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.
Chopard The Passion for Excellence Hard Cover Book c 2010
By Chopard
Located in University City, MO
Chopard The Passion for Excellence large scale hardcover book with dust jacket c 2010 The 296 page book is a lavish archive of Chopard's exquisite precious jewelry designs. It prim...
$180
W 3.74 in L 6.5 in
c. 1910s–1920s Antique Geo. W. Noble Spiritual Pocket Book with Original Cover
Located in Honolulu, HI
An exquisite piece of literary history—this original 1910s–1920s antique pocket book was published by the renowned Geo. W. Noble in Chicago. Titled "The Swo...
$165Sale Price|20% Off
2010s Dior Accessories Insider Catalog Lookbook on Binder
By Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
2010s Dior Accessories Insider catalog lookbook on binder, 56 pages, English Language, UK edition on thick white paper full colour Measurements: 24x15x2.5cm Condition details: 20...
Ferrari 1980 Vintage Biography Book by Enzo Biagi, Rizzoli Edition
By Ferrari
Located in London, GB
A historic 1980 hardcover volume, first edition published by Rizzoli and written by the renowned Italian journalist Enzo Biagi. This book is one of the most intimate and significant ...
c. 1930s–1950s Antique Italian Sterling Silver & Rock Crystal Rosary in Case
Located in Honolulu, HI
A breathtaking treasure of European sacred art—this original mid-century Italian rosary set hails from Milan, the historical center of fine religious craftsmanship. Dating from the 1...
Peter Carl Fabergé 1995 Fabergé Eggs Imperial Russian Fantasies Book
By Peter Carl Fabergé
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Faberge Eggs Imperial Russian Fantasies Softcover Book. Faberge Eggs Imperial Russian Fantasies Softcover Book. Near Fine-very. New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc.,1995. 'Fabergé Eggs - Imperial Russian Fantasies'. Elephant Folio, illustrated perfect-bound wraps, 68 pp. A visually sumptuous presentation of the famous - and very rare Fabergé Eggs...
JANSEN Design Coffee Table Book Signed by Author, 2006
Located in Atlanta, GA
Jansen is a name synonymous with high style and chic interiors. It was a design house established in 1880's Paris by a Dutch entrepreneur, Jean-Henri Jansen. By the 20th Century, Jan...
Vintage Harper's Bazaar Magazine : May 1971
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Harper's Bazaar Magazine, May 1971 Cover Model Lauren Hutton •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 156 pages of fashion, advertising and early 1970's lifestyl...
The Story of Jewelry 1st ED. 1973 by J. Anderson Hardcover Book
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
The Story of Jewelry 1973 by J. Anderson. Introduction by Edward Lucie-Smith Black Hardcover Book. Translate from Italian. J. Anderson Black - Storia dei gioielli English text. Documents jewelry's history from the primitive ornaments of prehistoric times to the abstract simplicity of modern design. This book offers a unique way of exploring the world of vintage jewelry for experts, newcomers, and anyone with an interest in the topic. Every piece of jewelry tells a story. Each chapter is centered around a particular piece of jewelry and the way in which it is emblematic: a previous owner, an exemplary design or dominant material. From an array of historic pieces...
Cartier Paris Londres New York Red Jewelry Book Hardcover Small Book
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Cartier Red Jewelry Book English Edition Hardcover Small Book. 80 pages of beautiful iconic jewelry and the history of Cartier. In good condition showing only minor wear on cover. In...
1994 Vogue Paris Special Edition The Legendary Cinema Magazine Issue
By Vogue
Located in London, GB
One of the most important and collectible French Vogue editions ever published. The Issue that Celebrated 100 Years of Cinema —and Defined an Era of Supermodel Glamour Published in ...
$187Sale Price|20% Off
1977 British VOGUE Magazine by Barry Lategan at Golden Bay
By Vogue
Located in London, GB
1977 VOGUE November, Number 8, Volume 134, 220 pages, in colour and black/white, Doubled cover On Cover: "Flattery, photograph by Barry Lategan taken at Golden Bay, Malta, via Air M...
C.Z. Guest: American Style Icon, Rizzoli Coffee Table Book 2013
By Rizzoli
Located in Atlanta, GA
Oh what a charmed and fashionable life she led! C.Z. Guest still remains the epitome of American style ... fresh, sporty, simple and yet elegant. This beautiful 2013 coffee table b...