Product Releases

From BaselWorld: New from Chopard


By Michelle Graff
Apr 4, 2011

Basel--Limited edition timepieces--including one benefiting relief efforts in Japan—and a diamond jewelry collection targeting younger consumers were among the new pieces unveiled by Swiss luxury jewelry and watchmaker Chopard.

In recognition of its 150th anniversary last year, Chopard introduced the dial-free “L.U.C Engine One Tourbillon,” a watch that pays homage to the world of motor sports. The Engine One houses Chopard’s mechanical hand-wound tourbillon movement, the Calibre L.U.C 1TRM, which is mounted on silent blocks like a car engine.

The 2011 version of the Engine One features bright-red hands and hour markers and a hand-sewn white alligator leather strap lined with brown alligator leather (below).

The timepiece has a 60-hour power reserve, with the power-reserve indicator at 12 o’clock, opposite the 6 o’clock placement of the tourbillon bridge. Offered as a 100-piece limited edition, the Engine One retails for about $92,300.

Also new from Chopard is the “L.U.C. XP Urushi.” The timepiece features a dial hand-painted by Japanese artist Kiichiro Masumura using the ancient Japanese art of lacquering--called urushi because the varnish is made from the sap of the Urushi tree--and housed in Chopard’s L.U.C. XP model.

The L.U.C. XP has case that measurers just 6.8 mm in thickness but houses a mechanical self-winding L.U.C 96HM movement and 65-hour power reserve.

Chopard’s original plan was to create this limited-edition timepiece for distribution solely in the Japanese market. Since the earthquake and resulting tsunami, however, Chopard has elected to make the Urushi available worldwide, with proceeds from the sale of these timepieces benefitting earthquake relief efforts.

Nine versions of the Urushi exist, eight in 18-karat rose gold and one in 18-karat grey gold. The crouching tiger Urushi watch (below) is crafted in 18-karat rose gold.

                  

Also unveiled by Chopard at BaselWorld was the “Miss Happy” line (below), part of its “Happy Diamonds” collection.

The line is geared toward younger buyers, with heart- and circle-shaped pendants, earrings and rings available in yellow, rose or white gold, with or without diamonds.

 

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