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.
Ladies Tiny Girard Perregaux Solid Platinum Diamond Wristwatch Swiss Manual Wind
By Girard Perragaux
Located in Richmond, CA
A rare vintage Girard Perregaux ladies platinum and diamonds watch, dainty yet so full of bling, on cord band with metal hardware, with a locking safety clasp, for small 5.75" wrist....
Diamond, Platinum
Franck Muller Ladies 18k White Gold Cintrée Curvex Watch Ref. 1752QZ
By Franck Muller
Located in Richmond, CA
A beautifully timeless Franck Muller Cintree Curvex ladies watch crafted in elegant solid 18k (au750) white gold, with a silvered guilloché dial, original FM 18k (au750) WG buckle a...
White Gold
Rare 40s Pierpont 18k Solid Yellow Gold Subdial Dress Watch New Brown Croco Band
Located in Richmond, CA
This Pierpont gent's watch is a distinguished and rare timepiece from the 1940s, embodying the elegance and craftsmanship of a bygone era. Crafted from 18k solid gold and Swiss made, it exudes luxury and refinement, making it a standout piece in any collection. The watch is complemented by a well-matched brown crocodile leather band, which adds a touch of classic style and sophistication. The gold plaque buckle on the band enhances the overall luxurious feel of the watch, ensuring it's not just a timekeeper but a statement of style. At the heart of this watch is a manual winding Pierpont 17 jewel Swiss movement, a testament to the precision engineering and meticulous craftsmanship of the era. The presence of a second hand sub-dial at the six o'clock position adds functionality while maintaining the watch's classic aesthetic. The movement is tested to wind and run, but not tested for accuracy. One of the most charming aspects of this watch is the nice patina that has developed on the hands and dial over the years. This natural aging process adds character and a unique history to the watch, making it not just a piece of jewelry but a story to be told. This Pierpont watch...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Tank Francaise Mid-Size SS Automatic Calendar Watch Iob Ref. 2302
By Cartier
Located in Richmond, CA
A Cartier Mid-size (32mm) Tank Francaise bracelet watch in stainless steel (Ref.2302). The Swiss made movement is automatic winding. The dial is silver with black roman numeral markers and a date display at 6, the hands are blue, the crown is mounted with a blue cabochon sapphire. The full length bracelet is suitable for up to 8.5” wrist (3 removed links included). Comes with original Cartier watch...
Stainless Steel
Tiffany&Co. Classic Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring 0.85 Ct Solitaire 1.15 CTW
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Richmond, CA
Tiffany & Co. original classic platinum diamond engagement ring, with a 0.85 CT (H, VS1, 3E) center diamond that is full of sparkles, and 10 brilliant round diamonds channel set in t...
Diamond, Platinum
Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece 18k Solid Gold Automatic BIG DATE Wristwatch 40mm
By Maurice Lacroix
Located in Richmond, CA
Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece gent's wristwatch in solid 18k yellow gold. This fine Swiss timepiece features elegant “big date" complication display at prominent 12 o'clock position, A...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Chopard 18K White Gold Diamond Ladies Watch 426 1 #23249
By Chopard
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Chopard 18K White Gold Diamond Ladies Watch Model: 426 1 Number: 532157 This classic Chopard ladies watch is set in 18K white gold with a blac...
18k Gold
Chopard 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Mother of Pearl Watch
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
This Chopard Watch is 18K White Gold, and boasts and Diamond and Mother of Pearl Watch face
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
CHOPARD 18K White Gold Diamond Watch, Circa 1970s-1980s, 1.50ct
By Chopard
Located in PARIS, FR
An elegant Chopard jewelry watch in 18-karat white gold, featuring a round case enhanced by a bezel set with 66 brilliant-cut diamonds framing a unders...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
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 White Gold Diamond Watch
By Chopard
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Brand: Chopard Model: Happy Sport Reference number: 27/6730-50 Movement: Quartz Case Material: White Gold Bracelet material: Black Alligator Strap Condition: Pre Owned, Fair (Show...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Chopard 18k White Gold Diamond Bezel and Dial Ladies Watch
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
Chopard Genève ladies wristwatch crafted in 18k white gold, featuring an elegant octagonal case set with baguette-cut diamonds around the bezel. The dial is fully pavé-set with round...
Diamond
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.
