Manufacture
Z3 takes readers on an exclusive tour of Chopard Geneve, highlighting a unique aspect of their manufacturing process: in-house gold alloying. This behind-the-scenes look reveals the meticulous steps Chopard takes to create its own gold blends, underscoring its dual identity as both a watchmaker and a jeweler. The post challenges perceptions of what defines a true 'manufacture' in the luxury industry.
How Many Watch Companies Make Their Own Gold?
- A Brief Visit to the Chopard Manufacture in Geneve
By Z3
During SIHH 2010, I took a short afternoon side trip to Chopard Geneve. Whereas the Chopard facility in Fleurier produces only the high-end LUC line, Chopard Geneve is the much bigger brother that produces everything from the standard Chopard watches (e.g. Mille Miglia) to jewelry pieces. The production scales are much larger than the mostly hand-made processes at Fleurier.
The most memorable portion of the afternoon is a visit to the "gold room". Because of Chopard's role as a jeweler - hence the large demand for 18K gold of various shades, it actually buys solid .999 pure gold bars, and then makes its own blend by adding the appropriate portions of silver and copper.
Now, how many watch companies do you know can show you this?
From left to right: silver, copper, gold bars, and the resulting rose gold bar.
Technician in charge of the gold mixing
A newly minted 18K rose gold bar, ready to be used for making those stunning rose gold watches.
Making cases using the stamping method, from a solid block of steel.
Different steps of the finishing process - from rough to finished.
Large batches of steel bars for cases and bracelets
Once the cases are stamped, CNC machines are used for finer machining and cutting.
Additional finishing by hand
"Before" vs. "After"
Buckle assembly - where the worker hand-test each buckle, to ensure that the clasp opens and closes smoothly.
The short visit is concluded with a visual treat of some stunning LUC pieces - Patrick, you know how to push my buttons=)
Thank you very much to our ever gracious hosts Mr. Patrick Wehrli, and Mr. Karl F. Scheufele - the President of Chopard. This short, yet impressive visit once again brings reminder of Chopard as a truly, complete, in-house manufacture. Kudos to Chopard - you always have a special spot in my heart.
Hope you have enjoyed the post.
Yours Truly,
Jon (Z3)
This message has been edited by Z3 on 2010-08-27 01:50:04 This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2010-08-28 13:49:11 This message has been edited by Z3 on 2010-08-28 16:03:00 This message has been edited by MTF on 2010-09-03 03:45:19
such beauties in there . chopard are unique one way or another in my believe , they always have something extra to offer . Faisal
Thanks for sharing the impressions of your visit! My "problem" with Chopard: I still concieve them more as makers of jewellery (rings, necklaces, brooches etc.) than as watchmakers. Considering this, I am not surprised they make their own gold. But regarding their beautiful watches (I particularly like the ones with classic design), I most likely should adjust my brand image. Kind regards, anaesdoc
What a great opportunity to see the watches in quite literally their most raw form, and completely finished. Thanks so much for posting this. Best, CaliforniaJed
chopard going fm strength to strength....only recently having fallen in love with LUC watches.
It must be awesome to hold a gold bar in your hand Cheers, Anthony
The term Manufacture is so widely used today that it is becoming all too common. Given this fact, watch companies that actually alloys their own gold should almost be given a special reverence! Thanks for the photos Jon of this wonderful watch factory in Geneve.
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