Category: Chopard Watches
Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph
The Chopard Mille Miglia is still around. I know it seems like Chopard is all L.U.C. and Alpine Eagle these days, but I promise the Mille Miglia—which commemorates the legendary Italian road race of the same name—is very much alive and well. Every year, in fact, Chopard has released a race edition with an external tachymeter bezel (here’s the one from last year), and the Classic edition has also had its fair share of LEs. But after years of special editions, the Chopard Mille Miglia collection was due for a remodel, and that’s just what it got for Watches and Wonders 2023. Now in a smaller case with the brand’s proprietary Lucent Steel, including a two-tone version with rose gold, the Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph is more appealing than ever. The biggest updates are to the case, which sees the Mille Miglia sized down from 42mm to 40.5mm, in line with current trends and I’m sure welcome by almost all. The bezel and crystal have also been updated: A “glass-box” sapphire crystal replaces the flat crystal for a more vintage vibe, while a thinner polished bezel gives the dial some breathing room. Although the case size has been reduced 1.5mm, some of that will be made up by thinning the bezel, which makes the dial, and therefore the watch, appear larger. On account of the new domed crystal, the case has gone from 12.67mm-thick to 12.88mm-thick; while this isn’t a huge leap, it will be more noticeable since the case diameter was also reduced. On balance, all these dimension shifts will likely only result in a slightly different wrist presence, which will be aided by lugs that feature a more significant curve. While the three color dials are fitted on perforated leather straps mimicking leather driving gloves, the black dial has a rubber strap modeled on the tread of 1960s Dunlop racing tires, which is cool; all four come with a redesigned pin buckle closure. Chopard has also upgraded the cases to its proprietary Lucent Steel. This includes the brake-pedal textured pushers, the knurled steering wheel crown, and the welded lugs. I know “Lucent Steel” sounds like some gimmick akin to Blue Steel vs. Magnum, but the difference is real, and I’ll quote our own review of the Alpine Eagle XL Chrono from 2020 to help you understand: Lucent Steel is an ethical, sustainable, double-forged steel alloy that took the brand four years to develop. You can read more in our article debuting the Alpine Eagle collection. The two-tone variant also features Lucent Steel, with ethically sourced 18k rose gold for the bezel, crown, and pushers.
The new Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph is available in four variants: Verde Chiaro (light green), Rosso Amarena (cherry red), Nero Corsa (racing black), and Grigio-Blue (gray-blue). Now that you know Italian, I can tell you that the red, green, and grey-blue dials all have circular satin-brushed finishing while the black dial features what the brand refers to as an engine-turned finish and what I refer to as perlage (though I agree with the brand that it reminds one of vintage metal dashboards). The entire idea of the different color dials is to establish a deeper connection to racing. Inspired though they may be by race cars, Chopard doesn’t go into details about which cars, which would have added a bit of depth to the watch’s story. That said, I will admit that some race cars are green and some are red and some are black and I’m sure some are even gray-blue. The overall layout and style of the new model is almost identical to the previous generation, with two chronograph registers, a running seconds at 3 o’clock, and a color-matched date wheel at 4:30 (if it weren’t color matched, I’d rant for an extra paragraph). One change is the shift from a simple white line around the registers to a thick border scale. Further, the registers no longer indicate their respective units. While I can’t confirm, I believe the brand has also slimmed down the hour numerals, which are filled with the Super-LumiNova also seen on the sword hands. For a pop of color, all four dials feature the red “1000 Miglia” logo and a matching tip on the chronograph seconds hand. Chopard isn’t specific about which movement is in the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph, but we know the previous models had an ETA 2894-2 modular automatic chronograph movement. Other than some striping on the rotor and the brand’s name in gold, this movement appears to be no more embellished than other high-grade ETAs, with some perlage on the bridges and blued screws. The ETA 2894-2 affords 42 hours of power at 28,800 vph, and the brand indicates it is COSC-certified, keeping time at -4/+6 seconds per day.
