Baselworld 2015: Chopard

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Коротенький обзор, хотя новинки были и в спортивных часах, и в ювелирке и в коллекции L.U.C.



Сначала Mille Miglia.

Over the years since its launch in 1988, the Mille Miglia has become a flagship collection of Chopard. In 2015, Chopard is entirely revisiting this grand classic by introducing the collection dubbed Mille Miglia GTS (for Grand Turismo Sport). This new collection, composed of a three-hand and date chronometer, a power reserve and a chronograph, sees the introduction of a Chopard movement: for the first time, the chronometer and power-reserve models will be equipped with a Chopard movement from the workshops of Fleurier Ebauches. The sleek, sophisticated design of these new creations rejuvenates the Classic Racing spirit embodied by the Mille Miglia collection, while remaining true to the identity codes of the models rolled out over the past 25 years. The Mille Miglia GTS Automatic, Power Control and Chrono models vividly illustrate this renewal.

Since 1988, Chopard has been official timekeeper of “la corsa più bella del mondo” that annually stretches from Brescia to Rome and back. The Mille Miglia collection stems from the fascination for classic cars nurtured by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, co-president of Chopard. A collector and active driver, he takes part in the race each year.

Mille Miglia GTS: three models for a complete collection
The new Mille Miglia GTS is a complete collection composed of a three-hand chronometer with date display, a chronograph and a power-reserve model.
These three models with their eminently masculine curves are inspired by the classic cars that took part in the race between 1940 and 1957. Their steel cases – featuring a 43 mm diameter for the Automatic and Power Control versions and 44 mm for the Chrono version – are fitted with short, pointed lugs that are carefully tapered to ensure optimal comfort on the wrist, while the sporting nature of these timepieces is enhanced by facetted hands.

High-precision Chopard movements from the Fleurier Ebauches workshops
This is the first time that certain Mille Miglia watches are driven by a Chopard movement. Calibres 01.01-C and 01.08-C were entirely designed, developed and assembled in the Fleurier Ebauche workshops. They are highly prized by Chopard and meet all the quality demands of the Mille Miglia, respectively equipping the Automatic and Power Control versions of this new Mille Miglia GTS collection.

The exclusive nature of these watches entirely matches that of the glorious classic cars that take part in this race. Their construction ensures the robustness that is indispensable on models dedicated to competitive racing. Their automatic winding ensures essential ease of use. Its 60-hour power reserve enables their owner to find them still running smoothly and accurately after a period of rest. Finally, its certification by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) testifies to the precision of its rating, a must-have attribute for Chopard watches in general and of course for racing drivers. This much-coveted statute is reflected by the “Chronometer” inscription appearing on the dials of each model in the new Mille Miglia GTS collection, which bear the inscription “Chronometer”.

Contemporary aesthetic and vintage spirit for a Chopard grand classic
Dedicated to Italy’s most famous and closely followed classic car race, the Mille Miglia GTS Automatic, Power Control and Chrono watches are designed as wrist worn auxiliary navigation instruments. The bezel of the various models feature a graduated black aluminium insert accentuating the sporting nature of the Mille Mille GTS Power Control. The dials of the watches in the Mille Miglia GTS collection are black with red and white accents, a tribute to the aesthetic of vintage car dashboards. The power-reserve indicator evokes a petrol gauge typical of the 1950s. The date aperture appears in the Mille Miglia red-arrow race logo, a nod to the numbers on the doors and bonnets of the competing cars. The lively, dynamic nature of the race as a whole is symbolised by the distinctive presence of red on the dial, particularly on the minutes track and the seconds hand of each timepiece. This collection is available in steel with a steel bracelet or rubber strap, or in rose gold with a rubber strap. The latter also recalls the racing world and draws inspiration from the Dunlop tyres of classic 1960s cars.

The Automatic and Power Control versions introduce a font characteristic of the new Mille Miglia GTS collection. The dial features oversized 6 and 12 o’clock numerals painted in Superluminova and reminiscent of the dashboards of classic cars that forever preserve the spirit of the “competizione” dear to the hearts of classic racing enthusiasts.

The Mille Miglia GTS collection is a tribute to “la corsa più bella del monad” dedicated to drivers combining a competitive spirit with distinctive style.

Затем - L.U.C Quattro.

Chopard presents two new L.U.C Quattro models, beating to the rhythm of one of the greatest success stories of Chopard Manufacture, the four-barrel L.U.C 98.01-L movement launched in 2005. One of these two new elegant and refined interpretations comes with a rose gold case framing a brown dial, while the other is the first of its kind in platinum, with a blue-grey dial. They are bound to delight devotees of Haute Horlogerie as well as those with a penchant for distinctive design.

In 2010, for its 150th anniversary, Chopard had unveiled a new aesthetic for its L.U.C collection with four original timepieces: the L.U.C Louis-Ulysse – The Tribute, Engine One, All In One and 1937 models. Since then, the new creations in the collection have followed in the prestigious footsteps of these forerunners. This year’s crop includes two new variations of the L.U.C Quattro, which is protected by two patents for its four-barrel movement, a world first at the time of its launch in 2005.

