Chopard 16/1168 Rose Gold Dress Watch

KMII · 2016-11-20T12:04:32Z

KMII explores the Chopard 16/1168 in rose gold, a 33mm dress watch from the 1990s with a Jaeger-sourced movement. Discusses its appeal and size in today's market.

KMII revisits a lesser-known gem from Chopard's 1990s catalog, the Ref. 16/1168 in rose gold. This post delves into the appeal of a 33mm dress watch in a contemporary context, sparking a discussion on evolving size preferences and the enduring charm of vintage Chopard designs beyond its more famous lines.

While Mille Miglia, Happy Diamonds & St. Moritz were the well known lines from the 1990s, there has been a raft of lesser known models, too. And in terms of simple three hand dress watches the 16/1168 in RG is certainly one of the better examples. Back in the day 33mm was still acceptable for a male dress watch (these days that would take more guts).

From: Rakuten

This was complemented by a Jaeger sourced Ref. 818/4 movement, a nicely finished hand wound affair with 18 jewels.

From: Chrono24

The reference seems to have been the basis of some jewellery pieces, too but then the metal was WG. And those were hardly as broadly usable as the plain 16/1168

Luckily, there is a bit more info on the piece available than with some other models I have been looking at but more information is always welcome (especially from owners or people who have handled one)!

May be the rose tinted glasses of the past but I have to say it looks quite appealing

Key Points from the Discussion

Despite the 33mm size, the watch's straight hands, simple glossy appliqués with a minute chapter ring, and the contrast of the small seconds sub-dial, main dial, and casing are highly appealing.
The trend of increasing watch sizes from sub-36mm to 41mm+ for simple watches is questioned for its functional and aesthetic sense, with a prediction for a future return to smaller sizes.
The author notes that Chopard currently does not offer watches of this size, with the smallest being a 35mm LUC for ladies, suggesting a thinner bezel could make the 16/1168 appear more contemporary.
Finding information on pre-LUC and pre-PuristSPro Chopard models is challenging.

The Discussion

MichaelC

Nov 20, 2016

The contrasting subdial looks great on this dial

Thanks for the photo.

KMII

Nov 20, 2016

So it does - creates a nice balance

Usually not a fan of coloured metals but I find the combination here quite fitting. Thanks for your view

Alkiro1

Nov 20, 2016

This "little" Chopard makes me think to the AP Jules Audemars reference 15056 I owned several years ago. Almost similar with a case diameter 3mm more important and a tiny visible movement

Pictures quickly found on the net Best wishes Alkiro

KMII

Nov 20, 2016

What size was this, Alkiro?

It only says 3mm in your post - not sure if 3mm more (36), or sty else Very non RO piece and an AP I have looked at several times. How did you like wearing it?

Alkiro1

Nov 20, 2016

I said 3mm more than your Chopard so 36mm

Anyway, it was a nice timepiece. Dressed, discreet with a nice dial. Unfortunately, I didn\'t keep pics of it :-( Best wishes Alkiro

KMII

Nov 20, 2016

Sorry - rough night...

So was not quite sure what I have been reading I suppose many of us did not take watch pictures before so I know what you mean not having any

Key Points from the Discussion

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