Tag: Chopard

Festive Chopard accessories give ladies an extra reason to sparkle

Festive Chopard accessories will make your lady smile

With shopping malls filled to the brim with winter-themed products and billboards awash with seasonal slogans city-wide, Chopard’s luxury offerings truly stands out. From sparkling watches to diamond-accented jewellery, these festive Chopard accessories are sure to make that special lady smile this Christmas.

Charm the watch-loving lady in your life with the Happy Snowflakes timepiece. Part of a limited release of just 25 pieces worldwide, every aspect of this watch perfectly encapsulates the spirit and allure of winter.

Limited-edition Happy Snowflakes watch one of the festive accessories from Chopard

Delicate snowflakes have been painstakingly etched into the beautiful mother-of-pearl dial, intensified by mobile diamonds swirling within it that is reminiscent of gentle snowfall. The diamond-studded bezel and elegant white alligator leather strap finish off this seasonal sparkler’s design.

Top up your wintry look with the matching Happy Snowflakes bangle. The delicate 18-carat white gold bracelet comes with its own mobile diamond and snowflake.

Matching your festive Chopard accessories

Pieces from Chopard’s Happy Hearts collection have also been given the Christmas treatment. Gone are the colourful gems that once graced its elegant sautoir necklaces. In its place you’ll find icy set and mobile diamonds for a snowy finish. The same effect can be found in the collection’s bracelets and newly-launched stackable rings.

Give your loved one an extra reason to sparkle with these festive Chopard accessories, now available at select boutiques including ifc mall, Ocean Terminal and Prince’s Building.

Festive Christmas themed accessories replace colourful gems with icy diamonds

Limited-edition Chopard Happy Snowflakes watch – HK$550,000
Chopard Happy Snowflakes 18-carat white gold bangle – HK$34,300
Rose gold or white gold Chopard sautoir necklace with mobile diamond – HK$116,000
Rose gold or white gold Chopard ring with moving diamond – HK$23,400

New Chopard L.U.C XPS collection perfect for debonair gentlemen

Luxury watch brand Chopard adds to its already-impressive selection of haute horology timepieces with the new L.U.C XPS collection. Boasting sleek designs and intricate craftsmanship, these elegant accessories may be the perfect gift for the well-dressed watch enthusiast in your life this Christmas.

The L.U.C XPS collection – named after maison founder Louis-Ulysse Chopard – has placed a strong emphasis on flexibility of colours and materials to match any outfit in the fashionable gentleman’s closet. Offerings range from a more affordable grey-cased stainless steel design, priced at HK$62,000, to a precious blue-dial platinum model for HK$195,000.

For a truly special gift idea, check out the limited-edition L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer (HK$220,000). With a production of just 100 pieces, this rare time features matching hand-guilloche honeycomb motif dial and back cover, which opens up to reveal the intricate watch mechanism. You can even engrave a personalised message on the inner cover.

The entire L.U.C XPS collection can be found at select Chopard boutiques across the city including ifc mall, Ocean Terminal and Prince’s Building.

 

Chiming Watches: Ring in the New Year with these chiming timepieces

Elizabeth-Doerr-recommends-some-Chiming-Watches

Elizabeth Doerr, co-founder of Quill & Pad, presents seven new chiming watches you’ll want to flaunt in 2018.    

Chiming watches evolved from a need to know the time at all hours – even when the sun doesn’t shine. Super-LumiNova wasn’t around in the Middle Ages, so, without any way for townsfolk to see the clock tower at night, the hand struck a bell to signify the hour.

The idea was later adapted to portable timekeepers after the balance spring was invented. More often than not, a slide in the case band is used to wind and activate the repeating mechanism. One such kind, a minute repeater, chimes out the hours, quarter-hours and minutes, with the strikes differentiated by hammers and gongs that ring in unique or even double (ding-dong) tones.

Chiming Watches: Ulysses Nardin Hourstriker Pin-Up

In addition to being among the rarest luxury timepieces, wristwatches with striking complications are among the hardest to manufacture. As Ulysse Nardin’s late owner, Rolf Schnyder, once said, “The real challenge is the sound quality. Despite significant advances in technology today, minute repeaters cannot be industrialised, and a minute repeater is as much a musical instrument as it is a timekeeper.”

