Current Chopard ambassador Jacky Ickx, Ferrari 312B, Grand Prix of Spain, Circuito del Jarama, April 19, 1970
Chopard pays homage to racing icon Jacky Ickx with the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph JX7.
On a beautiful spring evening in the heart of Geneva, amid the glitz and glamour of horological excellence, Chopard (chopard.com) unveiled its latest masterwork, the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph JX7. This exceptional timepiece is not just another addition to the brand’s illustrious collection; it’s a celebration of a legendary partnership between Chopard and racing icon Jacky Ickx.
Jacky Ickx, a name synonymous with speed, precision and unparalleled success on the racetrack, holds a special place in the annals of motor sport history. From Formula 1 to endurance racing, his prowess behind the wheel was unparalleled, earning him a long-standing reputation that has spanned decades. One of the greatest drivers of all time, the Belgian icon achieved six victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a record matched only once. In Formula 1, he secured eight wins and graced the podium 25 times, solidifying his status as a formidable competitor. His tenure with Scuderia Ferrari saw him emerge as the team’s leading driver, dominating the circuit in the late 1960s and early 1970s with a series of memorable victories.
Beyond Formula 1, Ickx made significant contributions to multiple world championships and World Sports Car championships. Working with powerhouse teams like Ford, Ferrari and Porsche, he amassed 37 major World Sports Car wins, triumphing in iconic events such as Le Mans and the Paris-Dakar Rally.
The latest Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph JX7 is the seventh creative collaboration between Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, co-president of Chopard, and the legendary driver, a partnership that has consistently produced exceptional timepieces.
Endlessly charming Belgian-born Jacky Ickx, 78, continues to captivate audiences with tales of his illustrious racing career, which began in the 1960s when he was a teenager— seen here wearing Chopard’s Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph JX7.
In 1969, Jacky Ickx pioneered using a full-face helmet in racing. He collaborated with his supplier to create a patented helmet with improved head protection featuring a distinct “owl” design. This iconic helmet design remained unchanged for 30 years, making it easier to identify the driver than their car number, and currently influences the dial design of his 50-piece Mille Miglia limited edition.
The Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph JX7, the seventh collaboration between Chopard co-president Karl-Friedrich Scheufele and Ickx, is a testament to their enduring friendship and mutual dedication to excellence. Born from a shared passion for motor sport and fine craftsmanship, this chronograph is a living memory of their journey together.
“Karl-Friedrich says that I’m part of the Scheufele family, and we are in a family business,” explains Ickx. “It illustrates the basic difference between Chopard and any other company. Yes, it’s a business, but it has an attitude with a heritage of five generations, with the six coming because the kids are grown. Now, the son and the daughters are pleased to join the company. A family business has a different type of heritage.”
Crafted with precision and attention to detail, the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph JX7 stands out with its unique features. Its 40.5 mm case, inspired by classic automobile bodies, encloses a midnight blue dial—a tribute to Ickx’s iconic helmet.
This color, symbolizing his legendary racing career, is enhanced by white indications and Super-LumiNova accents, ensuring clear visibility in all lighting conditions. The Dunlop tire-pattern rubber strap from the 1960s, part of the collection for over 25 years, is now available for the first time in a midnight blue shade to complement the dial.
“What is so special about my relationship with Chopard is the fact that it has lasted so long,” Ickx shared during the unveiling. “It’s almost like a part of me, a part of my racing legacy, in a watch form.” The Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph JX7 is offered in two exclusive editions: 250 pieces in Lucent Steel and 50 in Lucent Steel and 18K ethical yellow gold. Each model is a testament to Chopard’s commitment to sustainability, with Lucent Steel boasting superior properties and a recycling rate of at least 80%.
The design of the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph JX7 is not just a tribute to Ickx’s aesthetics but also a reflection of his illustrious racing career. From his pioneering use of a fullface helmet in 1969 to his six victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, every detail of this watch tells a story of speed, precision and determination.
During the unveiling of the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph JX7, Ickx reflected on the significance of this collaboration. “This chronograph is the expression of a friendship born 36 years ago thanks to a shared passion for exceptional timepieces,” he shared. “I pay tribute to all the artisans who contributed to creating this beautiful piece so dear to my heart.”
Indeed, the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph JX7 is more than just a watch; it symbolizes a legacy forged on the racetrack and a testament to the enduring partnership between Chopard and the racing icon. “But the amazing thing,” Ickx continued, “is the wonderful atmosphere of Chopard, and that you cannot deny I’m still part of motor racing history. That’s it.”
The Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph edition honors the enduring bond between Chopard and Jacky Ickx, a champion race car driver and brand ambassador for over 35 years, sharing the passion of the 1000 Miglia race. PHOTO COURTESY OF CHOPARD