Chopard and Bamford Watch Department have joined forces to create an exclusive timepiece, the Mille Miglia GTS Power Control Bamford Edition ‘Desert Racer’, showcasing their shared passion for motorsports.
Chopard and Bamford Watch Department studios have once again come together to create a truly exclusive timepiece: the Mille Miglia GTS Power Control Bamford Edition ‘Desert Racer’. This 50-piece limited-edition watch, crafted in bead-blasted titanium, pays homage to the shared passion of Chopard and motorsports. With its striking orange, grey and black details, oversized numerals and woven-effect rubber strap, the ‘Desert Racer’ exudes a powerful and sporty presence.
The collaboration between Chopard’s Co-President Karl-Friedrich Scheufele and George Bamford, the founder of Bamford Watch Department, ensured meticulous attention to detail in crafting this elegant sports watch. The timepiece recently faced a true test of endurance as it accompanied George Bamford in the harsh desert of northern Mexico during the National Off Road Racing Association event. The ‘Desert Racer’ emerged victorious, proving its reliability, precision and ability to withstand a hostile environment.
The contemporary design of the Mille Miglia GTS Power Control Bamford Edition ‘Desert Racer’ features a resilient and lightweight 43mm-diameter bead-blasted titanium case. Its black aluminium graduated inlay on the bezel, streamlined lugs and integrated woven-effect rubber strap ensure a perfect fit on the wrist. The watch combines modernity with timeless elegance, complemented by the folding clasp in DLC bead-blasted steel and the screw-down case-back providing water-resistance up to 100 metres.
At the heart of this exceptional timepiece beats the Chopard Calibre 01.08-C, a high-precision mechanical self-winding movement, chronometer-certified by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). Developed, produced and assembled in Chopard’s workshops, the movement offers approximately 60 hours of power reserve and ensures accurate timekeeping for hours, minutes, seconds and date functions.
The special edition grey Mille Miglia GTS Power Control Bamford Edition ‘Desert Racer’ captivates with its play on contrasts. The frosted black dial is adorned with vibrant flame orange accents, Bamford Watch Department’s signature touch. Oversized Arabic numerals at six and 12 o’clock, enhanced with black SuperLuminova, ensure exceptional legibility inspired by motorsports. Luminescent hour-markers and large facetted dagger-shaped hands further enhance readability. The watch also includes a power reserve indicator, reminiscent of fuel gauges in racing cars, allowing wearers to monitor the remaining energy of their timepiece.
“I was so pleased to say that I tried and tested it in the desert, on a desert race and the watch is built to survive on great expeditions and adventures,” said George Bamford. “With this flame orange and tarmac black dial, the combination works in perfect harmony. I loved working on the Mille Miglia watch and when we were coming to create this one, I really wanted to have an alternative to the original Mille Miglia and that’s why we felt the Desert Racer would be the off-road cousin of the Mille Miglia.”
The Mille Miglia collection is a testament to Karl-Friedrich Scheufele’s belief that fine cars and exquisite timepieces share a common passion for elegance and performance. These watches, designed specifically for timing races, feature high-precision mechanisms and sporty aesthetics. The Bamford Watch Department’s customisation of the Mille Miglia collection adds a unique touch to this revered line, appealing to discerning gentlemen drivers.