The Laings Journal
Chopard is a Maison that embodies ‘joie de vivre’. Their playful, yet bold jewellery designs and handsome timepieces have a style that’s completely unique. Here we explore the story behind the celebrated family brand.
The luxury watch and jewellery Maison, Chopard are world-renowned, with their reliable wristwatches and charming jewellery collections capturing the hearts of thousands. With family at their core, they are a brand that put passion behind everything they do. We take a closer look at the world of Chopard and the characteristics that make them truly unique.
The Beginning of Chopard
The story begins in 1860 with Louis-Ulysse Chopard, the founder of the luxury brand. He was the son of a farmer from Sonvilier, and at the age of 24, he became a notable artisan watchmaker. He created works of art with innovative designs, building precise and reliable chronometers and pocket watches. His work was so admired that early on he even exported to illustrious places, such as the court of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia. The timekeeping of his watches was so superb that he quickly became the official provider of watches for «Tir Fédéral» and the Swiss Railway Company. The legend of the Chopard watch was born.
In 1915 his son, Paul-Louis took over and in 1937 he relocated the company to the international watchmaking centre, Geneva. However, the after-war period proved challenging for the company, and none of the next generation wanted to take over the business. This led to the sale of the company to Karl Scheufele, a goldsmith and watchmaker, who build the brand up again into the Chopard that is so coveted and prized today.
The Passion of a Family
Chopard is one of the last family-run watchmaking and jewellery companies, with the Scheufele family still at the helm. Family is therefore what defines the luxury brand and is part of an identity that has been forged over time. It is this unique ‘family spirit’ that differentiates them.
Karl and his wife Karin have been instrumental to its success and their children, Caroline and Karl-Friedrich have played an active part in the company since the 1980s. They each bring their personalities to the brand and some of the pieces are based on their passions. Caroline is responsible for the development of their jewellery offering, experimenting with fabulous gemstones and unique pieces. Their innovative approach to jewellery led to the dancing diamonds that can be seen in the Chopard Happy Diamonds collection and a Chopard Happy Diamonds ring is a joy to behold. They are also a stand-out feature of a Chopard ladies watch. Karl-Friedrich, on the other hand, was passionate about racing cars and developed sports watches, as well as the Chopard Manufacture in Fleurier which produces the L.U.C movements. This love can be seen in the introduction of the Chopard Mille Miglia, a coveted Chopard men's watch.
The Importance of Artisan Craftsmanship
The personnel are the beating heart of the company, and their top priority is to train their artisans to the highest level. They work to constantly improve their production processes and the multiple specialized skills are cultivated, updated and passed on to guarantee the highest quality.
Chopard is able to draw on a vast reservoir of in-house expertise and experience. Today, more than 50 skills have been mastered within the workshops of the Maison, including some of the rarest and most complex. Having mastered the artisanal skills of watch and jewellery making they can be more innovative with their creative expression, combining this with their quest for excellence and ensuring the highest standard of quality.
Creating Joie de Vivre
Chopard creations have a fun-loving nature to them and bring a certain life to luxury jewellery and watches. They encapsulate the delight of life and the moments of happiness that we can all celebrate. Their designs are all unique, combining joy, creativity and luxury, to produce a distinctive character that is filled with emotion.
From the dancing diamonds that have become iconic, to the handsome watches that pay homage to life in the fast lane, every Chopard creation tells its own story. They combine elegance with a hint of playfulness and are bold with a truly unique spirit. Chopard understands that little diamonds can do great things, and the emotions that each piece invokes is unforgettable.
Whether it's a special Chopard ring for a style-setter, a handsome and precise timepiece or a Chopard Happy Sport wristwatch any piece from this daring brand would make the perfect gift to be treasured forever.
SHOP CHOPARD WATCHES
SHOP CHOPARD JEWELLERY
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