Haute horlogerie and joaillerie maison Chopard in its 2024 novelties has unveiled numerous creations that exhibit the marque’s mastery of watchmaking and jewellery. These include editions of the Imperiale, L’Heure du Diamant editions, and Haute Joaillerie masterpieces
Imperiale
These two new 36 millimetre-diameter models are crafted in ethical 18k white or rose gold with diamond-set bezel, lug covers, cabochons and crown. The collection’s customary design codes –dagger-type hands, lotus-flower crown, ancient column-like lugs – are present. On the rose gold version, the rose gold dial is entirely covered with dainty blue mother-of-pearl. A raised pink gold decorative fillet traces the iconic arabesque motif while forming a subtle floral pattern. Alternating padparadscha sapphires and delicate flowers graced with pink mother-of-pearl petals and diamond hearts stud the dial.
In the white gold version, a magnificent deep blue-green enamel is rimmed by a raised white gold decorative fillet forming graceful arabesques filled with white enamel. Padparadscha sapphires and pink mother-of-pearl flowers complete this delightful picture. This magnificent craftsmanship is complemented by the Imperiale alligator leather straps and dagger-shaped hands. Visible through the transparent case back, the Chopard 96.17-C movement is equipped with Chopard Twin technology with a double barrel, providing a generous 65-hour power reserve. At just 3.3 mm thick, this 167-component calibre is ideally suited to the exquisitely feminine, dainty Imperiale watch.
L’Heure du Diamant
With L’Heure du Diamant, Chopard masterfully captures the beauty of diamonds. The collection is enriched by a 26 mm-diameter jewellery watch in ethical gold, richly set with diamonds, adorned with dial in textured mother-of-pearl or in malachite, fitted with a bark-style bracelet crafted from gold sculpted using an in-house technique. The absolute purity of the diamond is majestically highlighted by an emblematic gem-setting technique called crown setting, which exalts the beauty of each stone by allowing the light to blaze through. This ribbon composed of more than two carats of brilliant-cut diamonds encircling the case lights up a dainty dial in textured mother-of-pearl or malachite set with 12 brilliant-cut diamonds. Beating at the heart of the watch is a mechanical manual-winding Chopard 10.01-C movement driving the hours and minutes indications, with a 45-hour power reserve. Measuring 15.70 mm in diameter and only 2.90 mm thick, this brand-new in-house movement is one of the daintiest and slimmest to date and was entirely developed and produced within the Maison’s workshops in Fleurier, Switzerland.
L’Heure du Diamant
This is the collection’s first watch to feature an octagonal case. Its strong lines and perfectly mastered proportions were inspired by historical 1960s timepieces and the powerful design embodies the quintessence of how marrying vintage with present-day vibes can bring a contemporary yet timeless touch. At the centre of these 32 mm-diameter octagons, mother-of-pearl and malachite dials add both softness and a hint of classicism. This new case shape is enhanced by a unique gem-setting technique known as crown setting. Epitomising masterful craftsmanship, the crown setting features V-shaped prongs – invented by Karl Scheufele – enabling light to reach the diamonds with as little interference as possible. The watch case thus vanishes beneath a diamond coronet, surrounding the dial with a glittering, over 4k halo. Only the purest, most luminous diamonds are chosen by Chopard to adorn its creations. For L’Heure du Diamant, Karin Scheufele now oversees the choice of stones that will adorn the watches so dear to her heart. The three new L’Heure du Diamant models beat to the rhythm of the Chopard 09.01-C movement and its 42-hour power reserve; a self-winding movement entirely designed, developed, and assembled in the Fleurier watchmaking workshops.
Haute Joaillerie
Jewellery watches are particularly coveted treasures amid the perpetual wonderment pervading the Chopard Haute Joaillerie workshops and these now reach a new pinnacle in two new models entirely embellished with diamonds and sapphires. Designers, gemmologists, lapidaries, model-makers, sculptors, polishers, gem-setters, and watchmakers are just some of the exceptional artisans who devoted their skills to crafting these two jewellery masterpieces born of Caroline Scheufele’s fertile imagination. The production cycle involved over 400 hours of fine workmanship lavished on each of these models. Each watch sparkles with a treasure trove of more than 1,000 precious stones, generous fruits of the Earth carefully selected for their perfect colour, clarity, and sparkle, then assembled in a precious Fairmined-certified ethical 18k white gold structured according to a signature design emblematic of Chopard Haute Joaillerie. This graceful and symmetrical precious lace pattern embodies the skilful orchestration of different gem sizes and shapes: a three-way conversation between Nature, Haute Joaillerie and Haute Couture giving rise to a timeless jewel sculpting the allure of contemporary women.
