A split-seconds chronograph complication adds an exciting new dimension to Chopard’s evergreen Mille Miglia watch collection. Announced as a 500-piece limited edition, the Chopard Mille Miglia GT XL Chrono Split Seconds watch presents the most prestigious variation of the popular chronograph function, within a luxurious case wrought from highly polished 18-karat rose gold.

Styling elements for this complex Chopard timepiece have much in common with other members of the currently produced 1000 Miglia timepiece family. The 44mm case features strong, stately strap lugs, an engraved tachymeter bezel for the calculation of average speeds. A brilliant white dial with 12-hour and 30-minute chronograph totalizers presents a raised silvered subdial for the date, as well as an additional subdial for small seconds. Arcing gently above the dial is a crystal manufactured from scratch-resistant sapphire which features an anti-reflective coating as well as the stylish and contemporary detail of two large Arabic numerals transferred directly to the surface.

A closer look at the Chopard 1000 Miglia GT XL Chrono Split Seconds watch reveals two distinct details that indicate a masterful accomplishment of complicated watchmaking: a third pusher at the 7 o’clock position, and a second central chronograph hand, which lies superimposed beneath the primary one. These elements are visual hallmarks of the split-seconds chronograph or rattrapante–a brilliant variation of the chronograph which pushes horological technique to its highest point, and allows the timing of two events taking place simultaneously. In ordinary operation, the two central chronograph hands travel together, and stop, start and return to zero as a conventional chronograph would, via the two pushers flanking the winding crown. However, should the owner wish, a press of the aforementioned split-seconds button halts the underlying chronograph hand independently. When the button is pressed again, the split-second hand instantly catches back up with the main chronograph hand.

The complex workings of the rattrapante chronograph are controlled by a specially elaborated version of the ETA-Valjoux 7750 chronograph caliber, a self-winding movement widely considered one of the most precise, robust, and reliable in production today. Equipped with a smooth balance beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, this movement can record elapsed chronograph time to the nearest 1/8th second. Power reserve, despite the demands imposed by the split-seconds mechanism, remains a very reasonable 42 hours. As with other Mille Miglia timepieces, Chopard submits each of the movements to an office of the Controle Officiel Suisse des Chronometres (COSC), where they must undergo and pass 15 days of testing as a verification of exemplary timekeeping precision.

Each of the 500 Chopard Mille Miglia GT XL Chrono Split Seconds watches are fitted with a crocodile leather strap that displays the appealing detail of contrasting white stitching. A sapphire crystal exhibition window in the caseback reveals the complex chronograph mechanism and the decorated central winding rotor which feeds energy to the mainspring through every slight motion of the wrist.