Comments:
For more details of the watches, please refer to the links below for the press materials and pictures from Chopard.
Also check out the accessories, they are really cute and fun.
Hope you find something you like!
This message has been edited by Kong on 2011-04-04 08:23:57
For the Ladies - Chopard Basel 2011 Novelties ...
Ladies are in for a treat with some choices for Chopard for 2011. The IMPERIALE line is successfully relaunched last year to provide the company and Chopard lovers another alternative to the iconic HAPPY Series.
Turning the excitement a notch up, the new IMPERIALE "Full Set " is the first Chopard lady-watch to house with a Chopard mechanical movement by their new setup, Fleurier Ebauches.
That's not end yet. For Ladies who love speed and wish for a sporty racing watch, alas, a version of the Mille Miglia for the Ladies is designed, and matched with the signature Mille Miglia rubber strap featuring the 1960s Dunlop Racing tyre-tread motif in PINK!!!
Turning the excitement a notch up, the new IMPERIALE "Full Set " is the first Chopard lady-watch to house with a Chopard mechanical movement by their new setup, Fleurier Ebauches.
That's not end yet. For Ladies who love speed and wish for a sporty racing watch, alas, a version of the Mille Miglia for the Ladies is designed, and matched with the signature Mille Miglia rubber strap featuring the 1960s Dunlop Racing tyre-tread motif in PINK!!!
For more details of the watches, please refer to the links below for the press materials and pictures from Chopard.
Also check out the accessories, they are really cute and fun.
Hope you find something you like!
This message has been edited by Kong on 2011-04-04 08:23:57
Imperiale Full Set with the first Chopard Movement
The
first Lady Chopard timepiece to host a movement from the workshops of
Fleurier Ebauches, the Imperiale Full Set model combines Haute
Joaillerie and precision mechanics in an infinitely precious aesthetic. A
watch graced with pure lines bearing eloquent testimony to Chopard’s
constantly renewed innovation and technical expertise.
Is it a
watch or a piece of jewellery? That’s a tough question to answer due to
the fact that the Imperiale Full Set is clearly unwilling to renounce
either of its facets. Chopard refuses to choose between Haute Joaillerie
and mechanical reliability, instead its entire expertise of the past
150 years flow into this model. While the Imperiale Full Set appears in
truly regal raiment with its admirable gem-setting composed of baguette-
and brilliant-cut diamonds, this irresistible gem is also endowed with
the outstanding performances of an in-house developed and manufactured
mechanical movement.
The first CHOPARD movement
The Imperiale Full Set is the very first watch in the Chopard collections to house a movement entirely developed and produced in the Fleurier Ebauches workshops owned by the Chopard group and located in the Neuchâtel Jura. In doing so, it displays the substantial advancement of the vertical integration process undertaken by Chopard in recent years. Code-named calibre CHOPARD 01.03-C, the beating heart of the Imperiale Full Set beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hertz), while its barrel ensures a 60-hour power reserve.
This range of characteristics ensures the reliability, performance and precision of this new mechanical self-winding movement. Nestling at the heart of the Imperiale Full Set and visible through the transparent case-back, the Fleurier Ebauches Calibre CHOPARD 01.03-C takes on its full dimension in its sparkling gemstone cloak.
Gold and diamonds…
The 40 mm cases in 18-carat white or rose gold are entirely paved with diamonds and appear like an extension of the dials, which are also diamond-set and only touched upon by the elegant dagger-shaped hour and minutes hands that elegantly move over the face of the watch.
In its white gold
version, the dial, case and crown of the Imperiale are entirely paved
with baguette-cut diamonds. This luminous environment is punctuated
solely by blue transferred Chopard and “Swiss Made” inscriptions
appearing beneath the sapphire crystal.
In its rose gold version, the brilliant-cut diamonds adorning the lightly curved case and dial rub elegant shoulders with the baguette-cut diamonds on the bezel, while the rose gold Roman numerals and appliques accentuate this delicately woven motif.
