Chopard

I might have been the first Purist to go for this watch.  I had wanted to get into the brand for a while, and the many unique aspects of this watch made it the choice for me.  I bought it from a Chopard dealer, getting one of the last new pieces, and was thrilled.  I posted and wrote about it a lot, and it quickly became a favorite.

I then shared a photo of the watch on top of a rifle.  Some of you will remember it.  It was a very artistic shot.  Knowing guns are a polarizing topic around the world, I carefully cropped the image to focus on the watch, and the unique materials of it and the area of the rifle behind.  Many of you complimented the photo, and it was a great topic.  There was no ammo, no magazine, no muzzle - just a flat area where the watch lay very nicely.

Well, someone from Chopard emailed WatchProSite and explained that an "LUC watch" was not "appropriate" with that "type" of weapon.  I only found out after my post was removed.  Honestly, I understood the decision of the website, as they have a relationship with Chopard.

Nonetheless, this site has never been about censorship, and the incident was very angering.  I don't think these big brands think about their actions enough.  No watch will ever hold the place in my heart that my rights as an American do.  As I said, I am very sensitive to the topic of firearms around the world.  I am completely against violence.  I live in Colorado, where sadly some of the worst gun related violent crimes have occurred.  Sickening things that should never happen, anywhere.

My attraction to guns and other weapons started many years ago as a real admiration for the craftsmanship and beauty.  The fit, finishing, tolerances - I see many parallels to watches, and do not think tasteful photos need to be frowned upon.

I was so upset about it, I immediately advertised the watch for sale.  We all know Chopard is not a brand to hold value - a quick look on any auction site substantiates that.  On my own watch, I was asking 50% of MSRP and nobody wanted it.  And this for a virtually brand new watch.  It would have been a loss of thousands of dollars, and I was ready to do it.  Alas, I recently took it from the bank and remembered why I chose it in the first place.  I have worn it again and most of the sour feelings are gone.  The piece itself is awesome; I had looked for a black watch for some time that appealed to me on all levels, and this was finally it.  I'm still a little conflicted because of the incident, and likely will never support this brand again, but what's done is done.

We will see how my feelings go, but for now I am back to wearing it.  I thank all of you who messaged me privately about this topic and lent your moral support.  The friendships here will always supersede the watches for me.

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