Sometimes the hunt for an Entry Level watch includes an element of surprise. That was certainly the case when I filtered all of Chopard’s current catalog by price, only to find that the brand’s most accessibly-priced mechanical watch is one that has grown on me over the past few years – the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph.
The Mille Miglia has long been described as the most beautiful motor race on Earth, although I expect Italians to say that about every race they have. I also expect the French might have something to say about that, given that motor racing and, indeed, the car developed from infancy there. And yet, Chopard’s Mille Miglia remains a key reminder that historical motor races have a place in today’s world of 8K television and TikTokers with personalities as real as my self-confidence.
Chopard Happy Sport Fifth Avenue Edition
After 15 years on Madison Avenue, Chopard is proud to announce the relocation of its North American flagship boutique to Manhattan’s legendary Fifth Avenue. A selection of spectacular watches is made available to celebrate the occasion, including an Alpine Eagle in ethical 18k yellow gold, a trio of fun Happy Sport pieces, and a Red Carpet Collection haute joaillerie creation with a yellow diamond.
Located in the iconic Crown Building between 56th and 57th streets, the new boutique marries the Big Apple’s eclectic essence and proud history with a vibrant contemporary spirit. Inspired by Warren and Wetmore, a famous architect duo of the 1920s and 1930s, and designed to resemble a New York penthouse, the bespoke décor features unique furniture made by the very best craftspeople throughout its two levels. The location includes a main Salon, a VIP room, and a Gentlemen’s Lounge. An elegant and timeless design concept makes for the perfect setting for Chopard’s vibrant watch and jewelry creations.
Since its debut in 2023, the Chopard Alpine Eagle watch collection has been widely celebrated for its spectacular case and bracelet finish, combined with an eagle-eye-inspired, retina-textured dial that also hints at the good cause that every Alpine Eagle watch serves. Chopard, a family-owned and independent company, has set out to support efforts dedicated to aiding alpine eagles to return in greater numbers to their namesake natural habitat. In another longstanding pledge toward sustainability, Chopard has been among the pioneers of sourcing and working with ethical 18k gold — since July 2018, all of Chopard’s watch and jewelry creations are crafted from 100% ethical gold. One of the few manufactures to operate its own precious metal foundry for several decades, Chopard uses this all-the-more precious variation of yellow gold for every part of this 41mm-wide Alpine Eagle — including the case, bracelet, and crown in 18k gold. A beautifully finished bezel fixed with eight functional indexed screws surrounds a textured dial with rich colors and luminous indicators.
Thanks to its independence and the integration of its various professions, Chopard performs all the production and assembly stages of the collection within its own watchmaking workshops, from movement to bracelet, including components as well as the case. The Chopard 01.01-C caliber is composed of 207 parts, measures just 4.95mm-thick and combines a modern 4Hz operating frequency with an extended 60-hour power reserve and a COSC chronometer certification for timekeeping accuracy.
On location to celebrate the opening of Chopard’s new Fifth Avenue boutique are two exclusive Happy Sport watches, both featuring the universal symbol of the apple with a charming dancing element spinning over the dial. The first timepiece, in a 17-piece limited edition, is dressed in black with a DLC-coated stainless steel case and a plant-based leather strap. Sandwiched between two carefully cut and precisely installed crystals are three diamonds and a colorful apple, set against a sunburst satin-brushed dial in black and accentuated by rhodium-plated hands and hour markers. On the crown, an onyx replaces the collection’s traditional sapphire so as to ensure the uniformity of color on this creation.
The second Chopard Happy Sport Fifth Avenue Edition watch is a true high-jewelry piece. Five diamonds and an apple set with rubies, tsavorites, and brown diamonds perform their dance over a dial in textured mother-of-pearl with a guilloché center, a central decorative fillet, and diamond-set hour-markers. Its gilded hands are powered by a self-winding movement that combines a 42-hour power reserve with a 4Hz operating frequency. Both of these special timepieces, whether in ethical 18k rose gold or black DLC stainless steel, measure a sublimely wearable 36mm-wide case. The duo illustrates the boldness of the iconic Happy Sport collection that has been endlessly reinvented without ever losing its joie de vivre.