He would likely be proud of the Swiss brand’s Hourstriker Pin-Up. The hand-painted dial depicts a burlesque dancer who cheekily reveals glimpses of herself when the hammer strikes the gong on the hour and half-hour. The “hourstriker” was known in the 16th-century as the clock-watch, and it struck the hours with a single blow “in passing” (en passant) without having to activate a slide or push a button. Available in a 43mm pink gold or platinum case, the timepiece is limited to just 28 pieces.

Chopard’s L.U.C. Full Strike a great example of chiming minute repeaters

One of the more striking watches to hit the market is Chopard’s L.U.C. Full Strike, which just won the prestigious Aiguille d’Or award from the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. The Chopard oeuvre – created to celebrate 20 years of the L.U.C. line – has an impressive claim to fame: its gongs are made of sapphire crystal. Housed in a 42.5mm 18-carat fair-mined pink gold case, the timepiece is also stamped with the prestigious Seal of Geneva.

Knowledgeable watch connoisseurs, meanwhile, have long dreamt of owning Greubel Forsey’s Grande Sonnerie. The watch is coveted for its sonorous cathedral chimes housed within an 855-piece movement which includes a patented 25-degree inclined 24-second tourbillon.

A Chiming Example: Greubel Forsey’s Grande Sonnerie

The Grande Sonnerie boasts a platinum mini rotor for automatically winding the chiming function; serially operating fast-rotating barrels; and a security system for disengaging the strike mechanism if the crown is pulled out during the chime (something that would immediately break any other chiming watch). It is housed in a 43.5mm white gold asymmetrical case that includes a side window to allow a full view of the tourbillon.

For a watch that will get you noticed, Audemars Piguet’s groundbreaking Supersonnerie is the loudest minute repeater on the market right now. Its makers concentrated on improving existing theories and practices, but added one fundamental difference: a soundboard to allow the gong’s sound vibrations to extend beyond the case. This 44mm manually wound titanium timepiece comes with a chronograph function and one-minute tourbillon, and is available only in limited editions, including a new platinum edition with a blue dial.

Audemars Piguet Supersonnerie is the loudest chiming watch

Hopping across the border from Switzerland to Germany, A. Lange & Söhne’s first repeating wristwatch, the Zeitwerk Minute Repeater, was an instant classic. A far more intuitive system than a normal minute repeater, it chimes the time in units of 10 rather than 15, the same way we read it off on a conventional analogue clock. The gong and hammers placed on the front of the watch allow the wearer (and inevitable admirers) to see something truly rare: the repeater at work.

Panerai's Radiomir 1940 Minute Repeater Carillon is capable of chiming both local and a second time zone

Another worthy investment, Panerai’s 49mm red or white gold oeuvre not only offers sweet-sounding chimes, but also two special features. For starters, the Radiomir 1940 Minute Repeater Carillon GMT PAM00600 is capable of chiming both local and a second time zone. Like the Zeitwerk, it’s also a decimal repeater – the fifth of its kind in history. Its manually wound Caliber P.2005/MR boasts a one-minute tourbillon and a 96-hour power reserve.

The equally ambitious Traditionnelle Minute Repeater Tourbillon from Vacheron Constantin would be a “simple” traditional minute repeater if it weren’t for the one-minute tourbillon performing gravity-defying revolutions within the manually wound Caliber 2755 TMR. Beautifully understated in 44mm pink gold or platinum, the watch’s musical notes can be activated by the slide on the left side of the case.

Chiming Watches Vacheron Constantin

Telling time by ear is an underappreciated art, but certainly not a lost one. For the lover of history or the watch aficionado, a minute repeater would make the perfect gift. After all, there’s no time – or chime – like the present.

Text: Elizabeth Doerr

Class Act: Chopard’s new watch is a fine balance of form and function

Paying tribute to historical pocket watches created by Louis-Ulysse Chopard in 1860, Chopard has recently launched the L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru, the only tonneau-shaped watch wound by automatic movement.