A unique movement, patented technology
Hand-wound L.U.C Calibre 98-01.L is equipped with four stacked, series-coupled barrels. This patented technology enables the L.U.C Quattro to enjoy more than nine days of operating autonomy and a constant regularity of rate ensuring it meets all the requirements for certification by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). The exhibition back will enable aficionados of fine horological mechanisms to admire the L.U.C 98.01-L movement with its bridges bearing Côtes de Genève and stamped with the prestigious Poinçon de Genève, a guarantee of its quality and its impeccable finishing.

A refined new aesthetic
This year, the two new versions in rose gold and platinum, respectively fitted with brown and blue-grey sunburst satin-brushed dials swept over by L.U.C hands inspired by the Dauphine style, endow this model with a modern and sophisticated elegance.

The subtly refined details of the generous 43 mm-diameter rose gold and platinum case instil it with a timeless air of noble distinction, while the characteristic curves of the L.U.C collection give the lugs a masculine and contemporary allure. The satin-brushed case middle along with the polished bezel and the exhibition caseback, accentuate the shape of the watch by creating subtle contrasts and light effects. These alternating polished and satin-brushed zones reflect the workmanship on the movement, of which each part is adorned with unique and meticulous finishing.

A hand-sewn brown or navy blue alligator leather strap with alligator lining lends an ultimate touch of elegance to the two new L.U.C. Quattro models.

Женская модель - L.U.C XPS 35mm Esprit de Fleurier.

Admired for its understated elegance and technical sophistication, the ultra-thin L.U.C XPS model has become a classic. In 2014, the diameter of this star model was reduced, creating the L.U.C XPS 35mm. In 2015, the L.U.C XPS 35mm Esprit de Fleurier addresses women with a subtle mother-of-pearl blue dial, while its Manufacture-made movement is adorned with fleurisanne engraving, an almost extinct artistic craft.

И последние в обзоре - L.U.C 1963 Tourbillon.

When Chopard pays tribute to watchmaking excellence, it does so in the finest possible way. Joining the proud lineage of L.U.C 1963 and L.U.C 1963 Chronograph watches, the L.U.C 1963 Tourbillon is a concentrated blend of the very best in Chopard haute horlogerie. Its finely crafted dial is in Grand Feu enamel. Its tourbillon movement is COSC certified and boasts a nine-day power reserve. This array of qualities, along with its classic and discreet elegance, combine to make the L.U.C 1963 Tourbillon a truly comprehensive work of horological art.

The Chopard spirit of excellence pervades every aspect of the new L.U.C 1963 Tourbillon: its materials, its production techniques, its movement, its aesthetic and its ergonomics.

A strong link with Chopard history
1963 was the year when the Scheufele family became the owners of Chopard. A discreet tribute to the family tradition, L.U.C 1963 watches directly evoke the aesthetic of the pocket watches made by the company at that time. These historical roots are also a source of horological inspiration. The spirit of Chopard Manufacture is about perpetuating the historical production quality of the brand founder, Louis-Ulysse Chopard. This attachment to the realm of haute horlogerie is expressed in many different ways.

The discreet charm of an enamel dial
The grand watchmaking tradition is vividly embodied in the dial of the new L.U.C 1963 Tourbillon with its strikingly luminous character, its intense whiteness and its natural glow. It is crafted in accordance with the traditional Grand Feu enamelling technique and composed of a plate dusted with enamel powder and then fired at high temperature (900°C), hence the French term Grand Feu (literally ‘great fire’). The manual, artisan-style operation is repeated several times and always implies the risk of damaging the dial.

The latter is then hand-polished to erase the micro-bubbles formed on its surface. Finally, a last firing of a transparent enamel coating called fondant or glazing gives a unique brilliance. Chopard thereby revives the discreet vintage charm of enamel dials and also cultivates an ancestral craft.

A new calibre tailored to the enamel dial
L.U.C Calibre 02.19-L1 is an evolved and 0.6 mm slimmer version of the 02.01-L movement. Chopard thereby leaves more room for the enamel dial that is naturally slightly thicker than the average. This exceptional calibre powers a tourbillon at 6 o’clock as well as a nine-day power reserve. The tourbillon bridge features only two attachment points compared with the usual four. Delicately open worked and pared down to essentials, it is also meticulously chamfered and satin-brushed to set the crowning touch to the movement finishing.

The power-reserve display at 12 o’clock has an eight-day graduated scale, serving as a reminder that the L.U.C Calibre 02.19-L1 is endowed with the patented Quattro® technology supplying the movement with 216 hours of operating autonomy. Its four barrels deliver their energy to the movement in a smooth and regular manner, thereby contributing to the chronometric precision of this exceptional timepiece.

Precision and aesthetic harmony
In accordance with the wish expressed by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, co-president of Chopard and founder of Chopard Manufacture, the rating precision of the L.U.C 1963 Tourbillon is certified by the COSC, as indeed are all L.U.C watches with a seconds indication. This model also bears the Poinçon de Genève, guaranteeing the extremely high level of finishing on its components. They are indeed chamfered, straight-grained, circular-grained and/or polished, depending on their position and function within the movement. This certification has recently been enriched and now encompasses the entire watch, its parts, its rating regularity, as well as its case.

