
per hour, a stop-seconds function, a 60-hour power reserve and
chronometer certification.
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Mille Miglia Race Edition
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Mille Miglia 2015 Race Edition
Ref. 161296-5002
Material 18-carat rose gold
Ø 43.00 mm
Movement Chopard 01.08-C
Self-winding
Certification Chronometer
certificate (COSC)
Power reserve 60 hours
Frequency 28,800 vibrations
per hour (4 Hz)
Limited edition 100
Mille Miglia 2015 Race Edition
Ref. 168566-3002
Material Stainless steel
Ø 43.00 mm
Movement Chopard 01.08-C
Self-winding
Certification Chronometer
certificate (COSC)
Power reserve 60 hours
Frequency 28,800 vibrations
per hour (4 Hz)
Limited edition 1,000
Mille Miglia Classic
MILLE MIGLIA
Classic
A contemporary expression of an iconic model from the
late 1990s, itself inspired by cars having competed in the Mille
Miglia between 1927 and 1940, it now features an updated
design and an even stronger personality. The sunburst black
or silver-toned dial displays the hours, minutes, small seconds,
date and chronograph functions. The 42 mm-diameter case
is water-resistant to 50 metres and bears a tachymetric scale
printed around the dial. The mechanical self-winding calibre
beating inside at the rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour is
chronometer-certified by the COSC. The Mille Miglia
Chronograph is available in 18-carat rose gold and steel, on
either a metal bracelet or a rubber strap with the famous
1960s Dunlop racing-tyre tread.
Mille Miglia Chronograph
Ref. 168511-3001
Material Stainless steel
Ø 42.00 mm
Movement Self-winding
Certification Chronometer
certificate (COSC)
Power reserve 42 hours
Frequency 28,800 vibrations
per hour (4 Hz)
Mille Miglia Chronograph
Ref. 168511-3015
Material Stainless steel
Ø 42.00 mm
Movement Self-winding
Certification Chronometer
certificate (COSC)
Power reserve 42 hours
Frequency 28,800 vibrations
per hour (4 Hz)
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Mille Miglia Classic
The metal bracelets of
the Classic Racing
watches are produced
and hand-assembled in
our Geneva workshops.
30
Mille Miglia Classic
Mille Miglia Chronograph
Ref. 158511-3002
Material Stainless steel
Ø 42.00 mm
Movement Self-winding
Certification Chronometer
certificate (COSC)
Power reserve 42 hours
Frequency 28,800 vibrations
per hour (4 Hz)
Mille Miglia Chronograph
Ref. 158511-6001
Material 18-carat rose gold
and stainless steel
Ø 42.00 mm
Movement Self-winding
Certification Chronometer
certificate (COSC)
Power reserve 42 hours
Frequency 28,800 vibrations
per hour (4 Hz)
Mille Miglia Chronograph
Ref. 158511-3001
Material Stainless steel
Ø 42.00 mm
Movement Self-winding
Certification Chronometer
certificate (COSC)
Power reserve 42 hours
Frequency 28,800 vibrations
per hour (4 Hz)
Mille Miglia Chronograph
Ref. 161274-5005
Material 18-carat rose gold
Ø 42.00 mm
Movement Self-winding
Certification Chronometer
certificate (COSC)
Power reserve 42 hours
Frequency 28,800 vibrations
per hour (4 Hz)
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GRAND PRIX
DE MONACO
HISTORIQUE
Only victory counts.
The Grand Prix de Monaco Historique is the vintage
version of one of the world’s most famous Formula 1
Grand Prix races. Created in 1997 on the occasion of
the 700th anniversary of the Grimaldi family’s accession
to the throne of the Principality, this race takes the same
course along the roads of the Monaco state, but is
intended exclusively for classic racing cars, making it
an event unique in its kind. Every two years, these
racing-car enthusiasts invade the principality along with
the cars that they have spent weeks on preparing for
the race. Assembling and dismantling, repairing and
adjusting: their passion for mechanics and performance
is reminiscent of that shown by the watchmaker at
his bench. As official timekeeper of the event since
2002, Chopard has created a collection of exceptional
timepieces paying tribute to the competition.
