The dial: galvanised speed

The dial starts from brass, which Chopard treats galvanically to obtain a silver opaline surface. This finish provides a soft, matte sheen that evokes bare, unpainted metal rather than a glossy jewellery look, and it plays beautifully with the “glass box” sapphire crystal that caps it. Grey transfers define the external railway minute track and the tachymeter scale; this muted choice prevents the dial from drifting into loud contrast while preserving legibility at a glance.

Chopard gives the three registers a snailed finish. The small seconds at 3 o’clock, the 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock, and the 30-minute counter at 9 o’clock catch the light differently, standing out from the main field without shouting for attention. I particularly enjoy how the red Mille Miglia arrow sits in the centre of the dial and ties visually to the red-tipped chronograph seconds hand, looking intentional rather than an afterthought. The rhodium-plated baton hands and painted Arabic numerals use Grade X1 Super-LumiNova, providing strong, long-lasting luminescence without compromising the dial’s period-correct feel.

The movement: industrial base, refined execution

At its heart beats a self-winding chronograph calibre measuring 28.60mm in diameter, with 37 jewels, a frequency of 4 Hz and a 54-hour power reserve. Its architecture can be traced back to the ETA A32.211 – a modular chronograph derived from the ETA 2894 family, which is also mentioned by Monochrome in its coverage of the current Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph generation. COSC certification sets the tone: over 16 days, the movement must remain within a range of minus four to plus six seconds per day across five positions and three temperatures, providing real-world reliability. ​

Through the sapphire caseback you can see the rotor, bridges and plates – a welcome change from the closed steel backs found on some earlier Mille Miglia references. Chopard decorates the oscillating weight and upper surfaces with a clean, industrial finish, perfectly suited to a motorsport chronograph. You do not get haute horlogerie hand-anglage here, but you do get a visually coherent, neatly assembled calibre that wears its tool-watch brief honestly. I like how the brand frames the view with crossed flags on the glass: a chequered racing flag on one side, and the Schwarz-Rot-Gold on the other – a clear nod to the Germany-only status of this watch.

The case: Lucent Steel with intent

The case hits a sweet spot at 40.5mm in diameter and 12.88mm in thickness. On my wrist, this size feels just right for a driving chronograph: present, yet never in the way. Chopard crafts it from Lucent Steel A223, a proprietary alloy produced using a double-refining process with a recycled content of at least 80 per cent. The second melt reduces impurities, increasing hardness and giving the alloy a brighter, almost white tone compared to standard 316L steel. This is immediately apparent in the way light breaks across the alternating polished and satin-brushed surfaces of the case, bezel, lugs and pin buckle.

Karl-Friedrich Scheufele behind the wheel of Sir Stirling Moss’ racing car and wristed Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Speed Silver

The pushers feature a knurled texture that evokes brake pedals, improving grip when you start or stop the chronograph. The notched crown, engraved with a steering wheel, turns and pulls with reassuring precision, while the welded lugs integrate cleanly with the mid-case, avoiding the small gap sometimes noticed on earlier generations. Water resistance stands at 50 metres – enough for daily life. The perforated black calfskin strap with grey stitching feels soft from the first moment you put it on and visually anchors the watch in classic rally-strap territory.

Ending and conclusion

After spending time with the Speed Silver on the wrist, I see it as a focused expression of what the modern Mille Miglia line should be. The galvanic silver opaline dial captures the Silver Arrow spirit without crossing the line into pastiche; the COSC-certified modular chronograph movement provides dependable performance, while the Lucent Steel case offers both technical substance and visual sharpness. Limiting the edition to 100 pieces for Germany strengthens the link to the historic German racing colour, and the crossed flags on the caseback drive that message home.

Karl-Friedrich Scheufele – co-president of Chopard and Marcus Breitschwerdt – Chairman, Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH

At EUR 11,300 in Lucent Steel, according to Chopard’s own listing, the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph Speed Silver sits in a competitive luxury chronograph segment, yet offers a compelling combination of motorsport authenticity, contemporary material science and precise execution. If you live with classic cars in your mind – or simply enjoy modern ones – and you care about the stories behind your watches, this reference deserves a place on your radar.