Case
· 18ct white or rose gold
· Total diameter 40.00 mm
· Thickness 10.60 mm
· Water resistant to 50 metres
· 18ct white or rose gold crown set with brilliant- or baguette-cut diamonds
· Glareproofed sapphire crystal on front and back
· Lugs set with 4 oval diamonds
Movement
· Mechanical self-winding CHOPARD 01.03-C
· Total diameter 28.80 mm
· Number of jewels 27
· Power reserve 60 hours
· 1 barrel
· Frequency 28,800 vph
Dial and hands
· 18ct white or rose gold dial set with baguette- or brilliant-cut dial
· Gold-toned hour-markers or no hour-markers at all
· Gold-toned or rhodiumed hour and minute hands
Functions and Displays
· Central hour and minute display
Strap and buckle
· Alligator leather strap
· 18ct white or rose gold pin buckle set with brilliant- or baguette-cut diamonds
Ref. 384239-5003 – In 18ct rose gold set with baguette- and brilliant-cut diamonds
Ref. 384240-1001 – In 18ct white gold set with baguette-cut diamonds
This message has been edited by Kong on 2011-04-04 06:55:07
The first CHOPARD movement
The Imperiale Full Set is the very first watch in the Chopard collections to house a movement entirely developed and produced in the Fleurier Ebauches workshops owned by the Chopard group and located in the Neuchâtel Jura. In doing so, it displays the substantial advancement of the vertical integration process undertaken by Chopard in recent years. Code-named calibre CHOPARD 01.03-C, the beating heart of the Imperiale Full Set beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hertz), while its barrel ensures a 60-hour power reserve.
This range of characteristics ensures the reliability, performance and precision of this new mechanical self-winding movement. Nestling at the heart of the Imperiale Full Set and visible through the transparent case-back, the Fleurier Ebauches Calibre CHOPARD 01.03-C takes on its full dimension in its sparkling gemstone cloak.
Gold and diamonds…
The 40 mm cases in 18-carat white or rose gold are entirely paved with diamonds and appear like an extension of the dials, which are also diamond-set and only touched upon by the elegant dagger-shaped hour and minutes hands that elegantly move over the face of the watch.
In its rose gold version, the brilliant-cut diamonds adorning the lightly curved case and dial rub elegant shoulders with the baguette-cut diamonds on the bezel, while the rose gold Roman numerals and appliques accentuate this delicately woven motif.
Technical Details
Case
· 18ct white or rose gold
· Total diameter 40.00 mm
· Thickness 10.60 mm
· Water resistant to 50 metres
· 18ct white or rose gold crown set with brilliant- or baguette-cut diamonds
· Glareproofed sapphire crystal on front and back
· Lugs set with 4 oval diamonds
Movement
· Mechanical self-winding CHOPARD 01.03-C
· Total diameter 28.80 mm
· Number of jewels 27
· Power reserve 60 hours
· 1 barrel
· Frequency 28,800 vph
Dial and hands
· 18ct white or rose gold dial set with baguette- or brilliant-cut dial
· Gold-toned hour-markers or no hour-markers at all
· Gold-toned or rhodiumed hour and minute hands
Functions and Displays
· Central hour and minute display
Strap and buckle
· Alligator leather strap
· 18ct white or rose gold pin buckle set with brilliant- or baguette-cut diamonds
Ref. 384239-5003 – In 18ct rose gold set with baguette- and brilliant-cut diamonds
Ref. 384240-1001 – In 18ct white gold set with baguette-cut diamonds
Press Release
This message has been edited by Kong on 2011-04-04 06:55:07
Imperial Two-Tone and Dainty 28mm
This was announced as the Pre-Basel 2011 at this link. Reposted below with the add-on of a 28mm :
The new IMPERIALE collection from Chopard, quintessence of style and elegance, welcomes a newcomer: the rose gold and steel Imperiale. For this new reinterpretation of the brand’s famous 1990s model, the House designers have drawn inspiration from refined, dynamic and natural women with strong personalities who appreciate the discreet luxury of extremely beautiful objects.
Beneath its understated appearance, the IMPERIALE conceals a wealth of rare and precious details. Many of them, such as the typical lug covers, have been entirely redesigned. The splendours of the imperial age are expressed through this sculptural timepiece. The delicately engraved mother-of-pearl dial base evokes the embroidered cushions on which monarchs used to place their insignia. It is encircled by golden Roman numerals representing resolutely “imperial” symbols marking off the hours. The finely curved golden hands are reminiscent of tapered daggers used by sovereigns in combat, while the lotus-shaped crown adorned with a tiny amethyst briolette-cut cabochon is fitted on a case-middle with pure, uncluttered sides enhancing the ethereally light and luminous appeal of this model. The delicate royal purple shade of the stones echoes the colour of the transfers on the watch dial as well as the Chopard signature.
