Since its inception in 1860, Chopard has been a pioneer in the world of jewellery watches, blending the elegance of fine jewellery with the precision of Swiss watchmaking. The Maison’s journey, fueled by the Scheufele family’s passion for luxury and craftsmanship, has revolutionized the way we perceive luxury timepieces.
The Early Years: Crafting Timeless Elegance
Chopard’s history began with Louis-Ulysse Chopard in 1860, but it was in 1904 when Karl Scheufele I established his own jewellery watch manufacture, Eszeha, that the foundation for Chopard’s expertise in luxury watches was laid. Influenced by the Belle Epoque era, Karl’s creations combined platinum with delicate designs, and he introduced innovative features like the wristwatch-clip in 1912.
A New Era with the Scheufele Family
The Scheufele family’s acquisition of Chopard in 1963 marked a turning point in the company’s history. Under the leadership of Karl Scheufele III, Chopard’s jewellery watches gained worldwide recognition for their impeccable craftsmanship. In the 1970s, Chopard’s bold designs, such as the Concord watch, showcased a unique fusion of ornamental stone dials, sculptural bracelets, and Swiss precision.
Pushing Boundaries: The Chopardissimo and L’Heure du Diamant
Chopard’s commitment to innovation continued in the 1990s, when they created the world’s most precious watch, the Chopardissimo, adorned with 874 diamonds. The L’Heure du Diamant collection, launched in 2012, solidified Chopard’s status as the leader in jewellery watches, earning multiple accolades including the Jewellery Watch Prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.
Sustainable Luxury and Technological Advancements
In 2018, Chopard made a bold commitment to sustainable luxury, becoming the first luxury watch and jewellery Maison to use 100% ethical gold in its creations. In 2024, Chopard unveiled the 10.01-C calibre, the smallest and thinnest in-house movement ever created, further cementing their status as the masters of watchmaking.
2025: A New Chapter in Chopard’s Jewellery Watch Legacy
In 2025, Chopard introduces a moonphase complication to the L’Heure du Diamant collection, marking a new chapter in the Maison’s mechanical evolution. The year also sees the launch of a travelling exhibition showcasing over 15 exceptional diamond-set timepieces. With its continued innovation and dedication to craftsmanship, Chopard remains the epitome of luxury and artistry in the world of jewellery watches.
