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Kong's report details the inaugural PuristSPro Purity Prize awarded to Karl-Friedrich Scheufele and Chopard Manufacture in 2010. This article illuminates the significance of this new award within the watch collecting community, recognizing Chopard's exceptional work in developing in-house movements and their pursuit of horological perfection.
Mr Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard with Dr Melvyn Teillol-Foo, CEO of PuristSPro
The PuristS collectors group is the most recognised worldwide association of private watch collectors and specialists. For the very first time since its founding in 1999, The PuristS collector's group has chosen to award an exceptional prize honouring “the pursuit of perfection in an imperfect world” to Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard. PuristSPro officially presented him in Geneva with this distinction for the exceptional work he has accomplished with Chopard Manufacture since its creation in 1996.
The award is a crowning recognition for the five proprietary movements developed by Chopard Manufacture within 10 years, and above all for the “technical and aesthetic excellence” of the L.U.C Lunar One, a perpetual calendar with complete moon-phase display launched in 2005.
Chronométrie 2009 International Timing Contest
On December 3rd 2009, the L.U.C Tourbillon Steel Wings model won third prize in the Chronométrie 2009 International Timing Contest in which a dozen or so prestigious watch manufacturers were competing. Specifically reserved for mechanical timepieces, this competition highlights scientific and technical expertise as well as horological innovation, while using modern procedures to test watches' timing precision as well as their resistance to magnetic fields and impacts.
Participants were divided into two categories: “Individuals”, encompassing independent watchmakers; and “Brands and movement manufacturers” – the category in which Chopard was competing. The watches in the competition underwent three timing trials corresponding to the requirements of the ISO 3159 norm, as well as tests of their resistance to shocks and magnetic fields. The L.U.C Tourbillon Steel Wings model, equipped with L.U.C Calibre 4TT and endowed with a 9-day power reserve, achieved a remarkable 906 points out of 1000, just three less than the competition winner.
Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-president of Chopard, is particularly delighted with this performance. “I am indeed pleased with this result. It positions our L.U.C watches firmly among the exclusive circle of manufacturers capable of making high-precision movements and also underlines our tireless quest for perfection and innovation on the eve of our 150th anniversary.”
Vertical integration and founding values
These awards come at a time when Chopard is clearly affirming its determination to maintain independence and to enhance the vertical integration of its production by creating Fleurier Ebauches SA, a new firm independent of Chopard Manufacture. The company's fundamental values – including know-how, quality, creativity, inventiveness and tradition – take on their full meaning with these distinctions that will no doubt continue to stimulate Chopard in its tireless quest for perfection and innovation.
* Was mentioned in Chopard Diary, please click here to view.
The motif is the purity of a square and circle; two of the three purest shapes created by Man. Yet the circle is ex-centred to demonstrate PuristS seeking perfection in an imperfect world. The dimensions incorporate the numerals 1-7-8 as that is our numerical motto. The phonetic pronunciation of 1-7-8 in some chinese dialects means "All Together Prosper" to demonstrate our community spirit and belief that our passion, opinion and information can be shared by all. PuristS are about Win-Win situat
How was the award designed? How are winners picked? We want to know more...MORE!!! A
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Thanks for your support.....all of YOU selected the winner without knowing it. The People, Process and Product of the PuristSPro Purity Prize are State secrets of Biblical proportions! In order to ensure incorruptibility against political lobbying and vote-rigging, the details are shrouded in mystery. PPP may emerge sporadically, or not at all. It is not about the most complicated whizz-bang novelties although a bit of haute horlogerie helps. It is about watchmakers and products that embody the
that gives me and the issue far too much gravitas...and not ThePuristS way... But yes, much spirited and passion filled discussions indeed, on many issues... TM
for finally convincing me to do something long overdue. I've always been reticent to single out by award specific individuals or companies in this field of passion of ours; I was worried it was somehow "anti 1-7-8" But then, if not us, who? By the way, wow! amazing details in the conception and execution of the prize, thanks alot! It is in traditions and their embodiment like this that keeps the ideals and principles of ThePuristS alive. TM
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