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 Imperiale 42mm Chronograph REF 38/3180-23 18K Gold Watch
By Chopard
Located in Miami, FL
Elegant Chopard Imperiale Chronograph Ref. 37/3180-23 crafted in 18K white gold and lavishly adorned with vibrant baguette-cut sapphires and brilliant diamonds. This luxurious timepi...
18k Gold
$2,138Sale Price|20% Off
Dm 1.66 in
Hamilton Khaki Navy Sub Automatic Chronograph Men's Watch, 42mm, Swiss
By Hamilton
Located in Braintree, GB
Hamilton Khaki Navy Sub Auto Chronograph men's wristwatch. Reference Nr. H787160 Made in Switzerland. The watch features 30 minute counter at 3 o'clock, Date between 4 and 5, 12 hour counter at 6 o'clock and the sub-second dial is at 9 o'clock. Gender: Men Case Size: 42 mm ( Without a crown ) Dial colour: Grey with black and orange accents Movement: Automatic Unidirectional bezel Numerals: Arabic Watchband Material: Stainless steel Water resistant: 30 BAR/435 Psi Caliber : H - 31 Case material: Stainless Steel Display Type: Analogue Box / Papers: No Glass: Sapphire Crystal Weight: 239 grams Comes with a box. Condition: The watch is pre-owned, and in excellent working condition, please see pictures. History: Hamilton Watch Company was established in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Originally, the firm manufactured high-quality pocket timepieces, which were soon popular among American railroad employees owing to their precision and dependability. Hamilton Watch Company started manufacturing wristwatches for the United States military during World War I. This shifted the company's attention to wristwatch manufacture, and by the 1930s, Hamilton was producing some of the world's most popular and creative wristwatches. During WWII, Hamilton once again developed military timepieces, notably the famed "Marine Chronometer," which was utilised by US Navy navigators. Hamilton continued to develop after the war, creating the world's first electric watch in 1957 and the first digital watch in 1970. Hamilton has also been a popular brand among Hollywood filmmakers, with its timepieces featuring in various films such as "Interstellar," "The Martian," and "Men in Black." Hamilton is now a component of the Swatch Group, one of the world's major watch makers. Despite ownership changes and altering watch...
Stainless Steel
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 42mm Diamond Watch 25721ST
By Audemars Piguet
Located in New York, NY
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 42mm Stainless Steel Diamond Watch with Black Dial 25721ST Black dial with “Petite Tapisserie” pattern, white counters...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
$37,820 / item
H 1.66 in W 0.56 in Dm 1.66 in
Rolex Sky-Dweller 42mm Steel 18K Yellow Gold Black Dial Automatic Watch 326933
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Original Box and Papers are Included. Covered by 5-year Chronostore Warranty.
Steel
Cartier Ballon Bleu 42mm Certified 18k Rose Gold
By Cartier
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Cartier MODEL: Ballon Bleu 42mm CASE: 18k Rose Gold DIAL: White BAND: 18k Rose Gold WRIST SIZE: Apx. "19.1 MOVEMENT: Automatic Scratch on glass on I The rest of the watch in ...
Rose Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s Audemars Piguet Pocket Watch Skeleton 18K Yellow Gold Manual 42mm
By Audemars Piguet
Located in New York, NY
A Masterclass In Horological Art Before the Royal Oak, Audemars Piguet built its reputation on producing some of the most refined and technically complex dress watches in the world....
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chopard Imperiale Stainless Steel Chronograph Automatic Watch
By Chopard
Located in Toronto, CA
Description Brand: Chopard Model: Imperiale Reference Number: 8219 Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Automatic Case Material: Stainless steel Measurements : Case w...
Stainless Steel
Cartier Calibre W7100018 42mm Ref 3300 18K Rose Gold Box Paper 2018
By Cartier
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: W7100018 / 3300 Year: 2018 Model: Cartier Calibre Case Material: 18K Rose Gold Band: 18K Rose Gold Bezel: 18K Rose Gold Weight: 257 Grams ...
CARTIER 18K White Gold Diamond Dial and Bezel Ronde Louis Cartier 42mm Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A masterful expression of Cartier's timeless elegance and horological artistry, this Ronde Louis Cartier wristwatch seamlessly combines classical design with exceptional gem-setting....