This new IMPERIALE radiates an aura of timeless chic embodying a subtle alliance between simplicity and majesty, sophistication and sensuality. Available in 28mm, 36 mm and 40 mm, diamond-set or all-polished, equipped with a quartz movement for the small model or self-winding for the big one and fitted with a rose gold and steel bracelet or an alligator strap, this bicolor IMPERIALE thus appears in a variety of versions appealing to the most demanding women to accompany them on all occasions.
Ref. 388532-6002, Imperiale Two-Tone watch, 18ct rose gold and steel, 36mm
36mm 18ct rose gold and steel watch from the “Imperiale” collection. Silvered dial, quartz movement, water-resistant to 50 metres. 18ct Rose gold and steel bracelet.
Ref. 384238-5003, Imperiale watch, rose gold 18ct, 28mm
28mm 18ct rose gold watch from the “Imperiale” collection. Mother-of-pearl dial, diamond-set bezel, quartz movement, water-resistant to 50 metres. Shiny brown alligator leather strap with 18ct rose gold pin buckle.
Ref. 388541-3001, Imperiale watch, steel, 28mm
28mm steel watch from the “Imperiale” collection. Silvered dial, quartz movement, water-resistant to 50 metres. Shiny black alligator leather strap with steel pin buckle.
The new IMPERIALE collection from Chopard, quintessence of style and elegance, welcomes a newcomer: the rose gold and steel Imperiale. For this new reinterpretation of the brand’s famous 1990s model, the House designers have drawn inspiration from refined, dynamic and natural women with strong personalities who appreciate the discreet luxury of extremely beautiful objects.
Beneath its understated appearance, the IMPERIALE conceals a wealth of rare and precious details. Many of them, such as the typical lug covers, have been entirely redesigned. The splendours of the imperial age are expressed through this sculptural timepiece. The delicately engraved mother-of-pearl dial base evokes the embroidered cushions on which monarchs used to place their insignia. It is encircled by golden Roman numerals representing resolutely “imperial” symbols marking off the hours. The finely curved golden hands are reminiscent of tapered daggers used by sovereigns in combat, while the lotus-shaped crown adorned with a tiny amethyst briolette-cut cabochon is fitted on a case-middle with pure, uncluttered sides enhancing the ethereally light and luminous appeal of this model. The delicate royal purple shade of the stones echoes the colour of the transfers on the watch dial as well as the Chopard signature.
This new IMPERIALE radiates an aura of timeless chic embodying a subtle alliance between simplicity and majesty, sophistication and sensuality. Available in 28mm, 36 mm and 40 mm, diamond-set or all-polished, equipped with a quartz movement for the small model or self-winding for the big one and fitted with a rose gold and steel bracelet or an alligator strap, this bicolor IMPERIALE thus appears in a variety of versions appealing to the most demanding women to accompany them on all occasions.
Ref. 388532-6002, Imperiale Two-Tone watch, 18ct rose gold and steel, 36mm
36mm 18ct rose gold and steel watch from the “Imperiale” collection. Silvered dial, quartz movement, water-resistant to 50 metres. 18ct Rose gold and steel bracelet.
Ref. 384238-5003, Imperiale watch, rose gold 18ct, 28mm
28mm 18ct rose gold watch from the “Imperiale” collection. Mother-of-pearl dial, diamond-set bezel, quartz movement, water-resistant to 50 metres. Shiny brown alligator leather strap with 18ct rose gold pin buckle.
Ref. 388541-3001, Imperiale watch, steel, 28mm
28mm steel watch from the “Imperiale” collection. Silvered dial, quartz movement, water-resistant to 50 metres. Shiny black alligator leather strap with steel pin buckle.
Press Release
This message has been edited by Kong on 2011-04-04 03:09:18
Happy Sport Oval
Since its launch in 1993, the Happy Sport collection has enjoyed
unwavering success. The numerous versions of this sporty and elegant
watch have made it one of Chopard’s star models. This year, the
Geneva-based House is reinventing this great classic and presenting the
Happy Sport Oval.