The final piece linked to Chopard’s Fifth Avenue opening celebrations is the Happy Sport New York Edition, a 25-piece limited edition inspired by the city that never sleeps, graced with five dancing diamonds whirling around a mother-of-pearl dial crafted to outline the banks of the Hudson River. The location of the hands marks the position of the Empire State Building, as a tribute to the architectural masterpiece. A beautifully crafted bezel adorned with a row of hand-set diamonds frames this special birds-eye look at the city so many Chopard fans call home.
Chopard’s stunning and all-new Fifth Avenue boutique will be officially inaugurated in December 2022, in the presence of Chopard’s Co-Presidents Caroline Scheufele and Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, and you will be able to find these highly exclusive pieces there, in the iconic Crown Building between 56th and 57th. To learn more about Chopard watches or the initiatives of this Family Maison, visit the brand’s website.
Chopard L.U.C Perpetual T Luxury men Diamond Watch
The case measures 45mm in diameter, and although housing a movement of this complexity is no small task, the piece would be better suited at 42mm. The movement itself measures 33mm, begging the question: how much did the movement size, or dial layout and aesthetics, influence the overall case size?
It is obvious that the final diameter of the piece was carefully considered. Chopard keeps the lug length short, sweeps them noticeably towards the wrist. They have positioned the pivot point (spring bar location) of the strap closer to the case instead of placing it towards the end of the lug.
At this price point ($74,900 CHF, or $103,685 CDN), and the limited release, a safe first assumption is that the piece is platinum. However, the case is grade 5 titanium. The use of titanium is an interesting choice, and certainly a matter of personal preference. But it sets up a noticeable contrast between the modern material and the otherwise very classic aesthetics of the Perpetual Chrono.
Titanium definitely contributes to lighter weight. For some this translates to a more comfortable wear. But don’t you want to feel every single ounce when you make this kind of investment? I like to know it is safely on my wrist without looking at it!
Chopard has done a good job conveying a lot of information on the dial with a few exceptions. The Rhodium themed colour scheme is appropriately austere without being stuffy. And accent colours (like red to indicate Chronograph functions) are certainly complimentary.
The two aperture large date window at 12 o’clock is easy to read. Chopard’s ability to maintain (as closely as possible) a very classic three subdial design elevates the watch face, with additional indication tucked into the larger subdials.
Where the colour and layout work, and dial symmetry is maintained, the day/night subdial feels out of place. It’s seemingly better paired in correlation to the moon phase, instead of the day of the week subdial. It might be the subtle sun and moon indications on the day/night subdial. Although the corresponding leap year indication on the opposite side of the dial seems on point to me.
In previous versions of the Chopard L.U.C Perpetual Chrono , the day/night indication was bolder with the night side of the subdial in black (as well as the “L” Leap year quadrant of that subdial). So the more subtle approach on this piece is clearly intentional, just not to my taste.
Is there a readily obvious poetic solution? No, although it might be a good sign that this minor detail is the only thing I can think of to complain about! The rotating moon phase and small seconds at 6 o’clock are well executed. But like the day/night indication the moon phase and small seconds do not feel like an intuitive pairing at first glance.
The more I handled the Perpetual Chrono the more and more sense the dial began to make. But it is important to note that at first glance a watch with this many complications can be a little disorienting.
The Chopard L.U.C Perpetual Chrono is a serious timepiece and a real achievement for any Maison. No one will deny that this watch is a marvel. At this price point there are also many, many choices in the world of horology. Like any serious piece, a watch must speak to you beyond the technical details, or aesthetic highlights. What does the Chopard L.U.C Perpetual Chrono say to you?
ChopardMille Miglia 2022 Race Edition
Fire up your engines! In 2022 the 1000 Miglia is celebrating an anniversary, the 40th edition of the legendary classic car race from Brescia to Rome and back which will be held 15 to 18 June. Swiss jeweller and watchmaker Chopard as the main partner and official timekeeper of the event since 1988, has released two new takes on their popular Mille Miglia Race Editions.