Inspired by the Formula 1 cars from the 1970s in terms
of both their finishing and their performances, all are
equipped with a calibre that is chronometer-certified by
the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC)
and bears the logo of the Automobile Club de Monaco.
These models are made of titanium and steel so as to
be suitable for wear during the competition, because
the drivers are seemingly fearless, at the wheel of speed
machines capable of racing of more than 250 km/h along
a highly technical track, and above all without the safety
features of current Formula 1 cars.
G.P.M.H.
36
G.P.M.H.
G.P.M.H. Automatic
Ref. 168568-3001
Material Stainless steel and titanium
Ø 44.50 mm
Movement Self-winding
Certification Chronometer
certificate (COSC)
Power reserve 46 hours
Frequency 28,800 vibrations per
hour (4 Hz)
G.P.M.H. Automatic
Ref. 158568-3001
Material Stainless steel and titanium
Ø 44.50 mm
Movement Self-winding
Certification Chronometer
certificate (COSC)
Power reserve 46 hours
Frequency 28,800 vibrations per
hour (4 Hz)
G.P.M.H. Automatic
Ref. 168568-9001
Material Stainless steel, titanium and
18-carat rose gold
Ø 44.50 mm
Movement Self-winding
Certification Chronometer
certificate (COSC)
Power reserve 46 hours
Frequency 28,800 vibrations
per hour (4 Hz)
37
Grand Prix de Monaco Historique
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G.P.M.H.
G.P.M.H. Power Control
Ref. 168569-3001
Material Stainless steel and titanium
Ø 44.50 mm
Movement Self-winding
Certification Chronometer
certificate (COSC)
Power reserve 46 hours
Frequency 28,800 vibrations
per hour (4 Hz)
G.P.M.H. Power Control
Ref. 158569-3001
Material Stainless steel and titanium
Ø 44.50 mm
Movement Self-winding
Certification Chronometer
certificate (COSC)
Power reserve 46 hours
Frequency 28,800 vibrations
per hour (4 Hz)
39
G.P.M.H.
G.P.M.H. Power Control
Ref. 168569-9001
Material Stainless steel,
titanium and 18-carat rose gold
Ø 44.50 mm
Movement Self-winding
Certification Chronometer
certificate (COSC)
Power reserve 46 hours
Frequency 28,800 vibrations
per hour (4 Hz)
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42
G.P.M.H.
43
All movements powering
the Classic Racing collection
are chronometer-certified
by the COSC (Swiss Official
Chronometer Testing Institute).
G.P.M.H. Chrono
Ref. 168570-3001
Material Stainless steel
and titanium
Ø 44.50 mm
Movement Self-winding
Certification Chronometer
certificate (COSC)
Power reserve 46 hours
Frequency 28,800 vibrations
per hour (4 Hz)
G.P.M.H. Chrono
Ref. 158570-3001
Material Stainless steel
and titanium
Ø 44.50 mm
Movement Self-winding
Certification Chronometer
certificate (COSC)
Power reserve 46 hours
Frequency 28,800 vibrations
per hour (4 Hz)
G.P.M.H.
G.P.M.H. Chrono
Ref. 168570-9001
Material Stainless steel,
titanium and 18-carat rose gold
Ø 44.50 mm
Movement Self-winding
Certification Chronometer
certificate (COSC)
Power reserve 46 hours
Frequency 28,800 vibrations
per hour (4 Hz)
44
SUPERFAST
Passion and performance.
