After last year’s stall in dark tones, this year Chopard selected a stunning snow white booth to showcase their novelties.
The Swiss luxury jewellery and watch company was established by Louis Ulysse Chopard who was 24 at the time. In this period –during the 1860s- the manufacture was known for its outstanding precision pocket watches. At the onset of the 20th century they garnered international recognition, with products showcased in Eastern Europe, Russia and Scandinavia, while Chopard also visited Poland, Hungary and The Netherlands.
Paul-Andre Chopard was the family’s last watchmaker, and after his sons chose not to continue the family business, the company was sold to Karl Scheufele in 1963. The Scheufele family gained significant experience in watchmaking and jewellery making. Karl also added the jewellery segment to the Chopard watch production. At the end of the 70s the iconic Happy Diamonds collection was launched (the watches in the collection featured mobile diamonds that floated freely between two sapphire crystals.)
The now 20 year-old youthful and upbeat Happy Sport collection was first issued in 1993. On this occasion Chopard fans can design a Happy Sport watch with the aid of an app, and can of course purchase their creation too. The Happy Sport Medium Automatic model is available in 18ct rose-gold and stainless steel versions, with a 42-hour power reserve automatic movement and alligator skin strap.
In 1988 the House initiated a co-operation with Mille Miglia, an annual Italian rally where vintage and classic cars race from Brescia to Rome – that continues to this day. Every year Chopard creates a unique Mille Miglia watch. This year 2013 steel versions and 250 rose-gold versions were made. Both versions feature an anthracite dial and rubber strap, the pattern of which was inspired by the 1960 Dunlop tyre pattern. It features an automatic chronograph movement, with 42-hour power reserve.
The pieces in the Superfast collection (Chrono, PowerControl, and Automatic) were inspired by motoring, and the masculine, high precision watches feature mechanical self-winding calibres beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour. The design is also a testament to the spirit of auto racing: with a stainless steel black dial with anthracite stripes and black rubber strap with slick tyre-read motif.
In 1996 Chopard opened their in-house movement factory in Fleurier. Several of their movements are Geneva Seal stamped, which is a designation reserved for the highest level of construction and finish.
Chopard has been partnering with the Cannes International Film Festival since 1998. Once again in 2013 they showcased stunning pieces within in the Red Carpet collection. One of the favourites of Caroline Scheufele (Artistic Director and Co-President) is the Poppy ring and necklace, with diamonds, rubies, emeralds and tsavorites. The other haute joaillerie piece that we could admire is an 18ct white-gold choker, with rose-cut diamonds (183 cts) and a 5ct pear-shaped diamond as the centrepiece. The Red Carpet collection also features several single stone rings. The 65 ct pear-shaped pink kunzite white-gold ring is so prestigious that the wearer is better off having long, slender fingers…
Since 2000 Chopard surprises the fans of mechanical watches with the L.U.C watch collection in order to pay homage to the founder. The new L.U.C Engine One H watch combines automotive spirit with horological precision: it is a special titanium rectangular watch, with a hand-wound tourbillon movement and 60-hour power reserve. The chronometer is certified by the COSC (issued in a limited edition of 100 pieces). The L.U.C Perpetual T carries the Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark and it also has a hand-wound tourbillon movement. This piece is equipped with four spring barrels (L.U.C Quattro technology) – this movement guarantees a power reserve of approximately 9 days. The timeless L.U.C 1937 Classic and the polished L.U.C XPS both have a rose-gold watch case and both are COSC certified. The bridges in the movements are embellished using the Côtes de Genève technique.
Two new women’s watches both are a testament to Chopard’s expertise in setting precious stones: the Imperiale All Black carries a diamond-set bezel and stainless steel DLC bracelet. The Imperiale Joaillerie Améthyste is artfully adorned with amethysts and diamonds, with an alligator skin strap and mother-of-pearl dial that will surely capture the hearts of ladies who appreciate fine jewel watches.
Photo credits: Chopard, Loupiosity.com.
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