SimplyAbuDhabi XII

1 2 4 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I TECHNICAL FEATURES: Mille Miglie 2013 Movement: Mechanical self-winding chronograph Case: Steel or 18-karat rose gold Glass: Glareproofed Sapphire Crystal Water-resistance: 100 metres Straps: Integrated strap in natural black rubber (1960s Dunlop racing-tyre tread motif) MilleMiglia T he close connection between the worlds of fine motors and high- end watchmaking is well documented. There are a slew of prestigious brands, all with longstanding historical links and flamboyant relationships with the world of racing cars and luxury vehicles. Chopard is no exception and they boast an intimate affinity to what the organisers proudly name “the most beautiful race in the world” – The Mille Miglia race. Chopard has partnered the race for 25 years now, cementing the close ties held between the Geneva-based watch manufacturer and the world of motor sports. This year Chopard have honoured the relationship with a stunning new watch, the Mille Miglia 2013. A limited edition that has racing in its genes and in its gear trains and with its design gives a very obvious nod to the design codes of classic cars. For Chopard, the Mile Miglia race is a distinctly family affair. The brand’s Co- President Karl-Friedrich Scheufele is a collector of historical cars and a keen competitor in classic rallies. He enlists his own vehicles in this legendary race and drives them himself, alternatively accompanied by his wife or his good friend Jacky Ickx as co-driver. His father, Karl Scheufele III, Honorary President of Chopard, also regularly takes part in the competition. This personal connection between the brand and one of the most well-known historical car races in the world dates back to 1988. It was then that Chopard became a partner of the event, a role it has maintained ever since and to which it has since become that of official timekeeper. The racing is competitive, the route is sinuous and the cars are every bit as powerful and capricious as one expects from such proud historical models. Only cars having taken part in the original race formula are entitled to compete. The teams can rely only on their driving skills, the indications provided in their road-