In 2014, Chopard started its partnership with Porsche Motorsport
for its grand comeback to competition in the FIA World
Endurance Championship with the Porsche 919 Hybrid. United
by shared values such as a constant quest for performance
driven by excellence, and born of a common aspiration towards
reliability and innovation, the exceptional mechanical
marvels from the workshops of both Porsche Motorsport and
Chopard have made their mark on their respective worlds,
remaining benchmarks among devotees of motorsports
and watchmaking.
To mark Porsche’s grand comeback to Le Mans in 2014 after
a 16-year absence, Chopard presented the Superfast Chrono
Porsche 919 Edition. Its dial, bearing the 919 logo in a 9 o’clock
counter, is inspired by the rear diffusers of the Porsche 919 Hybrid.
The silver colour as well as the light red and black accents
are entirely in tune with the speed machine that inspired it
and give this timepiece a sophisticated, contemporary touch.
On the case-back, the “ Porsche Motorsport Official Timing
Partner ” inscription is proudly placed in the centre of the
sapphire crystal affording a glimpse of the Chopard 03.05-M
movement and its openworked bridges.
Superfast
Superfast Power Control
Ref. 161291-5001
Material 18-carat rose gold
Ø 45.00 mm
Movement Chopard 01.02-M
Self-winding
Certification Chronometer
certificate (COSC)
Power reserve 60 hours
Frequency 28,800 vibrations
per hour (4 Hz)
Superfast Power Control
Ref. 168537-3001
Material Stainless steel
Ø 45.00 mm
Movement Chopard 01.02-M
Self-winding
Certification Chronometer
certificate (COSC)
Power reserve 60 hours
Frequency 28,800 vibrations
per hour (4 Hz)
50
Superfast
52
Superfast Chrono
Ref. 161284-5001
Material 18-carat rose gold
Ø 45.00 mm
Movement Chopard 03.05-M
Self-winding
Certification Chronometer
certificate (COSC)
Power reserve 60 hours
Frequency 28,800 vibrations
per hour (4 Hz)
All the gold cases of the Classic
Racing collection are entirely
produced in our Geneva
workshops, from our own gold
foundry to the final assembly.
Superfast Chrono
Ref. 168535-3001
Material Stainless steel
Ø 45.00 mm
Movement Chopard 03.05-M
Self-winding
Certification Chronometer
certificate (COSC)
Power reserve 60 hours
Frequency 28,800 vibrations
per hour (4 Hz)
Superfast
53
Superfast
Superfast Chrono Porsche 919 Edition
Ref. 168535-3002
Material Stainless steel
Ø 45.00 mm
Movement Chopard 03.05-M
Self-winding
Certification Chronometer certificate
(COSC)
Power reserve 60 hours
Frequency 28,800 vibrations
per hour (4 Hz)
Limited edition 919
55
56
57
Romain Dumas,
Porsche Motorsport pilot.
Porsche Motorsport
seals a historic 17th double
victory at the 24 Hours
of Le Mans 2015
Brendon Hartley,
Porsche Motorsport pilot.
“ In competition, time is our
best friend or our worst enemy
and the precise measurement
of time is one of our major
concerns. Partnering with
Chopard and the Superfast
collection, which consists of
elegant, very precise watches
inspired by racing, is therefore
completely natural ”
Mark Webber,
Porsche Motorsport pilot.
58
59
KEY FEATURES
Calibres
In-house movements
Acquired in 2007 by Chopard as part of its global strategy of vertical integration,
the Manufacture Fleurier Ebauches is pursuing a simple goal: to produce 15,000
mechanical movements per year from 2015 for the entire range of Chopard collections,
apart from the Haute Horlogerie collection produced by Chopard Manufacture.
The entirely renovated and Minergie-labelled building meets the most demanding
environmental norms. In 2013, the Manufacture produced no less than 5,000 units of
six different movements representing variations on two base calibres – an integrated
chronograph movement with flyback function and a self-winding movement – and
two types of finishes: sunburst satin-brushed and openworked bridges. New references
are bound to appear over the coming years. The growth of the Manufacture will
require an increase in personnel, which will already rise in 2015 from around 40
to 60 people. With Fleurier Ebauches, Chopard is reinforcing its local roots while
also taking an additional step towards the vertical integration of its industrial
production processes.