Housed in a 44mm case Chopard Mille Miglia 2022 Race Edition is offered in stainless steel or two-tone stainless steel and 18k rose gold, with silver-toned dial with circular satin-brushed finish, for a brighter look.
Chopard is an interesting brand. We like their watches. We’ve been to both of their factories and met their co-president. The problem is they aren’t big sellers. You don’t see the hype that follows brands like Rolex and Omega following Chopard around despite the fact their watches compete in dealers often. If you see one on the grey market, it’s usually at a great price, which again comes from the trickiness of selling them. Having said that, if you plan on keeping your Chopard, there’s a lot to like, and they’re a well-historied brand.
One key part of Chopard’s recent history is the Mille Miglia revival race. The original Mille Miglia of the 40s and 50s was a race from Brescia to Rome and back to Brescia in Italy, a round trip of 1000km. The danger of the race meant it didn’t last into the second half of the 20th century, but as humans are fickle and tradition-based folks, the race lives on as the Historic Mille Miglia, with owners of period cars taking part in the races, including co-president Karl-Friedrich Scheufele.
Every year, Chopard Mille Miglia 2022 Race Edition makes a special edition to mark that year’s Mille Miglia. It’s usually based on the athletic and masculine Mille Miglia GTS line, and this year is no different. A pair of watches have been made for the 2022 event, both with big 44mm x 13.79mm diameter cases in either stainless steel or two-tone stainless steel and 18k Fairmined gold.
We like the Mille Miglia GTS here at WristReview. There’s charm to the big, vintage-racer style watch. The chronograph pushers that look like engine pistons are a nice touch, as are the gentle shoulders leading up to the big crown. We also like that Chopard Mille Miglia 2022 Race Edition dedicated most of the real estate to the dial and so made the bezels very thin. For 2022, they’re also blue to match the lumed hands, markers on the dials, and detailing on the straps.
Underneath the solid screwed caseback is an automatic movement based on the Valjoux calibre 7750. Chopard has excellent decorations on its watches, and we’d assume this to be no different here, although we’re unable to confirm that. The watch has a 4Hz beat rate and a 48-hour power reserve. I remember when Chopard put its in-house made movements in these. Still, the 7750 is a reliable workhorse and undoubtedly meets Chopard’s strict standards. It is a COSC-rated chronometer, after all.
Chopard Happy Sport Métiers d’Art
2022 Chopard Happy Sport Métiers d’Art by Chopard is a collection of three exceptional watches honoring three animal species- the hummingbird, polar bear, and sea turtle. The hand-decorated timepieces are crafted from ethical gold and create fascinating miniature ecosystems in their dials achievable only for skilled artisans in Chopard’s workshops. Limited to only eight pieces, these watches are equipped with a Chopard Calibre 96.23-L with a 65-hour power reserve.The collection is a colorful and enchanting testimony to Chopard’s Co-President and Artistic Director Caroline Scheufele’s love for nature and animals and Chopard’s commitment to sustainable development. Chopard Happy Sport Métiers d’Art focuses on three endangered species with its eye-catching watches made with precious, semi-precious stones, mother-of-pearl marquetry, and precise gem setting.
The hummingbird watch invites you to the Amazonian forest effectively created using a malachite background, four different levels, and hues of mother-of-pearl. A pretty hibiscus flower made of four heart-shaped diamonds stands out as a burst of color against the green dial. Three heart-shaped dancing diamonds surround a flitting hummingbird. The dial of the sea turtle Happy Sport Métiers d’Art watch e exudes unmatched playfulness and animation. A stylized sea turtle poses with three pear-shaped dancing diamonds in a miniature aquarium created with protective mother-of-pearl and green opal arborescence. This soothing scenery is framed by a bezel paved with Chaton-set diamonds. Last but certainly not least is the polar bear-themed watch. The Chopard Happy Sport Métiers d’Art watch is a reminder that sea turtles have diminished in numbers over the past century due to beach development, climate change, and marine pollution.
