Chopard
The House of Chopard started life as watchmaking firm and took on making Fine jewellery later. Louis-Ulysse Chopard (1836-1915) was the son of a Swiss farmer, but by the age of 24 he had established his own reputation as a formidable watchmaker. Like his watches, the Maison’s founder, was reliable and precise. These qualities aided his firm to be appointed official watch providers for ’Tir Federal’ and the Swiss Railway Company. Together with these prestigious Swiss official patrons, Chopard also supplied watches across Eastern Europe before the First World War, with Tsar Nicholas II of Russia being a top client.
Louis-Ulysse’s son Paul-Louis (1859-1940) began running the company, still based in Sonvilier located within the Swiss Jura region, in 1915. He expanded the business, opening branches first in the local industrial town, La-Chaux-de-Fonds and later in 1937 established premises in Geneva, the international centre of watchmaking.
War Struggles
The Second World War reduced Chopard to a mere five member staff under the leadership of Paul-Louis’ son, Paul-Andre (1898-1968). The firm continued to decline in the post-war period, and in the 1960s, with Paul-Andre nearing the end of his life and none of his sons willing to continue the business, he decided to sell. As luck would have it a German goldsmith from Pforzheim, was looking to expand his business and buy a Swiss manufacturer for his watches. Karl Scheufele III met Paul-Andre Chopard on the last day of his trip to Geneva and within thirty minutes a deal was struck that would shape the future of Chopard.
Happy Diamonds
The imaginative designer Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele began designing for the family firm at just sixteen years old. Caroline explains the mission of the Maison: “We create many pieces of jewellery that are very creative, that people dream of.” Her iconic ‘Happy Diamonds’ is one such collection.
Watchmaking Legacy
– “L.U.C – l’Art d’une Manufacture – the creation of a watchmaking legacy.” To celebrate the firms 20th anniversary of watch making, Chopard displayed a collection of their top designs in a one day pop up exhibition at Phillips London on 13th October 2016. The exhibition was a visual testament to Chopard consistent high standards and ability to combine art and practicality within their time pieces.