Chopard - Baselworld 2014 : Tradition on the wrist - and motorsport on the mind
It's ladies first for Chopard, with two particularly striking new watches. The name of first tells you what it's all about: Happy Sport Tourbillon Jewellery. The Chopard icon for women combines the best of the brand's jewellery and watchmaking origins in a watch that's a blend of precision and beauty. This timepiece ushers the legendary Happy Sport dynasty into the world of fine watchmaking, thanks to its L.U.C. 02.16-L movement - produced by Chopard Manufacture.
The particular features of the watch include its tourbillon at 6 o'clock and above all its set jewels, spread like a layer of snow across the entire dial. The tourbillon bridge is also set with jewels, as is the bezel - adorned with 36 trapezium diamonds. Meanwhile the crown boasts baguette diamonds and a briolette diamond. Not forgetting of course the emblematic seven floating diamonds twirling around between two sapphire glasses, the hallmark of the Happy Spirit.
This beautiful evening accessory comes in a new 42 mm diameter, making it the largest watch in the collection. Another special feature is its exceptional 9-day power reserve (that's 216 hours!). The timepiece is Geneva Seal certified.
20 years, 36 mm, 2 tones and 7 diamonds
The second version is the Happy Sport Medium Automatic Two Tone. This is based on the 2013 edition released for the collection's twentieth anniversary, but with two tones - steel and gold. It features all the essential components, including the guilloche silver dial, sapphire back and seven floating diamonds. The timepiece is powered by an automatic movement housed in a discreet 36 mm case.
Dual certification for a family timepiece
For men, Chopard has already offered a sneak preview of its L.U.C. 1963 model, a classic watch that seeks to get back to the basics of watchmaking: good timekeeping, legibility, balanced lines and perfect execution. The 1963 celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Scheufele family at the head of Chopard, with a timeless 44 mm limited edition, boasting twin Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) and Geneva Seal certification.
Monaco - from a single model to a whole collection
Enfin, de l'elegance urbaine a la piste, il n'y a qu'un saut que franchit avec non pas un nouveau modele, mais une collection complete, la Grand Prix de Monaco Historique. Last but not least, it's just one small step from urban elegance to the race track - and that step has now been taken, not just by one new model but with an entire Grand Prix de Monaco Historique collection. It's the manufacture's way of paying tribute to the eponymous Historic Grand Prix that takes place every two years, with the brand bringing out a dedicated new watch for each edition. Henceforth, each model will be part of a long-term collection, of which the Chrono model is the first in the series. The case features a new shape, with tighter, edgier lugs. Its diameter is larger, too: 44.5 mm. The dial has been completely remodelled, with grooving. There's also a whole new styling to match, completely based on black and yellow - making it perfectly legible. And like all self-respecting sports watches, it has a titanium case, echoed in the tang buckle. The movement is also COSC certified.