Chopard

Despite Chopard’s popular characterisation as a jewellery brand beloved of Hollywood royalty (Julia Roberts has been an ambassador since 2021), the House has a well-documented history among collectors of serious watchmaking.

Founder Louis-Ulysse Chopard began this tradition by crafting high-quality pocket watches, which proved to be popular with European aristocrats and executives in the booming railroad industry. In 1860, the original manufacture was set up in Chopard’s native hometown of Sonvilier.

Following three generations of private ownership, Chopard’s descendants sold the business to the Scheufele family - watch and jewellery makers from Pforzheim. 

Founded in 1860 by Jura native Louis-Ulysse Chopard, the eponymous company has been synonymous for many decades with dazzling jewellery collections that draw on its historic expertise in gem-setting and metal-working. To many, Chopard’s name primarily registers as that of an eminent jewellery house, but make no mistake: watches are very much part of its DNA.

Under the leadership of siblings Caroline and Karl-Friedrich Scheufele (who act as co-presidents of the brand) Chopard has invigorated its commitment to high watchmaking: primarily through its L.U.C collection (named in tribute to the company’s founder). The line was originally launched in 1996, in close consultation with master watchmaker Michel Parmigiani. 

L.U.C. 16/1860, L.U.C. Time Traveler One, Alpine Eagle Cadence 8HF, L.U.C XP Urushi