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium
Cartier Pasha Chronograph 38mm Steel Watch, Ref. W3100443
By Cartier
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Experience the iconic design and sophisticated functionality of this pre-owned Cartier Pasha Chronograph Ref. W3100443, a 38mm timepiece that blends classic elegance with a sporty edge. This watch makes a bold statement with its distinctive Gérald Genta-designed features, offering a unique addition to any collection. Steel Case: Polished and brushed stainless steel case in a 38mm size, suitable for a range of wrist sizes. Dial: Cream-colored dial with white sub-dials, as well as Arabic numerals. Quartz Movement: Powered by a precise quartz chronograph movement with a date window display at 6 o'clock. Crown: Equipped with the signature "canteen-style" screw-down crown cap, which is attached to the case by a small chain, a hallmark of the Pasha collection. Full Set: Accompanied by the original Cartier watch box and papers...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Le Roy & Fils. A Rare 18k Yellow Gold 1/4 Repeater Pocket Watch 38MM Circa 1880
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Le Roy & Fils. A Rare 18ct Yellow Gold 1/4 Repeater Half Hunter Pocket Watch C1880. Dial: The white enamel unsigned dial with Roman numerals outer minute track with Arabic five ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$25,600Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Pasha 18K Yellow Gold 38mm Ref. 1989 Leather Accents Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A striking Cartier Pasha watch in solid 18K yellow gold, reference 1989, showcasing one of Cartier’s most recognizable and enduring sport-luxury designs. The substantial 38mm round c...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
A.W.W.Co American Watch Company Waltham Mass. Pocket Watch Movement, 42mm.
By American Waltham Watch Co.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
American Watch Company (A.W. W. Co) Waltham Mass. Pocket Watch Movement Porcelain Dial 42mm movement is numbered circa 1850's
Vintage Chopard Watch 18k Gold Pendant Tiger’s Eye Black Onyx Estate Jewelry
By Chopard
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A vintage Chopard watch pendant, crafted in 18k gold, Swiss made. The watch features a smooth oval case with clean lines and gold hands. The face combines deep black onyx with warm tiger’s eye in a bold geometric layout. Designed as both a timepiece and a jewel, this Chopard watch makes for a chic pendant. The integrated bail allows it to put on a chain, turning a classic gold watch into a versatile necklace. As a vintage pendant watch, it reflects the era’s love for strong shapes and rich materials. It can be styled with a simple gold chain for everyday wear or layered with other necklaces for a more curated look. This gold watch is ideal for those who appreciate 1970s design, Swiss quality, and minimalist look that feels modern even decades later. This bold minimalist vintage watch pendant is made of 18 karat yellow gold. The face is made of black onyx and tiger’s eye inlay. The watch carries a Swiss made mechanical movement with 17 jewels. Serial and reference numbers 20668 and 3016. All the watch parts are original Chopard. This Chopard watch measures 1 5/8" x 1 3/8" (4.3 x 3.5 cm) without the bail. The vintage watch weighs 37.5 grams. There is a barely visible hairline on the onyx inlay. About Chopard: Chopard, established in 1860 as a watchmaking brand, is renowned not only for its high-end watches but also for its luxury jewelry pieces. The Swiss company is known for its meaningful heart-shaped designs, floating diamonds, and red-carpet fame, all central to Chopard’s authentic concept. At the heart of Chopard's philosophy is the joy of life (joie de vivre) and the freedom of creativity. This philosophy led the Maison to create the first watch with free-moving diamonds between crystal glass in 1976, embodying their motto: "Diamonds are happier when they are free." This innovative concept extends to their jewelry, with the Chopard Happy Diamond Heart necklace...
Onyx, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chopard Happy Day Traveling Pocket Watch And Clock 51/6677-23 - 890818
By Chopard
Located in Miami, FL
Chopard Gold Plated "Happy Day" Traveling Pocket Watch or Desk Clock. A vintage relic from the luxury Swiss watch and Jeweler, Chopard. Featuring an alarm function, roman numeral di...
Silver
Art Deco Eszeha 14K White Gold Glass Lapel Watch
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
An antique Art Deco era lapel watch by Chopard, Boutique Special Editions Eszeha line. Clear glass and 14K white gold body garnished with faceted sapphires and diamons. White dial wi...
Diamond, White Gold
Chopard yellow Gold engraved Pocket Watch
By Chopard
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Classically-styled, yet boasting the robustness of modern manufacture, this golden pocket watch was created of 18 karat yellow gold by Chopard. Bea...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold