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.
$71,200Sale Price|20% Off
Chopard Happy Sport Ruby and Diamond Rose Gold Ladies Wristwatch
By Chopard
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Chopard Happy Sport ladies' wristwatch is a masterclass in luxury horology, perfectly blending high-jewelry aesthetics with Swiss mechanical precision. The timepiece f...
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold
Chopard Happy Sport Pink Diamond Ruby Gold Watch
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
18k rose gold Happy Sport Chopard lady's watch, set with 1.60ctw in pink diamonds, rubies on the bezel (one stone is chipped) and floating 3 diamonds 2 rubies...
Pink Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Chopard Happy Sport 8246 Two-Tone Floating Diamond and Ruby 1990 Vintage Watch
By Chopard
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Chopard Happy Sport Ref 8246 ladies quartz 26mm watch in two-tone 18K yellow gold and stainless steel, featuring the iconic 5 floating round brilliant diamonds between dial and sapphire crystal, cream Roman numeral dial, ruby cabochon lug accents, and the signature two-tone beaded bubble-link bracelet. Circa 1990. Fits up to 6 inch wrist. Product Specifications: Brand: Chopard Model: Happy Sport Reference Number: 8246 Metal: 18K Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel (two-tone) Case Width: 26mm Movement: Quartz Dial: Cream/white with Roman numerals Indices: Roman numerals (IX, XII visible) Crystal: Sapphire with 5 floating round brilliant diamonds inside Bezel Type: Round, smooth Length: Up to 6 inches Weight: 66 Grams Lugs: Ruby cabochon accents at all four lug positions Band Material: Two-tone beaded/bubble-link bracelet Period: 1990 About Chopard Happy Sport: The Chopard Happy Sport was created in 1993 by Caroline Scheufele, co-president of Chopard, as a deliberate challenge to the convention that diamonds must always be fixed and formal. Chopard, founded in Sonvilier, Switzerland in 1860 and now headquartered in Geneva, has been a leading independent Swiss luxury watch and jewelry house for over 160 years. The Happy Sport became an immediate icon upon its release — the first watch in history to feature freely floating diamonds inside the crystal — and it transformed Chopard from a respected watchmaker into a global luxury fashion statement. The combination of sports watch proportions, precious stone accents, and the playful animated diamond element created a watch that appealed equally to jewelry lovers and watch enthusiasts in a way no previous timepiece had managed. Collectors prize early Happy Sport pieces, particularly two-tone ruby lug variants, for their rarity, their historical significance as the original floating diamond watches...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$2,470
W 0.48 in L 6.26 in
Chopard Happy Sport Stars Ruby Diamond Watch. Chopard LUC 27/8245-21 Ladies
By Chopard
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine Chopard LUC Happy Sport Stars Ruby Diamond Ladies Watch ref. 27/8245-21 Stainless Steel. Pink Mother of Pearl Dial Diamond Moon and Stars. Comes with original Chopard Certi...
Gold, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Chopard Happy Sport Ruby Diamond Watch. Chopard LUC 27/8250-21 Ladies
By Chopard
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine Chopard LUC Happy Sport Ruby and Diamond Ladies Watch ref. 27/8250-21 Stainless Steel. Mother of Pearl Dial Diamond and Rubies Condition: Excellent Condition. Comes with or...
Gold, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel
$8,499
H 0.95 in W 0.22 in Dm 0.95 in
Chopard Happy Diamonds 24mm 18K White Gold White Dial Ladies Watch 20/3957
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Good condition. No original box and papers. Comes with a Chronostore box. * Free Shipping within the USA * One-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full r...
White Gold
Chopard Happy Sport 18K Yellow Gold Diamonds Ruby Watch Ref 4144
By Chopard
Located in Miami, FL
Chopard Happy Sport – Ref. 4144 An elegant and iconic Happy Sport Diamond “Snowflake” ladies’ wristwatch crafted in 18K yellow gold, showcasing the timeless sophistication of Chopard...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Chopard Happy Sport – 278475-3001 – 7 Floating Diamonds – 2013 – Full Set
By Chopard
Located in London, GB
The iconic Chopard Happy Sport is instantly recognisable for its playful elegance, and this reference 278475-3001 captures it perfectly. Featuring seven floating diamonds that glide ...
Chopard Ice Cube Diamond Watch
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 8.90 carats. Signed by Chopard, from their Ice Cube collection Model #856 Size 6 inches
Diamond, 18k Gold
Chopard La Strada Ladies in Steel with Partial Diamond on Bezel
By Chopard
Located in Antwerp, BE
Chopard La Strada Ladies in Steel with Partial Diamond on Bezel, 24 mm Model: Chopard La strada Reference number: 8357 Movement: Quartz Functions: Hours, Minutes, Small seconds Case: Rectangle, Stainless steel, measurements case length 24 mm x height 35 mm, thickness 9.5 mm, Partial diamonds on bezel, Waterproof 3 ATM, Sapphire glass Dial: White dial, Roman numerals, Strap: Chopard steel strap...
Diamond, Steel
Floating diamonds add a dose of whimsy to this elegant timepiece.
Just because the dial says Geneva — or the alluring French version of the city's name, Genève — it doesn’t mean your timepiece was crafted in the watchmaking capital.
