Company Overview
Founded in 1860 by Louis-Ulysse Chopard in Sonvilier, Switzerland, Chopard initially gained recognition for its precision pocket watches and chronometers. Over the years, it has established itself as a leading name in the luxury watch and jewelry industry, celebrated for its creative designs and exceptional craftsmanship.
In the early years, Chopard was primarily known for its reliable and accurate pocket watches and chronometers, often supplied to the Swiss Railway Company. Following Louis-Ulysse Chopard’s death, the company remained within the family until 1963, when it was sold to Karl Scheufele, a German watchmaker and jeweler. This acquisition marked the beginning of a new era for Chopard, combining Swiss precision with German manufacturing skills.
Under the leadership of the Scheufele family, Chopard started manufacturing jewelry and introduced several innovative collections. One of their landmark achievements was the Happy Diamonds watch, which featured freely moving diamonds between two transparent sapphire crystals. This concept was later extended to create the Happy Sport collection, offering sporty yet sophisticated timepieces with moving diamonds.
Chopard’s commitment to excellence and innovation is evident in its range of collections, including L.U.C, Mille Miglia, Happy Diamonds, Happy Sport, and Classic Racing. Each collection reflects a unique aspect of the brand’s ethos, from the artisanal mastery of the L.U.C line to the vibrant spirit of the Happy collections.
Furthermore, Chopard has taken significant strides towards sustainability and ethical sourcing. They’ve launched a ‘Journey to Sustainable Luxury,’ an ongoing commitment to sourcing responsibly mined gold for their timepieces and jewelry. This dedication to social responsibility sets Chopard apart in the luxury industry.
Over the years, Chopard’s creations have adorned various celebrities and have graced several high-profile events. The brand has a longstanding partnership with the Cannes Film Festival, providing the festival’s coveted Palme d’Or trophy. Additionally, figures such as Rihanna, Colin Firth, and Marion Cotillard have been associated with the brand, further enhancing its global image.
Today, Chopard remains a family-owned business, managed by Co-Presidents Caroline and Karl-Friedrich Scheufele. Their leadership continues to uphold Chopard’s tradition of excellence while propelling the brand towards new horizons in design, craftsmanship, and sustainability.
Notable Achievements
Chopard is renowned for its in-house production of high-precision movements and exquisite jewelry. It created the first watch with a free oscillating diamond, the Happy Diamonds watch.
Key Collections
Chopard’s major watch collections include L.U.C, Mille Miglia, Happy Diamonds, Happy Sport, and Classic Racing. Each collection reflects the brand’s dedication to quality and design innovation.
Brand Philosophy
Chopard’s philosophy revolves around the tradition of Swiss watchmaking artistry, innovative designs, and social responsibility. Their journey to sustainable luxury has been widely recognized.
Craftsmanship
The craftsmanship at Chopard integrates traditional techniques with modern technology. Every piece, whether a watch or jewelry, is meticulously crafted to reflect exceptional quality.
Celebrity Affiliations
Chopard has partnered with several prominent figures including Rihanna, Colin Firth, and Marion Cotillard. The brand is also a long-standing partner of the Cannes Film Festival.