It exudes an aura that matches the beast’s gigantic size. Representing the ice of the Arctic region to the T are the textured mother-of-pearl and invisible-set triangle-cut diamonds. An adorable polar bear graces the dial at 9 o’clock, wholly clad in diamonds and holding a pear-shaped diamond in its arms. A blue satin-finished alligator leather strap complements the watch perfectly.
Chopard Happy Sport Chrono watch
Chopard unveiled the Chopard Happy Sport Chrono at Watches &Wonders 2022, and women lived happily ever after. That’s the truest, shortest love story ever! Caroline Scheufele has served today’s modern women an ultra-chic icon in the form of Chopard Happy Sport Chrono . This 40 mm masterpiece has everything from making a statement in a fashionable sense to being ethical in essence. Seven dancing diamonds add a feminine touch to the watch that’s inherently sporty by nature.
Chopard keeps in mind its pledge of sustainable luxury and uses ethical gold to create this bold and beautiful watch. The Chopard Happy Sport Chrono is driven by a chronograph movement with a 54-hour power reserve and COSC-certified chronometer perfection. The dial features a sunburst satin-brushed and guilloché center, the hours and minutes counters required for the timekeeping functions are likewise harmoniously integrated, with blue transfers ensuring perfect legibility of the information. It’s finished with a midnight blue leather strap that adds to the stylish yet laid-back vibe.
The Super-LumiNova coating on the hour-markers and hands ensures the time can be read in the dark. The 40 mm automatic Chopard Happy Sport Chrono with diamonds is available on the official Chopard website for approximately $33,500. Similarly, Chopard’s Happy Sport Métiers d’Art paid homage to the animal kingdom with a limited edition line in ethical gold and dancing diamonds.
Chopard L.U.C XPS 1860 OFFICER
For a quarter of a century, the L.U.C collection has represented a pinnacle of watchmaking at Chopard, and this year it celebrates its 25th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the family-owned firm has released a trio of new watches, two of which are magnificent in their complexity, and the other which neatly articulates Chopard’s capacity for truly elegant watchmaking. The Chopard L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer is both traditional and (relatively) simple, and gets better the closer you look at it.
As a considered, three-handed time-only watch, there’s a lot going on with the Chopard L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer . Featuring an “officer-style” case construction with a hinged door to see the movement, it offers direct reference to the 1920s of Louis-Ulysse Chopard, whom the collection is named after.
The case is crafted from ethically sourced 18K yellow gold, measuring 40mm in diameter and just 7.2mm thick. Keep in mind, that case width includes the hinged door to view the sapphire crystal caseback, which speaks to the razor-thin calibre within. Chopard’s attention to detail and technical sophistication is on full display in the crown, which features an integrated button to open and lock the honeycomb pattern decorated caseback door.
Arriving at the deep olive green dial, we have a railroad minute track that gives way to a ring featuring the applied yellow gold hour markers. At the very centre of the dial, you’ll see a wonderful guilloché engraving, in the same honeycomb pattern as the caseback of the watch.
The hands are instantly recognisable as from Chopard, with a distinctly tapered shape, while at 6 o’clock you’ll find a seconds sundial and date window. Just like the case, the dial is a masterclass in the various elements of watchmaking that Chopard is so proficient in.
Just because it’s hiding behind a locked door, doesn’t mean the movement of the Chopard L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer isn’t the star of the show. The watch is powered by the automatic L.U.C 96.01-L calibre, which features no less than 208 components despite being a wafer-like 3.3mm thick. It also features a 22K yellow gold micro-rotor that can wind up to 65 hours of power reserve, while the bridges of the movement are finished with perfect côtes de genève. This stunningly executed dress watch arrives on a brown alligator leather strap, which only adds further warmth to the yellow gold hues of the case. The strap is secured with a matching gold pin buckle.
All considered, the Chopard L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer demonstrates exactly why Chopard is one of the best watchmakers in the world, especially when compared to other traditionally focused and family-owned brands on a much larger scale. It’s a classically inspired timepiece that still manages to feel modern on the wrist, thanks to a number of design cues including the blend of green and gold. The only shame about this watch is that it’s limited to just 50 pieces worldwide, meaning only a few collectors will enjoy the pleasure of ownership. It is currently available and comes with an RRP of CHF33,500.
