Chopard
In 1860, a 24-year-old son of a farmer, Louis-Ulysse Chopard (1836–1915), established the L.U.C. company — now known simply as Chopard, rather than by the founder’s initials — in Sonvilier, Switzerland. His initial work evolved from making mechanical movements to building the watches themselves, concentrating on making the pocket watch slimmer to carry for everyday use while also ensuring it was precise and reliable.
Early successes for Chopard included providing watches for the punctuality needs of the Swiss Railway Company. Recognizing the international market for Swiss watchmaking, Chopard traveled across Europe and Russia, with Czar Nicholas II becoming a client in 1912.
Chopard’s son, Paul-Louis, took over after Louis-Ulysse’s death in 1915 and expanded the business to La Chaux-de-Fonds. In 1937, the company relocated to the watchmaking center of Geneva, where they could mark their work with the prestigious Geneva Seal. (Paul-Louis’s son, Paul-André, took the reins in 1943.) Business thinned in the postwar years, and Paul-André’s sons declined the opportunity to take over for their father.
In 1963, Chopard was acquired by German goldsmith and watchmaker Karl Scheufele III and his wife, Karin. Under their ownership, Chopard added jewelry to its offerings. The popular Happy Diamonds wristwatch debuted in 1976 — it launched a collection, which now features bracelets, rings and other items. The distinctive watch sees dozens of glittering diamonds, loosed from their settings, moving freely around the dial.
The story goes that the in-house designer Ronald Kurowski was inspired by the kinetic glimmers of sunlight on a waterfall in the Black Forest. He would then develop the innovative system for the Happy Diamonds timepiece that he hoped would essentially mimic his experience in the woods.
A young Caroline Scheufele — Karl and Karin’s daughter, who would later become copresident and artistic director — led the introduction of a Happy Diamonds jewelry line in 1985, with her design for a playful clown pendant with a belly full of jittering precious stones. Subsequent lines and accessories such as the Happy Dreams bracelet, Happy Hearts collection and the Happy Sport watches further enhanced Chopard’s range of dynamic adornment.
The Scheufele family-run company continues to be synonymous with excellence in timepieces, such as its role as the official timekeeper for the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, creating all of its movements in-house. And Chopard is constantly developing its wares, from sunglasses and fragrances to recent introductions of high-end handbags.
Find a wide range of vintage Chopard wristwatches, necklaces, rings and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Chopard
Resin
1970s Modern Vintage Chopard
Gold
1970s Modern Vintage Chopard
Gold
1980s Swiss Hollywood Regency Vintage Chopard
Brass, Chrome
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chopard
Aluminum
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chopard
Horn
1930s American Machine Age Vintage Chopard
Aluminum
Early 2000s Dutch Modern Chopard
Other
1990s French Modern Chopard
Silver Plate, Bronze
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chopard
Metal, Brass
1990s Italian Chopard
Porcelain
Late 20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Chopard
Brass, Steel
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chopard
Chrome
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Chopard
Steel
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chopard
Metal, Brass
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chopard
Metal, Brass
20th Century Swiss Modern Chopard
Stainless Steel
Chopard furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
- What is Chopard famous for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Chopard name is most famous for its luxury watches, jewelry and accessories. The company started in 1860 as watchmaker Louis-Ulysse Chopard gained fame for his exquisite skills. Its reputation is built upon the dedication to excellence and fine quality materials that are used in the production of its watches and other items. Shop a collection of Chopard watches, jewelry and accessories from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Is Chopard a good watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Chopard has been manufacturing luxury watches since 1860. The watches are more fashionable than functional, but they're extremely high quality and on the same par as Rolex, Cartier and Patek Philippe.
- Is Chopard high-end?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024Yes, Chopard is high-end. The company is synonymous with excellence in timepieces, and its watches have earned many accolades, including serving as the official timekeepers for the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique. Chopard creates all of its movements in-house and is constantly developing its wares, from sunglasses and fragrances to recent introductions of luxury handbags. Shop a diverse assortment of Chopard watches, jewelry and accessories on 1stDibs.
- Is Chopard a good jewelry brand?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Yes, Chopard is a good jewelry brand. In 1860, a 24-year-old son of a farmer, Louis-Ulysse Chopard, established the L.U.C. company, now known simply as Chopard, rather than by the founder’s initials, in Sonvilier, Switzerland. His initial work evolved from making mechanical movements to building the watches themselves, concentrating on making the pocket watch slimmer to carry for everyday use while also ensuring it was precise and reliable. In 1963, Chopard was acquired by German goldsmith and watchmaker Karl Scheufele III and his wife, Karin. The Scheufele family-run company continues to be synonymous with excellence in timepieces, such as its role as the official timekeeper for the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique. Shop a range of Chopard pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023The Chopard Happy Sport watch isn’t waterproof. However, it is water-resistant to 30 meters. A waterproof watch has a specially designed seal that completely blocks out water, while a water-resistant timepiece features some protection but can leak if fully submerged. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Chopard Happy watches.