Where the case tapers to the integrated bracelet down to the non-Maltese cross links reminds me of the first series VC Overseas. The case shape is pre-Biver Hublot ("Hublot Classic") .. Of course, with those screws, it could be from any of the ones who popularized it.. Cartier, AP, etc.
Also agree on how difficult it is to be original these days. I don't even mind taking inspiration (vs outright copying) from other brands. But with this one, if you take out the Chopard label on the dial, it doesn't give me an impression that it was made by Chopard. Unlike for example the Mille Miglia.. Even if you take out the Chopard and MM on the dial, you know it's from Chopard.
Is it going to be a successful line? Who knows. It can be. Probably targeting a whole different segment. And also trying to fill a hole with a piece that comes with a bracelet.
But I think bracelets are tougher to design and quite difficult to come up with something original versus doing a dial or a movement even. One is competing against Rolex with their quite successful and very basic oyster and jubilee. Then there's AP RO and Nautilus. Between these 3 brands, they pretty much cornered distinctive bracelet design. The rest would be derivative. If one wants to cop out of this game, there's the mesh and rice beads route. The only other brand that I can think of that has made a successful attempt at fusing their identity onto a bracelet would be VC with their Maltese cross inspired links.
It's going to be an interesting day when somebody comes up with a new bracelet design. Would be interesting to see what Lange comes up with if the rumors are true about a new sports line.
If you guys know of any other successful bracelet design that I may have overlooked let me know