Chopard - History, Models and Owners' Reviews

Founded in 1860 in Sonvilier, Switzerland, by Louis-Ulysse Chopard, the brand Chopard has evolved into one of the most influential players in the luxury watch and jewelry industry. Initially specializing in pocket watches and chronometers, the company has gone through several changes in ownership and management, the most notable being its purchase by the Scheufele family in 1963. Since then, Chopard has grown into a global brand offering a full range of luxury watches, jewelry, and accessories.

The brand's turn toward luxury watches occurred in the 1980s with the Happy Diamonds series, which revolutionized the style of the women's wristwatch. The 1990s saw the introduction of the Mille Miglia collection, rugged and sporty watches that captured the essence of classic motor racing. The L.U.C collection, named in honor of Chopard's founder, was launched in 1996 and represents the pinnacle of the brand's watchmaking complication and precision.

What are the emblematic watches of the Chopard brand?

Chopard Happy Diamonds

It is the result of a creative daring that saw the light of day in 1976. The watches in this collection are often characterized by free diamonds "floating" between two transparent sapphires above the dial, creating a scintillating spectacle and an impression of lightness. The cases of these watches are frequently fashioned in white gold, rose gold or platinum, often encrusted with additional diamonds to accentuate the luxury. What truly sets the Happy Diamonds collection apart is Chopard's ability to marry meticulous craftsmanship with a deep sense of joy and humor. The movement is often quartz, due to the complexity of the design which requires little space.

Chopard Mille Miglia

As mentioned previously, the collection Chopard Mille Miglia is closely linked to the world of motorsport, more particularly to the eponymous race in Italy. Launched for the first time in 1988, it is the result of a long relationship between Chopard and this famous automobile race. These watches often feature chronographs, reflecting their connection to the world of motorsport. Rubber straps, mimicking the tread of racing car tires, add to the sporty aesthetic. With water resistance up to 100 meters and self-winding movements, these watches are designed for active and adventurous individuals.

Chopard Alpine Eagle

The collection Chopard Alpine Eagle is relatively new to Chopard's portfolio, but it has quickly gained notoriety for its elegant design and robust performance. The case is made of stainless steel or precious metal and features a design inspired by the plumage of an eagle. When it comes to waterproofing, these watches are designed to withstand the elements, making the collection suitable for an active lifestyle. The bracelet is often made of metal to match the case, reinforcing the sporty and elegant look of the watch. In terms of movement, the Alpine Eagle generally has an automatic mechanical movement, ensuring precision and reliability. The dial is often adorned with textured designs, adding another layer of sophistication to the whole thing.

Chopard L.U.C

It represents the pinnacle of watchmaking craftsmanship at Chopard. Named in honor of the company's founder, Louis-Ulysse Chopard, this range embodies excellence in design and technique. The cases are usually made of gold or platinum, metals that not only add a touch of luxury but also increase the longevity of the watch. Watches Chopard L.U.C are famous for their complex mechanical movements, often developed and manufactured in-house. This can range from a sophisticated chronograph to a tourbillon, including complications like the perpetual calendar and equations of time. The dial, often made of enamel or decorated with guilloche patterns, is a masterpiece in itself, as is the high-quality leather strap that completes these extraordinary watches.

Chopard Happy Sport

Launched in 1993, this collection marked a turning point in watchmaking by being one of the first to combine diamonds with stainless steel, a material previously considered less precious. The innovative concept also lies in the movement of the diamonds on the dial, taking up the theme of “happy” diamonds from the Happy Diamonds collection. Steel cases, sometimes embellished with gold or precious stones, provide water resistance that suits an active lifestyle. Bracelets come in a variety of materials, from stainless steel to leather. As for movement, the Happy Sport collection offers quartz and mechanical models, catering to a wide range of preferences.

How much does a Chopard watch cost?

The prices of new Chopard watches change regularly and vary depending on the model. For example, a Chopard Happy Sport is sold 4,830 €, while a Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 XPS costs 24,400 €. The second-hand or vintage market is also an opportunity to look at to get a cheaper Chopard. Be careful, buying a vintage Chopard presents some risks that must be carefully understood, starting by confirming that the seller is known and recognized for selling this type of watch.

Chopard: The sporting spirit of our times

Chopard is a brand that has succeeded in combining cutting-edge watchmaking mastery with a deep sense of style and beauty. Whether you're looking for a sporty watch with a story or a luxurious feminine watch adorned with diamonds, Chopard has something to offer everyone.

Chopard is an independent family business owned by the Scheufele family and produces approximately 36,000 watches per year of all models. For more information on Chopard watches, the official website is a great resource. And to get a variety of views and opinions, Dialicious owners’ reviews are invaluable. Selecting a Chopard watch is a thoughtful decision, and these resources can help you make the choice that's best for you.

(Updated December 2023)