Chopard Classic Manufactum BaselWorld 2012

Kong · 2012-03-02T08:25:47Z

Chopard unveils the Classic Manufactum at BaselWorld 2012, featuring a new in-house Calibre 01.04-C movement and classic design cues.

Kong

WPS member · Chopard forum

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Kong introduces the Chopard Classic Manufactum, a new collection unveiled at BaselWorld 2012 that bridges historical pocket-watch aesthetics with modern horology. This article highlights the integration of Chopard's new in-house Calibre 01.04-C movement, marking a significant step for the brand's manufacturing capabilities outside its L.U.C Haute Horlogerie collection.

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The elegantly understated Classic heralds a new collection at Chopard. Equipped with a new mechanical movement developed and produced in-house, it is inspired by the magnificent pocket-watches that Louis-Ulysse Chopard had made his speciality, and symbolises the encounter between tradition and modernity.

Like a fragment of history that has found its way unscathed through time thanks to its noble and understated character, the new Classic Manufactum by Chopard is a bridge between past and present, a link between the prestigious pocket-watches that forged the reputation of brand founder Louis-Ulysse Chopard, and modern-day wristwatches.

As its name implies, everything about the design of the Classic reflects the delightful classicism of the Belle Epoque: the porcelain-type dial provides a perfect setting for the shiny black Roman numerals; the small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock features a “railtrack” graduation typical of the pocket-watches of the era; and the slender gold-toned hands set the finishing touch to the perfectly harmonious overall effect.

A new “in-house” movement
Available in 18-carat rose, white or yellow gold, this timepiece with its refined exterior is equipped with Chopard Calibre 01.04-C, a new mechanical self-winding movement entirely developed in-house and produced in the workshops of Fleurier Ebauches, the Chopard Group unit in charge of the industrial production of movements not destined for its L.U.C Haute Horlogerie collection. After certain models of the Imperiale collection in 2011, it is now the turn of the first timepiece in the Classic collection to receive an “in-house” movement. The third reference produced by the Fleurier Ebauches workshops, Chopard Calibre 01.04-C drives the hour and minute hands, along with small seconds and a date display at 3 o’clock.

Beating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, it guarantees a generous 60-hour power reserve.
The beautifully rounded 38 mm-diameter case features an 18-carat gold crown and an exhibition back. The Classic Manufactum is fitted with a matt black alligator leather strap fitted with an 18-carat gold pin buckle.

Technical Details

Case
• 18ct rose, yellow or white gold
• Total diameter:                    38.00 mm
• Thickness:                           10.06 mm
• Water resistance:                 30 m
• Crown in 18ct rose, yellow or white gold:    6.00 mm
• Glareproofed sapphire crystal
• Exhibition back

Movement
• Mechanical self-winding: Chopard 01.04-C
• Diameter:                        28.80 mm
• Thickness:                        4.95 mm
• Number of jewels:            27
• Frequency:                    28,800 vph
• Power reserve:                 60 hours

Dial and hands
• Porcelain-type dial
• Gold-toned hour, minute and small seconds hands
• Shiny black transferred Roman numerals

Functions and displays
• Central display of hours and minutes
• Small seconds at 6 o’clock
• Date at 3 o’clock

Strap and buckle
• Padded strap in matt black alligator leather
• Pin buckle in 18ct rose, yellow or white gold

Ref. 161289-5001 – in 18ct rose gold
Ref. 161289-0001 – in 18ct yellow gold
Ref. 161289-1001 – in 18ct white gold

Press Release

Key Points from the Discussion

Several community members expressed disappointment with the date window, feeling it detracted from the otherwise classic and elegant dial design.
One member noted that the watch's case, lugs, and size make it a sensible dress watch, despite reservations about the date window.
A collector questioned if the Chopard Classic Manufactum utilizes the same movement as the 1937 model, indicating interest in the brand's in-house caliber development.
A user suggested that the font of the Chopard name on the dial appeared too modern for the watch's overall classic aesthetic.
Another point of critique was the absence of a minute rail on the dial, which some felt would enhance the classic pocket-watch inspiration.

The Discussion

AlexSunrise

Mar 6, 2012

For the date window :-((( I love the design of the case, lugs, and the size though, which make it a very sensible dress watch. Maybe next year Chopard will delight us with a manual wind non date model? Thanks for sharing this new model with us, Kong. All the best, Alex

dxboon

Mar 7, 2012

The date window mars an otherwise lovely dial. Nice direction in general, however. Cheers, Daos

CaliforniaJed

Mar 7, 2012

...this might be the first Chopard outside the L.U.C collection that I would consider. It appears to be a lovely case and dial. I presume this is the same movement we've seen in the 1937? Best, CaliforniaJed

ling5hk

Mar 12, 2012

Almost all of us can see that date window "spoil" the watch. Can't Chopard designer team see that? Regards Ling

KIH

Mar 18, 2012

... but I agree with others about the date window.... and I wish there were minute train printed...... Ken

Jacky

Mar 19, 2012

I think this watch looks fine...agree to comment below that it could've a minute rail. But hey, they cant please all of us I guess Very good try already.

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