moc's detailed account of a London contingent's visit to Chopard's manufactures in Fleurier and Geneva provides an intimate look into the brand's high-end L.U.C. watchmaking. This report goes beyond typical press releases, offering a collector's unfiltered perspective on the production methods and brand ethos that define Chopard's horological excellence.
It is common knowledge that one truly understands the value and magnitude of a watch company(any company )when he experiences first-hand the production methods ,but most of all, the ethic behind the brand.
This happened to a bunch of London enthusiasts ,myself included,who had the pleasure to be invited by Chopard to Fleurier and Geneva for a dazzling 3 days trip.
Chopard is a brand that I always looked at in a cautious way,from distance,always captivated by the obvious quality of their product,the level of finish and the extreme care that the watches emanate.
Obviously we are talking about L.U.C. Chopard(one for you Antony…..dont start
),the high end watch line of the bedazzled ,glittery gems giant.
Thanks to our dear Antony,a Chopard hard core fanatic since the dawn of time,our group in London is always exposed to a good dose of Chopard aesthetics and news,but ,as I said before,it is only when you submerge yourself in the company for a couple of days ,that your appreciation for the brand matures and consolidates.
It would be easy to be enchanted,seduced and slightly mislead by a lavish three days trip from any manufacture(believe me,this trip was just over the top,we were treated like Royalty and I thank Chopard for such a wonderful treat),but at the end if the product do not meet one own criteria of quality,one s left with a sense of emptiness.This wasn t certainly the case with Chopard,on the contrary,opening my eyes wider on a such a wonderfully run manufacture enriched me and ,as I said above,made me REALLY appreciate the brand.
We were based in Neuchatel,what a beautiful town,the weather and the view from our hotel just breathtaking,a great memory really.
Here is a view from the hotel
fantastic setting.....
For a ....blind date????
I am wondering whats coming next?????
Up early in the morning,with a great sunshine welcoming our trip to Fleurier.
The first part of the trip was held in Fleurier,watch town by definition,and cradle of "Qualite' Fleurier"certification,so dear to Chopard and other manufactures of the area.
A Quick welcome picture ...ready for......
The morning was spent amongst CNC machines and departments,but it s when you handle finished parts and semi -assembled watches that you start appreciating the quality of the Maison.
A quick tutorial on L.U.C. caibers and impressive line up.
Then a very poor attempt to clean up some parts.....I think I completely flattened a valuable part....ooops!
some polishing....
concentrating and debating on very small details......
A beautiful example of L.U.C attention to detail,look at the perlage on this plate....
Some fantastic skeleton work on some bridges.
And engravings...
The level of finish on the mainplates is really impressive....
A poor attempt at perlage
looks like I drew a swan!!!
Another glorious moment,a visit to Chopard museum
with some incredible pieces
After a lavish lunch,blessed by the presence of Mr Karl Friedrich Scheufele in charge of L.U.C. in Fleurier,we were in for the real deal:the collection.
my favourite ,such a charm,modern,light,elegant and sporty at the same time
on the wrist....
Great watch,QP tourbillon..
and a watch with 3 approvals:COSC,Geneva seal and Qualite Fleurier!
My favourite version of the engine 1,so opulent and cool..
you can experience the level of finish and sheer quality on these 2 backsides:the tribute..hust breathtaking,if only a bit smaller...
a line-up of beauties......wow!
I must heartfully thank Chopard ,especially Eleonore and Jean Baptiste,our companions for the trip,for such an exquisite,breathtaking trip,their generousity and commitment to the brand are deeply impressive.
Without forgetting Vincent Lapaire ,LUC Project Manager,who did the presentation in Fleurier, and spent both days with us,Pamela Perez and Hadda Smaniotto.
Thanks to the London boys ,as always,a great company, but thats an understatement now….especially Antony for making this trip happen.
Yours,Mo