Movements with certified excellence. The Mille Miglia GTS and Superfast models
are powered by in-house self-winding movements – featuring the stop-seconds
function serving to halt the seconds hand so as to ensure accurate time-setting, along
with a 60-hour power reserve, a frequency of 4 Hz, corresponding to 28,800 vibrations
per hour – that are chronometer-certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing
Institute (COSC).
Chronometer certification
The Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Office (COSC) is an official and independent
not-for-profit public-interest organisation. Its mission is to measure and test the
precision of watch movements. It currently has three laboratories known as Bureau
Officiels de contrôle (Official watch rating centres) and located in Bienne, Le Locle
and St-Imier. Each of them is accredited by the Swiss Accreditation Service as a
“ Swiss Calibration Service ” lab. In compliance with the ISO 3159 standard, each of
them applies a 16-day program of exhaustive and individual tests to all the calibres
submitted to its scrutiny. For a full 384 hours, the precision of mechanical movements
is put to stern trial in five positions and at three different temperatures. Whatever the
conditions, they must meet a level of precision falling within the range of -4 to +6
seconds per day for calibres with a diameter of 20 mm and above, and between -5 and
+8 seconds for smaller calibres. Movements meeting the imposed precision criteria
receive a chronometer rating certificate that represents a privilege earned by only 3%
of the Swiss watch production.
All movements driving the Classic Racing watches are chronometer-certified
by the COSC.
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61
KEY FEATURES
Materials
Chopard gold
Chopard steel
A Chopard innovation. Chopard has decided to make its cases from an extremely
high-end stainless steel alloy: Chopard Premium Grade Steel (*), which surpasses
the performance of the 1.4435 variety generally used. This material boasts a number
of advantages. To begin with, it has been tested in hostile conditions – saline fog,
synthetic perspiration, tropical climate, scratching and impacts – and is extremely
corrosion-resistant. It is also anti-magnetic, while its homogeneity as well as the finesse
of its grain make it particularly suitable for achieving a high polish and brilliance.
Moreover, it is extremely sturdy and perfectly biocompatible, since this grade of
steel is used for medical implants. It contains only tiny traces of generally harmful
substances such as delta-ferrite, inclusions, metallic oxides and sulphur.
An exclusive Chopard feature. The firm has invested heavily in technical solutions
in the field of metallurgy as well as transformation, machining and finishing
processes. Full mastery of the latter and of the multiple challenges to be met, together
with analyses and tests conducted throughout production, strongly contribute to
guaranteeing the quality and sturdiness of this alloy that proves particularly difficult
to machine. The traceability of each cast batch enables Chopard to certify the
provenance and the quality of the steel over the long term. As a result, a watch made
in Chopard Premium Grade Steel (*) becomes a truly noble product.
Why make its own alloys? For two main reasons: to maintain firm control of quality and
to meet the inherently irregular nature of its own workshop’s requirements. Therefore,
within a sector of industry where few companies have their own gold foundry, Chopard
has chosen to produce five different qualities of 18-carat gold – one white gold, two
yellow gold and two rose gold varieties. These colours are achieved by smelting 750/1000
fine gold – the legal prerequisite to earn the 18-carat gold title – with other metals. The
presence of the other metals also serves to endow the alloy with the hardness that is
indispensable for the jeweller’s work, since fine gold is far too malleable to be fashioned
in a satisfactory manner. The metals entering into the composition of these alloys are
silver and copper to produce rose gold, and palladium for white gold.
