iconic 1. edition chopard happy diamonds for men

About the Item

this design was the biggest success in the history of chopard. designer ronald kurowski was inspired by water droplets sparkling in the sunshine at a waterfall and decided to design a mens watch with moving diamonds, that also flash in the sun. it was never meant for regular production as it was a one-of-a-kind entry into the annual 'Golden Rose of Baden Baden' - the highest price a jewels design could win at that time. the happy diamonds watch won easy, but there have been no plans for a commercial production. jewelers started ordering the nameless watch in large numbers and so chopard finally gave the watch the name happy diamonds and started the production. this 18k yellow gold watch is one of the 1. edition with moving 25 diamonds on an onyx back. powered by a hand wound mechanical caliber.

Creator:
Chopard (Manufacturer)
Design:
Diamonds Icons BraceletHappy Collection
Dimensions:
Height: 0.16 in (4 mm)Diameter: 1.26 in (3.2 cm)
Style:
Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Gold
Period:
1970-1979
Date of Manufacture:
1977
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. use to leather strap - for cites reasons the watch will be sent outside the eu without strap.
Seller Location:
Munich, DE
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU1005037427192
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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 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 authentic Chopard wristwatches, necklaces, rings and other jewelry on 1stDibs.