Universal Geneve Rare Stainless Compur Chronograph Watch Awarded to
"La Fiat" at the 11th Mille Miglia Race. 1937.
Universal Geneve Rare Stainless Compur Chronograph Watch Awarded to "La Fiat" at the 11th Mille Miglia Race. 1937 Case: 35mm, stainless steel, Three piece snap case. Case back inscribed: XIa MILLE MIGLIA Aprile Anno XV La FIAT., #601704 Dial: Original aged satin silver dial with blue track and faded red track, with blued steel baton hands Movement: UG caliber 285 Band: new tan distressed strap with generic stainless buckle Signed: dial, case and movement signed It is one thing to own a modern Chopard Mille Miglia watch, it is entirely another to own an actual watch presented at the 1937 Mille Miglia. A truly incredible find and currently the only pre-World War II Mille Miglia presentation watch known to have survived the post war years and made it to market. The 1937 Mille Miglia ran in a torrent of rain. Muddy windshields and muddy goggles made for an extremely challenging race. Only 65 of the 124 starters completed the course. The winner of the race was the driving team of Pintacuda and Mambelli driving a Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 A. However, it is important to remember that there were seven classes of automobiles and winners within each class. In 1937 Fiat finished first in five of the seven classes. Condition Report*: Type: Universal Geneve Rare Stainless Compur Chronograph Watch Awarded to "La Fiat" at the 11th Mille Miglia Race. 1937 Signed: dial, case and movement signed Model: Compur Dial: Original aged satin silver dial with blue track and faded red track Hands: with blued steel baton hands Metal: stainless steel Case: ##601704 Case Info: Three piece snap case. Case back inscribed: XIa MILLE MIGLIA Aprile Anno XV La FIAT. Case Width: 35mm Crystal: acrylic Watch Movement: UG caliber 285 Band: new tan distressed strap with generic stainless buckle Circa: 1937 Condition: The watch shows use consistent with what one would expect having been used by a race car driver. Tiny dings and scratches evenly distributed about the case and bezel. Some very miniscule pits scattered about the edge of the case back and side of case. No major dings or scratches of note. Original dial shows even aging and is aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Fade to the red track and some loss to the blue outer track. A few tiny scratches. Unsigned crown. The watch sets and runs and the chronograph function engages however, there is inconsistent performance on the part of the minute register and sweep seconds, occasionally stopping basic timekeeping when engaged. A service will be required to guaranteed accurate timekeeping and functionality. *Heritage Auctions strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Heritage regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Heritage. All lots offered are sold "AS IS".