The Happy Sport watch, a sporting interpretation of the famous Happy Diamonds concept, never fails to charm. Contemporary, urban, sophisticated, exuberant and daring, it lends itself to all manners of flattery. Pursuing the constant renewal of this must-have model, Chopard now presents the new Happy Sport Oval. This extremely feminine watch features a new case with modern proportions, displaying even more elegant and ergonomic lines. Its slimmer size, along with its sleek, pure lines and its resolutely streamlined silhouette, suffuse this precious timepiece with unmistakable sensuality. Seven playful moving diamonds whirl and twirl around its dial. This object of desire encapsulates today’s woman, surpassing its role as a mere accessory, instead reflecting the beauty of life and movement.
A love story
Since its launch in 1993, the Chopard woman has developed emotional ties with the Happy Sport Collection. Under the dynamic influence of Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele, it has enjoyed ever growing success, and the creator of the model has a pretty good idea why: “Happy Sport is about what happens when jewellery meets watchmaking, both of which are the very core of Chopard expertise. The watches in this line are daring, contemporary and easy to wear. In the same way as a wardrobe ‘basic’, a Happy Sport watch enlivens a figure, enhancing and highlighting a woman without concealing her. The new oval model is in fact the epitome of a modern-day precious, elegant and classic object.”
Ref. 275350-5001, Happy Sport Oval, 18ct rose gold
18ct Rose gold watch for the “Happy Sport” collection, white dial, 7 mobile diamonds, 1 sapphire set on crown, water-resistant to 50 metres, quartz movement. Shiny brown alligator leather strap with 18ct rose gold pin buckle.
This message has been edited by Kong on 2011-04-04 06:55:54
The Happy Sport watch, a sporting interpretation of the famous Happy Diamonds concept, never fails to charm. Contemporary, urban, sophisticated, exuberant and daring, it lends itself to all manners of flattery. Pursuing the constant renewal of this must-have model, Chopard now presents the new Happy Sport Oval. This extremely feminine watch features a new case with modern proportions, displaying even more elegant and ergonomic lines. Its slimmer size, along with its sleek, pure lines and its resolutely streamlined silhouette, suffuse this precious timepiece with unmistakable sensuality. Seven playful moving diamonds whirl and twirl around its dial. This object of desire encapsulates today’s woman, surpassing its role as a mere accessory, instead reflecting the beauty of life and movement.
A love story
Since its launch in 1993, the Chopard woman has developed emotional ties with the Happy Sport Collection. Under the dynamic influence of Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele, it has enjoyed ever growing success, and the creator of the model has a pretty good idea why: “Happy Sport is about what happens when jewellery meets watchmaking, both of which are the very core of Chopard expertise. The watches in this line are daring, contemporary and easy to wear. In the same way as a wardrobe ‘basic’, a Happy Sport watch enlivens a figure, enhancing and highlighting a woman without concealing her. The new oval model is in fact the epitome of a modern-day precious, elegant and classic object.”
Ref. 275350-5001, Happy Sport Oval, 18ct rose gold
18ct Rose gold watch for the “Happy Sport” collection, white dial, 7 mobile diamonds, 1 sapphire set on crown, water-resistant to 50 metres, quartz movement. Shiny brown alligator leather strap with 18ct rose gold pin buckle.
Press Release
This message has been edited by Kong on 2011-04-04 06:55:54
Mille Miglia Racing in Pink
For over twenty years, Chopard has been partnering the legendary Mille
Miglia, a historical car race that takes drivers from Brescia to Rome
and from Rome to Brescia. Each new edition of the competition also
provides an opportunity for the Geneva-based company to present an
original timepiece. The Mille Miglia vividly symbolises Chopard’s
sporting spirit and has become a watchmaking classic. Immediately
recognisable thanks to its rubber strap featuring the 1960s Dunlop
Racing tyre-tread motif, it is annually reinvented to the delight of
collectors.
As of 2011, women are officially invited to join this circle of devotees, since Chopard is introducing a feminine version that dares to sport a vivid pink shade!
The first Mille Miglia watch was presented in 1988, marking the birth of one of the most iconic watch collections from the House of Chopard. Since then, every year at the time of the race, collectors and enthusiasts eagerly await the launch of the “new” Mille Miglia. The successive models enchant admirers by their innovative design and the materials used in making them. Like classic cars, Chopard watches embody fine craftsmanship through exceptional mechanisms and outstanding performances. Aptly named Racing in Pink, the newcomer to the Mille Miglia line immediately sets the tone: joy and femininity are the order of the day! In revisiting the myth, the latest addition to the collection highlights charm and originality while remaining true to the very essence of Mille Miglia models: a decidedly sporting appearance combined with tried and trusted precision.
