Manufacture
AndrewD's report from IGOTT2 captures Chopard's insightful presentation on what constitutes a 'Purist Watch.' This article distills Mr. Karl-Friedrich Scheufele's key criteria, offering a valuable framework for understanding Chopard's commitment to in-house manufacturing, traditional craftsmanship, and technical innovation. It provides a rare glimpse into the philosophy guiding a major brand's approach to high horology.
The Chopard team presented a wonderful afternoon of horology and it was great to see how a larger company approaches the design of a new watch. Mr Karl-Friedrich Scheufele outlined what makes a Purist watch, and then opened up the discussion to the floor.
1. In-house components.
From the research and design through to the final product. Chopard produce their own cases, bracelets and even melt their own gold.
2. Traditional craftsmanship.
Heritage. Continuing traditional crafts such as engraving.
3. Outstanding quality and finish.
Applying traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques. Finishing the non-visible parts to as high a standard as the visible parts. "Attention to detail."
A Tourbillon bridge takes 8 hours to polish.
4. Technical innovations.
A new escapement has been developed which will oscillate at either 8 or 10 Hz. It will resume it's rate faster than a 4 Hz escapement, which makes it very suitable for a sports watch.
5. Certified precision.
The movements are tested and certified with complications (eg. Perpetual calendar) in place. Undergo Quality Fleurier, Poincon Geneva and COSC certification!
6. Reliability and durability.
7. Recognisable design.
Hands, crown, hinges, etc. are uniform across the line.
8. Exclusive and limited editions.
The LUC All-in-One represents all that Chopard has done in a watch to this point (although it does not contain a chronograph as Chopard had not released the Chrono at this point).
9. Attraction to all the senses.
10. After-sales service.
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MTF introduces the Chopard Team ...
The charismatic Patrick Wehrli presents the history of the L.U.C. collection …
And for my other IGOTT2 Chopard coverage, click here:
never realized how innovative Chopard is... J
Whether on the front of back of the watch! Cheers, Anthony
I hope you get your wish! Judging from history, it seems that Genevan watchmakers seem to traditionally offer less blued screws; Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin (two very traditional Genevan brands) both don't have blued screws in their movements. I've come to the assumption that manufactures are discouraged from doing so because they want to submit their watches for Geneva Seal certification, and I can't recall a Geneva Seal certified watch with blued screws. Perhaps blued screws don't q
I attended the a Chopard event in HK a few weeks ago. They provided a really interesting presenation on their history and also thei philiosophy of watchmmaking. There is something for everyone at Choppard. The quality of the LUC range where production is only 4000 with a whole sport range in Mille Miglia and ladies range. There is something to be admired at all levels. Still very happy with my LUC Fleurier, the original one from a few years ago Happy Watching! justindependent
Looks like a very interesting presentation.
Some important slides you captured. Appreciate. Kong
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