Chopard Alpine Eagle Frozen
Inspired by the grace of the eagle and the majesty of the Alps, Chopard‘s sporty-chic collection welcomes the Alpine Eagle Small Frozen timepiece. Crafted in ethical 18-carat white gold, its 36 mm-diameter case, bezel and integrated bracelet are entirely set with diamonds. Endowed with technical expertise entirely on a par with its impressive aesthetics, this jewelled version of the watch for “contemporary eagles” is equipped with the Chopard 09.01-C movement with automatic winding and a 42-hour power reserve. Thanks to its abundance of diamonds, reminiscent of tiny snowflakes glistening on Alpine peaks, it shines with an ethical and responsible aura.
Alpine Eagle Small Frozen is joining Chopard‘s sporty-chic collection, while adding a majestic touch thanks to the richness of its diamonds magnificently highlighting the art of gemsetting. This expertise is faithfully cultivated by the in-house Artisans, who have patiently paved the entire 36 mm diameter case, as well as the bezel, dial and each bracelet link with 765 diamonds (totalling 8.28 carats) in ethical 18-carat white gold. A challenge that requires no less than 20 hours of meticulous work for each timepiece. This is the first entirely gemset watch in the Alpine Eagle collection, which was successfully launched in 2019 based on the legacy of Chopard’s iconic St. Moritz model.
Thanks to the sparkle of the precious stones, Chopard confirms the profound inspiration the collection draws from Nature, duly celebrated as the greatest architect. In this instance, the design was guided by the everlasting snows of the immaculate and glistening Alpine peaks: “This watch is directly inspired by the Alpine glaciers and the way they brilliantly reflect the sunshine. Each diamond used on this timepiece sparkles like a snowflake that has settled on the mountain tops”, said Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard as well as Co-Creator of the collection with his son and his father.
The Chopard Alpine Eagle Small Frozen timepiece features the emblematic elements of the collection’s pure and assertive design: the eight indexed screws that secure the bezel to a round case with stylised flanks; the integrated bracelet; along with the compass rose which has been guiding adventurers since antiquity which engraved on the gold crown. The hours and minutes can be read off on the dial by day and night thanks to facetted hands and rhodium-plated Roman numerals enhanced with Grade X1 SuperLuminova.
Whether in the city or in the mountains, the Chopard Alpine Eagle Small Frozen timepiece can also count on the reliability of its mechanical movement with automatic winding, visible through a sapphire crystal on the back of the watch. The 148-component Chopard 09.01-C calibre is meticulously crafted by the Artisans of the Maison. It is subject to strict specifications, guaranteeing a power reserve of 42 hours as well as excellent reliability.
Chopard’s commitment to ethics is a reality that necessarily translates into the creations emerging from its workshops. Like all gold timepieces and jewellery bearing the Maison’s emblem since July 2018, the Alpine Eagle Small Frozen watch is made entirely from ethical gold. The diamonds used to adorn it are sourced from suppliers certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC). Offering living proof that it is always possible to orchestrate an encounter between ethics and aesthetics: the Scheufele family at the helm of Chopard from generation to generation works with conviction to invent objects endowed with both inner and outward beauty.
Inspired by the grace of the eagle and the majesty of the Alps, Chopard‘s sporty-chic collection welcomes the Alpine Eagle Small Frozen timepiece. Crafted in ethical 18-carat white gold, its 36 mm-diameter case, bezel and integrated bracelet are entirely set with 765 pavé diamonds. Endowed with technical expertise entirely on a par with its impressive aesthetics, this jewelled version of the watch for “contemporary eagles” is equipped with the Chopard 09.01-C movement with automatic winding and a 42-hour power reserve. Thanks to its abundance of diamonds, reminiscent of tiny snowflakes glistening on Alpine peaks, it shines with an ethical and responsible aura.