Equipped with a steel case as generously sized as that of its masculine alter ego (44 mm in diameter), this new monochrome model brings a fanciful yet controlled touch to the Mille Miglia collection. Whoever said women have no place in motor sports? While delightfully flashy and resolutely feminine thanks to its varnished pink dial, the Mille Miglia Racing in Pink nonetheless faithfully reflects the world that inspired it through a variety of nods to the racing theme. These include maintaining the collection’s signature features such as the red colour of the central sweep-seconds hands and the minute markings, along with the famous red and white arrow-shaped Mille Miglia emblem.
Every inch as technically impeccable as its illustrious predecessors, the Mille Miglia Racing in Pink is water-resistant to 100 metres. It houses a mechanical self-winding movement visible through the open case-back and beating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Chronometer-certified by the COSC, this calibre has a 46-hour power reserve and drives the hour, minute, seconds and date functions.
The Mille Miglia Racing in Pink steel watch is issued in a limited edition of 1,000, and a version with a diamond-set bezel is also available in a 250-piece limited series.
Case
· Steel
· Total diameter 44.00 mm
· Thickness 14.36 mm
· Water resistance 100 metres
· Glareproofed sapphire crystal with integrated magnifying lens on front
· Steel crown with Mille Miglia arrow logo
· Glareproofed sapphire crystal with Racing In Pink transfer on back
· Plain or diamond-set bezel
Movement
· Mechanical self winding movement
· Total diameter 37.20 mm
· Winding automatic
· Number of jewels 24
· Power reserve 46 hours
· Frequency 28,800 vph
· Chronometer-certified (COSC)
Dial and hands
· Pink varnished dial
· Superluminova-enhanced rhodiumed hour and minute hands and hour-markers,
· Rhodiumed central seconds hand, red arrow
Functions and displays
· Central hour minute and second display
· Date window at 3 o’clock
Strap and buckle
· Pink rubber strap (1960s Dunlop Racing tyre-read motif)
· Steel pin buckle
Ref. 178997-3001 – Diamond-set 250-piece limited edition
Ref. 168997-3024 – 1,000-piece limited edition
This message has been edited by Kong on 2011-04-04 06:54:33
As of 2011, women are officially invited to join this circle of devotees, since Chopard is introducing a feminine version that dares to sport a vivid pink shade!
The first Mille Miglia watch was presented in 1988, marking the birth of one of the most iconic watch collections from the House of Chopard. Since then, every year at the time of the race, collectors and enthusiasts eagerly await the launch of the “new” Mille Miglia. The successive models enchant admirers by their innovative design and the materials used in making them. Like classic cars, Chopard watches embody fine craftsmanship through exceptional mechanisms and outstanding performances. Aptly named Racing in Pink, the newcomer to the Mille Miglia line immediately sets the tone: joy and femininity are the order of the day! In revisiting the myth, the latest addition to the collection highlights charm and originality while remaining true to the very essence of Mille Miglia models: a decidedly sporting appearance combined with tried and trusted precision.
Equipped with a steel case as generously sized as that of its masculine alter ego (44 mm in diameter), this new monochrome model brings a fanciful yet controlled touch to the Mille Miglia collection. Whoever said women have no place in motor sports? While delightfully flashy and resolutely feminine thanks to its varnished pink dial, the Mille Miglia Racing in Pink nonetheless faithfully reflects the world that inspired it through a variety of nods to the racing theme. These include maintaining the collection’s signature features such as the red colour of the central sweep-seconds hands and the minute markings, along with the famous red and white arrow-shaped Mille Miglia emblem.
Every inch as technically impeccable as its illustrious predecessors, the Mille Miglia Racing in Pink is water-resistant to 100 metres. It houses a mechanical self-winding movement visible through the open case-back and beating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Chronometer-certified by the COSC, this calibre has a 46-hour power reserve and drives the hour, minute, seconds and date functions.
The Mille Miglia Racing in Pink steel watch is issued in a limited edition of 1,000, and a version with a diamond-set bezel is also available in a 250-piece limited series.
