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 Watch Full Set 18k White Gold Diamond Prince's Foundation Ltd Edition
By Chopard
Located in San Diego, CA
Chopard Full Set 18k White Gold Diamond "The Prince's Foundation" Limited Edition Tonneau Timepiece, Ref. 16/2235, No. 104/200, circa 2000s. The Quintessence of Haute Horlogerie & Royal Provenance Presenting an exceptionally rare and magnificent Chopard Tonneau...
Gold
American Art Deco Furniture by Ric Emmett Ltd Edition Book
By Ric Emmett
Located in North Bergen, NJ
American Art Deco furniture by Ric Emmett After four years of research and writing this book has become a Reality! It has become a part of...
Paper
18K Gold Diamond And Emerald Snake Serpent Wrap Ring
Located in Norwood, NJ
18K yellow gold, emerald and diamond statement ring in the form of a serpent/snake with ruby eyes. Stylishly designed to wrap around your finger and display the elegant form of gold ...
Multi-gemstone, Gold
$7,500
H 2.032 in Dm 1.5 in
Rare Paul Flato Imperio Mexicano 1866 One Peso Solid 18k Gold Pendant Watch
By Paul Flato
Located in St. Louis, MO
This extraordinarily rare and highly important vintage Paul Flato convertible pendant-brooch watch is a spectacular relic from the legendary designer’s celebrated Mexican period, cir...
Crystal, Gold
$667Sale Price|43% Off
H 1.03 in W 0.91 in D 0.32 in
Rare Vintage 1960's Omega De Ville Swiss Made 18k Gold Plated Ladies Watch
By Omega
Located in London, GB
1969 Omega De Ville mechanical watch, with deep blue sea dial, 18K gold plated watch case, original strap and applied hour markers at the cardin...
Gold Plate
$2,850
H 13 in W 1.03 in D 0.34 in
Chopard Happy Sport Ladies Watch Floating Diamonds Sapphires Caroline Scheufele
Located in Soquel, CA
Chopard Happy Sport Ladies Watch Floating Diamonds Sapphires Caroline Scheufele Chopard Happy Sport ladies watch 1993-2000. reference 27/8250-23, MSRP $6900. 26MM-27mm Caroline Sc...
Stainless Steel
$13,500
H 2.5 in W 1 in D 0.5 in
Antique Patek Philippe Pearl And Diamond Ladies Pendant Watch In 18K Gold
By Patek Philippe
Located in Norwood, NJ
An exceptional antique ladies pendant watch by Patek Philippe, crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and lavishly adorned with natural seed pear...
Gold
$27,500
H 0.56 in W 1.3 in D 0.26 in
Kieselstein Cord Diamond 18k Yellow Gold 3D Alligator Cuff Bracelet
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Dallas, TX
This authentic Barry Kieselstein-Cord bracelet is finely crafted from 18k yellow gold featuring an intricate and detailed 3D sculpted full figure alligator, from the larger part with...
Gold Leaf
$4,765
H 0.2 in W 1.03 in D 8.9 in
Mid Century Wrist Watch by Baume & Mercier in 18K yellow gold, Switzerland 1970s
By Baume & Mercier
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a sleek Mid Century Modern wrist watch by Baume & Mercier. This Tank model is part of their broader Hampton collection known for its rectangular, Art De...
Gold
Domestic Architecture of H.T. Lindeberg, Ltd 1st Edition
Located in valatie, NY
Domestic Architecture of H.T. Lindeberg by H. T. Lindeberg. NY: Wm Helburn, 1940. Limited (1/1000) first edition hardcover, 1/4 maroon morocco over red cloth, no dust jacket as issued. Illustrated from photographs, drawings, plans, and elevations, including six plates in color; with a list of clients. The introduction by Royal Cortissoz. He designed for the rich and famous of the first half of the 20th century, Astor, DuPont, Morgan, Vanderbilt. Having worked at McKim, Meade & White, and as an assistant to Stanford White he learned the art of the selling his plans. A remarkable architectural monograph. Old owner's stamp (Franklin Adams...
Paper
$347,845
H 3.55 in W 2.56 in D 0.6 in
Vacheron Constantin Ref. 92115, a very fine, unique 18K pink gold pocket watch
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in London, GB
Vacheron Constantin Ref. 92115, an extremely fine and unique 18K pink gold pocket watch Swiss-made, October 2001, Height 9cm, width 6.5cm, depth 1.5cm Open: height 9cm, width 13cm, d...
Gold
$2,500 / item
H 9 in W 6 in D 1 in
Mark TWAIN. The Prince and the Pauper. FIRST EDITION SECOND STATE - 1882
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: TWAIN, Mark (Samuel Clemens). TITLE: The Prince and the Pauper: A Tale for Young People of All Ages. PUBLISHER: Boston: James R. Osgood, 1882. DESCRIPTION: FIRST EDITION ...
Leather
$166,965
H 3.55 in W 2.56 in D 0.6 in
Parmigiani Fleurier, 'Nubia', Extremely Fine, Unique 18k Pink Gold Pocket Watch
Located in London, GB
Parmigiani Fleurier, 'Nubia' - an extremely fine and unique 18K pink gold pocket watch Swiss, Early 21st Century Measures: Height 9cm, width 6.5cm, depth 1.5cm Open: height 9.5cm,...
Onyx, Gold
Sold
H 1.97 in W 8.27 in D 3.55 in
Chopard Pink Diamants “Happy fish” ballpoint pen pink resin, gold plated
By Chopard
Located in Valladolid, ES
Amazing , exquisite and unique pen from the "Happy Fish" collection, a special edition by the prestigious Swiss house Chopard. It comes with its original box and case. An elegant de...
Gold Plate
Chopard - Rattrapante Special Edition Stopwatch 126/250
By Chopard
Located in Madrid, ES
Chopard - Rattrapante Special Edition Stopwatch 126/250 Very Rare Collectors Piece In Superb NEVER Used Condition Reference no. 50/8181. Stainless steel. ø 66 mm. 234 grams. Limited, numbered: 126/250. crown winding. Precision mechanical movement. Sapphire crystal, white dial, Arabic numerals. Subdials for 60-minute and 12-hour counters. Screw-down case back engraved with sailboat, biplane and Mercedes 300...
Stainless Steel
Chopard - Rattrapante Special Edition Stopwatch 24/250
By Chopard
Located in Madrid, ES
Chopard - Rattrapante Special Edition Stopwatch 24/250 Very Rare Collectors Piece In Superb Basically Never Used Condition Reference no. 508181. Stainless steel. ø 66 mm. 234 grams. Limited, numbered: 24/250. crown winding. Precision mechanical movement. Sapphire crystal, white dial, Arabic numerals. Subdials for 60-minute and 12-hour counters. Screw-down case back engraved with sailboat, biplane and Mercedes 300 SL...
Stainless Steel