Manufacture
MTF's post, "The year 1963 was important for Chopard," delves into a pivotal moment in the brand's history: the acquisition of Chopard by Karl Scheufele III. This article not only uncovers the historical significance of this event but also showcases how Chopard has commemorated it through its L.U.C 1963 collection, offering a blend of heritage and haute horlogerie.
What is the most important item in this photograph taken at the Chopard Geneva Museum?
Chopard watches on the Left made by Paul-Andre Chopard in the 1940s and 1950s.
Eszeha watches on the Right by Karl Scheufele II and Karl Scheufele III in the 1940s and 1950s.
The most important object is the pen that was used by Karl Scheufele III to sign the contract of purchase of Chopard in 1963.
Karl Scheufele III bought Chopard & Cie from Paul-Andre Chopard, combining the experience and history of both Eszeha in Germany and Chopard in Switzerland.
CHOPARD Office, Birkenfeld, Germany.
The new Chopard Headquarters in Geneva is an exact copy of the old Karl Scheufele GmbH & Co KG office in Birkenfeld because the same plans were used.
CHOPARD Office, Geneva, Switzerland.
L.U.C 1963 Collection
The L.U.C Collection launched in 2014, paid tribute to the 50th anniversary of the Scheufele family taking over Chopard.
The initial collection included limited editions of an automatic chronometer and a manual wind chronograph in rose gold.
The chronometer was also available in platinum limited edition.
PuristS also celebrated with the L.U.C 1963 Chrono PuristS Edition in a steel case.
L.U.C 1963 Chronometer and L.U.C 1963 Chrono Rose Gold
L.U.C 1963 Chrono PuristS Edition Steel
For 2015, Chopard introduced the L.U.C 1963 Tourbillon with grand feu enamel dial.
The tourbillon bridge has been simplified elegantly into a slender single span and the arena caseback exhibits the movement superbly.
I appreciate that Chopard made the movement slimmer than their usual tourbillon movement to accommodate the slightly thicker enamel dial. That is what true haute horlogerie is. The movement is manufactured to fit on a case-by-case basis.
L.U.C 1963 Tourbillon with grand feu enamel dial
Manufacture Chopard in Fleurier
'Precise' is a watch word at Chopard. 
Quality Control of the milling process.
Quality Control of the movement precision
Decoration and Polishing by hand
Geneva Stripes for Geneva Seal
You know that you've established a great reputation in haute horlogerie when bad people start to make fakes !
it's so much more exhilarating to actually own a REAL Chopard watch and especially a L.U.C model......
What do you think?
Regards,
MTF
The senior Scheufeles are still working at Chopard today like they have done for a lifetime! They still have offices at headquarters and 'retirement' is a foreign word to them. Not for them the golf or pinochle in the twilight of their lives...... Not for them the lush tropical resort and a cold beer...... Instead, the call of Chopard is still strong...... They truly deserve the tribute of the L.U.C 1963 Collection and the legacy of their stewardship of 50 years..... Regards, MTF
I only can wish, yes I know that's hard based on our terrible current economic conditions, that they expand to my country. Thanks, Nilo
You are quite correct. Despite the growth of the Brazilian economy (BRIC economy), there are only a few Chopard retailers in Brazil. Most are in São Paolo but you need to be leaving the country to benefit as one is in the airport: IOSC Zona Franca Sucursal Uruguay, Aeroporto Internacional de São Paulo. Frattina Jewellers have two shops in São Paolo Sara Jóias Jewellers have 3 shops in Rio De Janeiro Regards, MTF
Those A.D. can't compare, in terms of offerings, with the Boutiques from other brands, like JLC, Panerai, IWC, Omega, Rolex, Vacheron, Cartier, Bulgari, Piaget etc. I never saw one L.U.C. around. Only entry level models, ETA based. Without a strong presence (Boutiques and maintenance), Chopard will stay on my (and others) dreams. Thanks, Nilo Note: Sara also has stores in São Paulo.
Fantastic post, MTF. I would add this: walking through Chopard's facilities is a journey through beauty and precision, executed in ways old and new. Here, for example. the old: precision grinding of microns of material by hand, to clean up what computer-aided machinery cannot: And below, an example of the use of technology in the QC process: Best, CaliforniaJed
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