Technical details
Case
· Steel
· Total diameter 44.00 mm
· Thickness 14.36 mm
· Water resistance 100 metres
· Glareproofed sapphire crystal with integrated magnifying lens on front
· Steel crown with Mille Miglia arrow logo
· Glareproofed sapphire crystal with Racing In Pink transfer on back
· Plain or diamond-set bezel
Movement
· Mechanical self winding movement
· Total diameter 37.20 mm
· Winding automatic
· Number of jewels 24
· Power reserve 46 hours
· Frequency 28,800 vph
· Chronometer-certified (COSC)
Dial and hands
· Pink varnished dial
· Superluminova-enhanced rhodiumed hour and minute hands and hour-markers,
· Rhodiumed central seconds hand, red arrow
Functions and displays
· Central hour minute and second display
· Date window at 3 o’clock
Strap and buckle
· Pink rubber strap (1960s Dunlop Racing tyre-read motif)
· Steel pin buckle
Ref. 178997-3001 – Diamond-set 250-piece limited edition
Ref. 168997-3024 – 1,000-piece limited edition
Press Release
This message has been edited by Kong on 2011-04-04 06:54:33
Animal World Collection ( Included a video of Yellow Duck ring)
Launched to celebrate Chopard’s 150th anniversary, this Haute Joaillerie
collection aroused such tremendous enthusiasm – as much among devotees
of rare jewels, as well as with the designers and artisans who worked to
create them – that Chopard has decided to prolong the pleasure… To
everyone’s delight, the company will thus be continuing its
extraordinary journey through the animal kingdom, inviting new species
to join the party and continuing to explore this world of mystery,
playfulness and infinite beauty that has earned it such universal
acclaim. This extension of the collection also serves as a reminder of
the jeweller’s commitment to nature conservation
Drawing upon the creativity, sensitivity and skill of all those involved, from the designer through to the polisher, the making of this unique collection represents an impressive sum of technical and hand-crafted features and a profusion of ideas backed by in-depth research.
While gold and diamonds are highlighted in many models, various more unexpected materials and gemstones such as pearls, moonstones, red gold and precious wood have been enlisted in giving vibrant life to the multi-coloured exuberance of nature imagined by Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele and her team of designers. Alternately realistic, imaginary, or humorous, these new animal interpretations are often clothed in shimmering colours – witness the adorable little revolving duck ring featuring a clever blend of precious and fine gemstones. Sparkling with yellow diamonds and orange sapphires, the creation reminds of a child’s rubber ring appearing to be floating playfully across a blue topaz swimming pool. This aquatic allusion is beautifully reconstituted by the Paraiba tourmalines, amethysts and lazulites covering the body of the ring.
A short video of the adorable Yellow Duck Ring
The models in the Animal World Collection are more than just splendid pieces of jewellery: They are miniature paintings telling extraordinary tales. To ensure they are as wonderful to look at as they are pleasant to wear, the artisans push the limits of their expertise by combining traditional skills such as lacquering, gem setting, pearl weaving and gemstone sculptures with more modern technologies such as 3D modelling and titanium casting.
The peacock bracelet alone, one of the stellar new models, called for hundreds of hours of study and work. The delicate tail of the proud winged creature appears to wrap itself endlessly around the wrist like a feather-light piece of lacework. Covered with around 50 small tapering feathers, the underlying structure and the clasp of the bangle remain completely invisible. Completely adorning the bird with 7,500 stones called for the use of 0.5 mm Paraiba tourmalines, tsavorites and emeralds – a size that is virtually impossible to find.
Each animal to be created represents a new challenge for the goldsmiths, rhodium specialists, chainmakers and gem setters. Thanks to their exceptional jewellery-making mastery based upon deriving the best possible advantage from shapes, colours and materials, the artisans labouring in the Chopard workshops manage to give life to the animals they shape by endowing them with distinctive gestures, expressions and emotions. The larger than life bear-cub ring was first sculpted in wax before being cast in gold. A jewellery prototype-maker than patiently fashioned and worked on creating the delightfully clumsy gait of the small mammal. Initially available in a “polar bear” version, this charming animal now appears clothed in a warm coat of brown diamonds set on rose gold.