Designed for the modern connoisseur, the watch draws analogy from Grand Cru wine, known for its craftsmanship and premier quality. Just like the Grand Cru wine, which follows rigourous certifications, the L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru too is attested by Poinçon de Genève, a top Swiss agency for certifying horological excellence.

Featuring an 18-carat rose gold strap and a white porcelain type dial with bold Roman numerals, the watch is as unpretentious as it gets. With nicely balanced proportions, the finishing of its case and movement, the micro-rotor winding feature, this is a must-have for the modern epicurean gentleman.

Priced at HK$174,000, the watch is now available at select Chopard boutiques at ifc Mall, Landmark Prince’s, Ocean Terminal, etc.

Chopard is a click closer now, thanks to Net-A-Porter

Eyeing the Happy Diamonds collection from Chopard? It’s even easier to get hold of your favourite piece of jewellery now, with Chopard launching on global luxury online retailer, Net-A-Porter, earlier this month.

Talking about the partnership, Chopard’s co-president Caroline Scheufele says, “Chopard is proud to work alongside such an influential retailer and looks forward to what will no doubt be a great success!”

Featuring an array of lighthearted jewellery in 18-carat rose and white gold, including Chopard’s iconic Happy Hearts range, the collection on Net-A-Porter boasts some of Chopard’s most easily recognisable pieces worldwide.

In the watch section, Net-A-Porter also features one of Chopard’s bestsellers, the Happy Sport watch. Combining steel and moving diamonds in an elegant design, this watch has already won the hearts of Chopard loyalists across the globe.

Net-A-Porter’s Global Buying Director Elizabeth Von Der Goltz is obviously delighted at this collaboration. She said, “Net-A-Porter is thrilled to be launching a truly exquisite collection from an iconic house. Chopard’s signature Happy Diamonds is the playful and innovative core of its jewellery and watches collection. We expect the brand to become an instant hit with our customers globally.”

Gala Gems: What to wear to your next black-tie affair

A single strand of pearls might suffice for a stuffy banquet, but more opulent occasions call for jewellery that rises to the task. If you have a gala coming up and aren’t sure how to accessorise your gown, the latest high jewellery collections from top labels promise to provide ample inspiration.

Created in collaboration with Chinese designer Guo Pei, Chopard’s Silk Road Collection fuses Eastern elegance with European charm. One standout necklace features 105 carats worth of pear-shaped emeralds, surrounded by tourmalines and brilliant-cut diamonds. The contrast of the rich emerald green with the dazzle of the white diamonds is bound to make any ensemble pop.

 

 

Chaumet is also seeing green with its Pastorale Anglaise earrings. Launched as part of the brand’s Chaumet est une Fête Collection – an ode to extravagant celebrations – the dangle earrings are fashioned out of white and yellow gold, and set with emeralds, rubies, sapphires and diamonds. The vibrant, geometric design is modelled after the Scottish tartan print.

 

 

Another soiree-inspired range – albeit Italian, not French – is Bulgari’s Festa collection. According to the designer, “Festas (parties) happen everywhere in Italy and are the essence of the Italian way of life.” What better way to celebrate than with pearls, sapphires and diamonds? The Festa delle Principesse necklace boasts three strands of pearls and has two bows on each side – a tribute to Italian Queen Margherita of Savoy, who loved wearing bows, the region’s symbol.

 

For something whimsical, Van Cleef & Arpels’ Le Secret Collection takes a page from mythical and magical stories. Its Secret des Amoureux clip – a bow-and-arrow-shaped medley of diamonds, three kinds of gold and coloured sapphires – pays homage to Cupid, the Roman god of love.
Whether you go with something dazzlingly bold or more demure, there’s no denying that these jewellery pieces put the joie – or joy – in haute joaillerie.

