Tire tread on your wrist
By Rafael Ortiz, Mexico City ยท
Chopard has been the timing partner of the Mille Miglia, the Italian road rally, for decades, and this Classic Chronograph wears that story in the most literal way possible: the black rubber strap is molded with a Dunlop racing tire tread. I think it's charming. My nephew thought it was a toy car accessory.
It's a good looking racing chronograph, 42 mm by 12.3 mm with a tachymeter and a date. The ETA 2894-2 is a solid modular chronograph movement, although at 42 hours it won't wait for you over a long weekend. The open caseback lets you see it.
Fifty meters, rubber strap, so it handles a rain shower and a hand wash. Fine.
For 6,400 to 7,200 dollars I'd want more, though. A sourced movement with a short reserve at that price, while Tudor and Breitling give you 70 hours in-house for similar money. Buy it if you love the rally. Otherwise, a Black Bay Chrono is the better watch.