Chopard Classic Racing Chronograph Limited Edition Watch

This watch has to have one of the most detailed Chopard watch cases I have ever seen. The image here doesn't do this fact justice, but look at the sides and rear of the watch and you get a visual treat. This limited edition of just 500 pieces 18kt gold watch steps both forward and back with a refreshing look at the Chopard racing chronograph watch line. Case size is about 48mm wide (big for the brand!) by 15mm thick. It is water resistant to 100 meters.

Likely the brand's more popular collection are the Mille Miglia watches. The nomenclature burst open a bit so that the Mille Miglia name isn't applied to all of their racing themed watches, but fans "in the know" understand the heritage. One of the most fun elements is the gold three spoke racing steering wheel that is placed on the side of the rubber coated crown. The sides of the case are all nicely milled and cut with an interesting horizontal striping. The large screw columns intentionally protrude a bit giving it a very technical feel. The crown guard and rubberized integrated chronograph pushers are nicely done in a unique style. The black on rose gold tones are extremely contemporary.

Chopard never lets down with the dials on its racing watches. The hands (in gold) are always large and have a high contrast with the dial. Three overlapping chronograph subdials are subdued, but legible. The dial itself enjoys a vertical pattering which is new to the collection, while the minute marker scaled chapter ring is futuristic and retro at the same time. Inside the watch is a base ETA automatic chronograph movement that has been COSC Chronometer certified. Lastly, no Chopard racing watch would be complete without the requisite Dunlop tire tread rubber strap. Price is about $24,000.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.