Chopard

Earliest Chopard Superfast Chrono

john c,

That is an old watch from circa 2011 when Chopard first introduced the Superfast name in their Classic Racing range.

The 18K rose gold reference was 161276-5003.There was a stainless steel Chrono variant and a Black DLC steel Split Seconds Chrono model that year.

The 45mm diameter and 15.08 mm thick case was the first Chopard to incorporate racing car motifs like the cooling fin strakes on the sides and rim nuts on the bezel.

The steering wheel motif was used on the crown.

From the orientation of the subdials, you know that it is not an in-house Chopard movement but a good quality movement from a 3rd party. In those days, Valjoux or Dubois-Depraz supplied Chopard. A big hint is the closed caseback as Chopard only shows the movement if it is a Chopard or has special significance like a vintage NOS Lemania 1874 movement decorated by Chopard Manufacture.

The Chopard movement was introduced to the Superfast range a couple of years later.

See previous history article: CHOPARD Superfast Watches - a Retrospective and Prospective Look

It was COSC tested as is the case for all Chopard mechanical watches with a seconds hand.

The 28,800 vph movement had approximately 42 hours power reserve.

The limited edition (500 pieces) watch came with a gold folding clasp.