Chopard’s Spring 2012 Collection Warms the Autumn Chill

Imperiale Full Set ladies watch.

The mid-point of autumn seems like an inappropriate time to talk about spring collections but the fashion industry moves to its own schedule—even when it comes to high-end watches and jewelry. And in this realm of what is known as “hard” luxuries there are few more fashionable companies than Chopard.

The Swiss luxury brand recently released its spring collection of eloquent and innovative watches, refined jewelry pieces and even a surprise offering. These collections just may have enough sparkle and brilliance to keep one warm during the coldest winter nights.

Items from the new collections are listed below:

Imperiale Full Set (top picture)
This is the first Chopard timepiece with a movement made in its Fleurier Ebauches watch workshop in the Neuchâtel Jura region of Switzerland. Code-named calibre CHOPARD 01.03-C, this ladies watch beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hertz), while its barrel ensures a 60-hour power reserve. The 40 mm case in 18k white gold is entirely paved with diamonds and rubies and appears like an extension of the dial, which is also diamond-set and punctuated with baguette-cut ruby indexes at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock. A red alligator leather strap matches the rubies of the case.

Imperiale Jewelry Collection
Chopard created a jewelry line to accompany its Imperiale watch collection. The Imperiale pendants and earrings come in 18k white gold and are either partially or entirely set with diamonds. The combination of white gold with diamonds naturally catches and holds the light without blinding observers. They are resolutely contemporary and easy to wear.

Happy Sport Oval Full Set
This is the newest entry for one of the brand’s most successful watch lines since it was introduced in 1993. This extremely feminine watch features a new case with modern proportions, displaying elegant and ergonomic lines. The Happy Sport Oval Full Set comes in 18k white gold and is fully set with diamonds along with seven moving diamonds that playfully whirl and twirl around its dial.

L.U.C XPS
This new edition of Chopard’s classic men’s watch is crafted in 18k white gold with a satin-brushed, silver toned dial. The self-winding movement is endowed with two barrels and a 65-hour power reserve within an ultra-thin case, which is due to a clever design created at Chopard’s Fleurier watchmaking facility. The designers also devoted their talents to the shape and proportions of the round large-diameter case (39.50 mm) featuring a flat bezel and an extremely slender middle.

Jacky Ickx Edition V
Limited to 2,000 pieces, this watch is an anthem to classic racing. Its 24-hour counter, the flyback chronograph function and the tachometric scale are designed for drivers. Developed in cooperation with Jacky Ickx (most known for winning the 24 hours of Le Mans endurance race six times), this edition features a stainless steel 42.4 mm case and a black dial with two silver-toned counters and one black counter. The timepiece has a 6/24 inscription on the case-back, symbolizing the Ickx’s accomplishments at Le Mans.

Haute Joaillerie Writing Instrument
Chopard used the expertise of its workshops to create a range of elegant and precise instruments, crafted in 18k white gold and entirely set with diamonds.