The equally irresistible Owl watch, which won the Jewellery Watch Award in the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix, appears this year in a vivid pink colour. Mounted on a fuchsia-pink strap, this model blessed with extreme aesthetics now comes in versions featuring trapeze-cut rubies and diamonds. Thus enhanced in shades of pink and purple, the gaze of this stoical great horned owl is more mesmerising than ever.
With a jewel like this one the wrist, even telling the time might entail crossing the border into the world of dreams… And isn’t Chopard’s ultimate jewellery vocation precisely about creating dreams?
This message has been edited by Kong on 2011-05-14 19:54:03
Drawing upon the creativity, sensitivity and skill of all those involved, from the designer through to the polisher, the making of this unique collection represents an impressive sum of technical and hand-crafted features and a profusion of ideas backed by in-depth research.
While gold and diamonds are highlighted in many models, various more unexpected materials and gemstones such as pearls, moonstones, red gold and precious wood have been enlisted in giving vibrant life to the multi-coloured exuberance of nature imagined by Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele and her team of designers. Alternately realistic, imaginary, or humorous, these new animal interpretations are often clothed in shimmering colours – witness the adorable little revolving duck ring featuring a clever blend of precious and fine gemstones. Sparkling with yellow diamonds and orange sapphires, the creation reminds of a child’s rubber ring appearing to be floating playfully across a blue topaz swimming pool. This aquatic allusion is beautifully reconstituted by the Paraiba tourmalines, amethysts and lazulites covering the body of the ring.
A short video of the adorable Yellow Duck Ring
The models in the Animal World Collection are more than just splendid pieces of jewellery: They are miniature paintings telling extraordinary tales. To ensure they are as wonderful to look at as they are pleasant to wear, the artisans push the limits of their expertise by combining traditional skills such as lacquering, gem setting, pearl weaving and gemstone sculptures with more modern technologies such as 3D modelling and titanium casting.
The peacock bracelet alone, one of the stellar new models, called for hundreds of hours of study and work. The delicate tail of the proud winged creature appears to wrap itself endlessly around the wrist like a feather-light piece of lacework. Covered with around 50 small tapering feathers, the underlying structure and the clasp of the bangle remain completely invisible. Completely adorning the bird with 7,500 stones called for the use of 0.5 mm Paraiba tourmalines, tsavorites and emeralds – a size that is virtually impossible to find.
Each animal to be created represents a new challenge for the goldsmiths, rhodium specialists, chainmakers and gem setters. Thanks to their exceptional jewellery-making mastery based upon deriving the best possible advantage from shapes, colours and materials, the artisans labouring in the Chopard workshops manage to give life to the animals they shape by endowing them with distinctive gestures, expressions and emotions. The larger than life bear-cub ring was first sculpted in wax before being cast in gold. A jewellery prototype-maker than patiently fashioned and worked on creating the delightfully clumsy gait of the small mammal. Initially available in a “polar bear” version, this charming animal now appears clothed in a warm coat of brown diamonds set on rose gold.
The equally irresistible Owl watch, which won the Jewellery Watch Award in the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix, appears this year in a vivid pink colour. Mounted on a fuchsia-pink strap, this model blessed with extreme aesthetics now comes in versions featuring trapeze-cut rubies and diamonds. Thus enhanced in shades of pink and purple, the gaze of this stoical great horned owl is more mesmerising than ever.
With a jewel like this one the wrist, even telling the time might entail crossing the border into the world of dreams… And isn’t Chopard’s ultimate jewellery vocation precisely about creating dreams?
Press Release
It's good to see Chopard branding the LUC range on the dials now
With the fantatsic work they put into the movements and with an equally fantastic if not better after sales service to boot, it'll really be a waste not to.
I hope they can sort out their design DNA (not to say that they move to marketing gimmicks on material play for cases) and do a bit more proactive marketing not like ROO or Bang but perhaps more along the Cartier and GO veins in the sense of being smaller, more focussed and intimate. For the kind of work they do with their movements and the associated investment, it'll be a waste not to leverage on the LUC range to complement their succesful jewelery business.
A good first step in what I think is defintiely the right direction.
oops.. this should have been posted in the main Basel 2011 Chopard report [nt]
No message body
Thanks for the observations ...
Indeed that is an important immediate step to communicate more to enlarge awareness for the L.U.Cs.
Kong
Kong