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CHOPARD Watches
The history of Chopard dates back to the 19th century. In 1860, Louis-Ulysse
Chopard founded his own watch factory in Sonvilier, in the Swiss Jura. Relying
on his family tradition for watch making and his own innovative ideas, the
company soon acquired an excellent reputation for its precision watches. The
Chopard watches were so precise, that they became one of the main suppliers to
the Swiss railway - known for their punctuality. From history to current events,
VIP’s and movie clips, Chopard is the watch that many high profile individuals
prefer to wear. In 1996, Chopard returned to its roots by creating a
fully-fledged "manufacture" in Fleurier, in the Swiss Jura, where a new
automatic movement was crafted. It became the L.U.C. watch which was voted
"Watch of the Year" in 1997.
The Chopard collection include the Happy Diamonds collection, a unique watch
jewelry concept with diamonds moving freely on and around the dial, which became
a great classic and paved the way for the development of a whole range of lady’s
watches, such as the Happy sport watch, together with jewels and accessories.
Intent on producing pocket watches and chronometers of stature, Louis-Ulysse
Chopard founded his company in 1860, and the brand has continually turned out
masterpieces. Just about a century into its legacy, Chopard was purchased by
jewelry entrepreneur Karl Scheufele in 1963.
It was his vision to unite his jewelry company with watch making under one brand
and to propel both areas to greater levels of accomplishment in design and
technology.
In 1975, Scheufele built a production facility in Meyrin-Geneva, marking a new
era for the brand. In 1976, Chopard unveiled the now-famed Happy Diamonds
collection to the world, and in the 1980s the brand launched the Gstaad
collection of timepieces. In 1988, Chopard teamed with the Mille Miglia as an
official partner and began creating the annual special-edition Mille Miglia
watch—an icon of vintage automobile racing.
In the early 1990s, Karl and Karin Scheufele’s children became integral players
in the family business. Caroline took over the jewelry design and Karl-Friedrich
headed up the watch division. In 1996, the brand established itself as a
complete Manufacture with the opening of a movement factory in Fleurier. The
L.U.C movement made its debut that year and was the impetus for other movements
to come.
In 1999, Chopard unveiled the L.U.C Sport 2000 collection, and a year later
presented the L.U.C Quattro watch—equipped with a new caliber with four barrels
and nine days of power reserve—in 2000. Chopard presented the L.U.C Tonneau in
2001. Chopard is also a major supporter of charitable causes and is a devoted
patron of the arts. In 2001, Chopard began supporting the Elton John AIDS
Foundation, creating limited-edition Elton John timepieces whose sales would
benefit the foundation. Chopard is also intimately involved with such
high-profile events as the Cannes International Film Festival.
Chopard’s collections of ladies’ jewelry and watches are amazing and inviting.
From Happy Diamonds to Happy Sport with free-flowing diamonds, from the
1950s-inspired chic La Strada to the innovative Pushkin and Ice Cube
collections, rich colors, seductive shapes and innovation are prominent driving
forces.
With creativity at an all-time high, Chopard has grown at a faster rate than the
market as a whole while preserving its independence—a rarity amongst watch and
jewelry companies today. Caroline’s
exquisite designs continually impress and excite the senses.
All of Chopard’s magnificent jewelry is created with the utmost attention to
details. Each stone is hand picked and every design is completed by painstaking
hand-craftsmanship. From gem selection to setting and polishing, master jewelers
work long hours to ensure smooth, sensual finished pieces.
For the past decade, Chopard jewels have glistened on the necks and wrists of
celebrities from all corners of the earth.
Partnering with the Cannes International Film Festival, Chopard is jeweler to
the stars for 12 days each year at this exciting gala of heady days and wild
nights. In addition to adorning the stars as they parade down the red carpet,
Chopard produces all of the Palme d’Or trophies in its own workshops.
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