Like in the kitchen of a great chef, the foundry specialist follows an extremely precise
recipe accompanied by skilled, carefully controlled movements. Nothing is left
to chance, for while the choice and dosage of the ingredients are essential, expertise
plays an equally decisive role. Even the slightest error, such as the length of firing,
could make the gold porous and thus unusable. The various elements entering into
the composition of each alloy are then placed in a crucible fired in a high-temperature
induction furnace. Each alloy calls for a specific temperature: rose gold for example,
must be heated to 1,000° C. Once the metals have been brought to melting point and
mingled, the gold is cast as an ingot that is then rolled and annealed several times
to ensure the optimal hardness of the final alloy. The jeweller will be able to start his
work once the Swiss Office for Precious Metals Control has conducted its analysis and
placed its hallmark guaranteeing a fineness of 75%.
All the gold cases of the Classic Racing collection are entirely produced in our Geneva
workshops, from foundry to finishing.
62
KEY FEATURES
Chopard bracelets
Hand-made in Geneva
100% Swiss Made. Although a peripheral part of a watch exterior, bracelets are
nonetheless one of its essential elements in that they guarantee security, comfort and
longevity. Chopard’s indestructible, ergonomically designed bracelets are made in its
Geneva workshops through a process involving three main phases, each accompanied by
stringent quality controls.
Machining consists of blanking the links from steel or gold bars using a computer
numerically controlled machine. Chopard’s CNC machines have a capacity of 2,000
links per day. The extremely high-grade steel that is used is very difficult to machine.
Polishing. Done by machine and then hand-finished, the trimming process serves to
remove any residual metal shavings or burrs on the links after machining. The links
then undergo surface treatments designed to give them their distinctive satin-finish,
brushed or polished appearance and the hand polishing is performed by highly qualified
professionals.
Assembly. Putting together bracelet sections, the buckles and the final assembly of the
bracelets are also done by hand. The so-called “ extension ” or “ adjustment ” links are
placed at the end of the section and serve to adjust the length of the bracelet to a given
wrist size. The suppleness and robustness of each bracelet section are tested by “ rolling ”.
Once fitted together, the sections are then polished using felt pegs and a dedicated paste.
The simply and robustly designed Chopard buckles are easy to adjust so as to guarantee
a perfect balance between a firm hold in the closed position and smooth, easy opening.
Once the buckle is fitted to the sections, the bracelet is then secured to the watch “ head ”
by experienced artisans.
Mille Miglia GTS bracelets are tapered to give the watch a sleek, trim shape that is
particularly appreciable in models with large diameters. The clasp, which is engraved
with the Mille Miglia logo, is extremely complex to produce. The part connecting the
bracelet to the case comprises three different elements ensuring optimal integration.
The production of a Mille Miglia GTS bracelet calls for eight hours of meticulous work.
63
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NEW YORK · ODESSA · OSAK A · PARIS · PORTO CERVO · PR AGUE · RIGA · RIYADH
ROME · ST. BARTHELEMY · ST. MORITZ · ST. PETERSBURG · SAN FRANCISCO AIRPORT
SAN JUAN · SANTORINI · SANYA · SENTOSA ISLAND · SEOUL · SHANGHAI · SHENYANG
SHENZHEN · SINGAPORE · SINGAPORE AIRPORT · SOFIA · SYLT · TAICHUNG · TAIPEI
TEHRAN · TIANJIN · TOKYO · VENICE · VIENNA · WENZHOU · WUXI · XIAN · ZURICH
The trademarks, the corporate names, as well as all the designs of Chopard watch, jewellery and accessory
models are the exclusive property of Chopard. Any imitations or counterfeits will be prosecuted.
The creations in this document are not reproduced to exact size. In the same way the colours may differ slightly
from the original and the carat weight of the stones can vary.
CLASSIC RACING CATALOGUE No. 517 – 94104 – 0619
2015 © LE PETIT-FILS DE L.U. CHOPARD & CIE SA
8, RUE DE VEYROT – 1217 MEYRIN 2 – GENEVA – SWITZERLAND
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promoting ethical, social and environmental practices throughout the entire supply chain.