Chopard’s Ice Cubes just upped the cool quotient of minimalist jewellery

Minimalism in jewellery may seem like an oxymoron, but according to jewellery maisons, minimalist jewellery is very much in demand and on-trend because they can be paired with any ensemble effortlessly.
Chopard’s Ice Cube range of jewellery, part of the RIHANNA ♥ CHOPARD Joaillerie Collection, takes this idea of minimalism to a new degree of coolness.
The seed of this avant-garde collection was borne as early as 1999, inspired by the sharp, geometric perfection of ice cubes. Finally, with the collaboration with pop icon Rihanna in April this year, the idea came to fruition as the Ice Cube collection.
Featuring edgy cubes in gold, diamond and green ceramic, these simple yet stylish designs, can be worn solo or stacked up together as bracelets, anklets, necklaces, etc.
The jewellery in this collection is not only cool to look at, but is also part of Chopard’s really cool process of sourcing ‘Fairmined’ certified gold. Stylish design meets sustainable luxury! What could be cooler than that?

Chopard redesigns Palme d’Or trophy for Cannes Film Festival

The Palme d’Or trophy has long been a shining symbol of artistic achievement at the Cannes Film Festival, which is now celebrating its 70th anniversary. Fine jewellery maison Chopard is paying tribute to that milestone while simultaneously celebrating 20 years of partnership with the world-renowned film festival by unveiling a stunning new Palme d’Or.

Click here to see more on video

The golden trophy has been adorned with diamonds for the first time, and all of the materials have been ethically sourced, including the Fairmined ethical gold leaf motif and diamonds sourced from a supplier certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council.

Chopard was first tasked with redesigning the palm in 1998. A truly unique design, the tip of the branch forms the delicate image of a heart, and its golden leaves appear to be frozen in time. The trophy boasts 188 grams of 18-carat yellow gold in total, and the palm rests on a rock crystal cushion that is shaped like an emerald-cut diamond. No small feat, it takes no less than 40 hours to craft.

Chopard displays its ‘Queen of the Kalahari’ jewellery collection in Hong Kong

Chopard displayed its ‘Queen of the Kalahari’ jewellery collection in Hong Kong recently. The collection showcases 23 absolutely pure diamonds including 5 weighing over 20 carats, all cut from one single 342-carat diamond.

The Queen of Kalahari, a D-colour rough of flawless clarity grade, was recovered from the Karowe Mine in Botswana.

The centrepiece of the collection is The Garden of Kalahari necklace, which “testifies to the ingenuity and the playful spirit governing Chopard design,” according to the jeweller.

Guests at the event also enjoyed a screening of a film about the story of the 342-carat diamond.

The event was held at Chopard’s IFC boutique.

Take a walk on the wild side with these exotic jewels

Chopard_Animal_World_EN_72DPI_Page_156Some women are rabbits, others are goats and some are dogs – at least according to the Chinese Zodiac. But among their ranks are undoubtedly a number of bold women who can’t – or simply won’t – be tamed. For these types, it seems that wilder (rather than milder) animals would more aptly match their personas.

We can’t change our birth year, but we can channel the energy and spirit of whatever creature we’d like – a fact realised by many haute joaillerie labels that have designed alluring, animal-inspired pieces.

In an ode to the animal kingdom, Chopard has released its wondrous Animal World collection. Similarly, Swiss jeweller De Grisogono has released its own animal collection featuring snakes, dolphins, seals, panthers and peacocks. The white gold set of peacock earrings is beautifully detailed and set with emeralds, sapphires, and white and yellow diamonds. For a different flight of fancy, Nirav Modi offers up a stretchable flamingo-inspired bangle bracelet. Its eye-catching ‘feathers’ get their vivid colour from pink sapphires and white diamonds.

For those who want to unleash their inner Cat Woman, brands such as Cartier, Chanel and Piaget all have something to offer. One standout piece is a lion-inspired necklace from Piaget’s Secret and Lights collection. The 18-carat white gold necklace is set with brilliant-cut and baguette-cut diamonds, and stares back at you with onyx eyes. Its creation was inspired by the famous winged lion sculpture in Venice’s St Mark’s Square. Whether one identifies as a ferocious feline, bedazzling bird or salacious snake is a matter of taste. Whatever your choice, though, with these pieces you are bound to become the bejewelled queen of the animal kingdom.