Measuring 40 mm in diameter and 10.60 mm thick, the L.U.C 1963 Tourbillon displays pleasingly balanced and deliberately modest proportions infusing this timepiece with authentic classical elegance. The rose gold case with its rounded, satin-brushed sides and its slender bezel will delight watchmaking connoisseurs, while the sleekly sophisticated lugs further slim down the watch while ensuring exceptional comfort on the wrist.

This refinement is indeed the guiding principle behind the creation of this haute horlogerie watch. The meticulous finishing of all its parts matches the exclusive nature of its dial. The quality of its mechanical construction is accentuated by the practical usefulness of its generous power reserve. Its rigorous timekeeping precision mingles with the kinetic beauty of its tourbillon. The L.U.C 1963 Tourbillon will become the proud possession of the first one hundred aficionados who will be able to get their hands on it.

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Ну э... не знаю. Смешанные чувства

Открытый баланс давно ассоциируется с китайпромом

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Еще одна новинка - новый амбассадор! Марк Уэббер - бывший пилот команд Вильямс и Ред Булл в Ф1.

After enlivening F1 tracks for more than ten years, Australian Porsche Motorsport driver, Mark Webber, becomes Chopard’s new ambassador. The watchmaking company is looking forward to his arrival, thus strengthening its long established relationship with the world of classic racing, which is today accentuated through a partnership with Porsche Motorsport, the team to which Chopard is the official timing partner.

Chopard welcomes a prime new ambassador, Mark Webber. The charismatic Australian pilot, member of the Porsche Motorsport team and former Formula 1 driver, is now flying the colours of the Geneva-based manufacture.



A champion’s life
After a number of successes in Australia on two and four wheels, Mark Webber was determined to make his Formula 1 dream come true. The transition happened naturally thanks to Formula 3000. His Formula 1 career started with Minardi in 2002. In 2009, while he was at Red Bull Racing, he had his first win at the German Grand Prix. After twelve seasons in Formula 1, thirty-six podium finishes, eleven pole positions and nine Grand Prix victories, Mark Webber joined the Porsche Motorsport team in 2014 to accompany the German car maker in its big return to competition in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). Distinguished sportsman and great competitor, Mark Webber set himself even tougher objectives such as winning this year’s World Endurance Championship with Porsche Motorsport as well as the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He shares with Chopard this perpetual drive for precision and mechanical achievement.


The quest for performance
This partnership between the driver and Chopard is entirely in tune with the agreement signed in 2014 with Porsche Motorsport. Brought together through common values including the constant quest for performance and excellence, Porsche Motorsport and Chopard have sealed a partnership based on shared passions. Highly reliable and innovative, the exceptional mechanics produced by the workshops of both Porsche Motorsport and Chopard have made their mark on their respective universes and remain benchmarks among fans of automobile sports and watchmaking alike. For Chopard, the partnership with Mark Webber is the logical continuation of its passionate commitment to motor racing and the development of its Superfast collection.

A passionate partnership
“What I appreciate most about Chopard” emphasises Mark Webber “is the true passion that this company in the forefront of watchmaking has for automobile sports as well as the family nature of the business. There are no smoke screens; with Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard, I am dealing with a true enthusiast and connoisseur of motor car racing and mechanics. I am proud to be part of the Chopard family henceforth.”

“Being associated with one of the most prestigious watchmaking manufacturers is a great honour for me” confirms Mark Webber “To my mind, this partnership has real substance. In competition, time is our best friend or our worst enemy and the precise measurement of time is one of our major concerns. Partnering with Chopard and the Superfast collection, which consists of elegant, very precise watches inspired by racing, is therefore completely natural.”

For Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard, this association is exceptional in more ways than one. “Since the very first time we met, we sensed Mark Webber’s strong interest in Chopard and the watches we produce. He clearly recognised the similarities that exist between our two professions. I know we share the same values of excellence and the same passion for automobile sports. Being able to rely on a driver as experienced as this is a veritable honour for us. We look forward to sharing this adventure.”



Superfast watches: avant-garde partners
Always on the leading edge of Chopard collections, Superfast watches are a faithful companion to Mark Webber in the achievement of his greatest automobile feats, and are precise, reliable partners for every race. Like Porsche racing cars, the models in the Superfast collection maintain the codes inherent to the world of car racing. In the same way as the Porsche 919 Hybrid, they provide a testing ground for Chopard, enabling it to push the boundaries of its watchmaking skill, to implement new processes or to incorporate the use of innovative materials.

The Superfast watches are simultaneously modern and imposing, free from any restraints, featuring clean lines resulting in a resolutely virile design. A multitude of elements – like the racing steering wheel on the rubber-clad gold crown, the grooves engraved on the sides of the lugs and the pushers reminiscent of cooling fins, or even the screws on the bezel inspired by those found on wheel rims – are all nods to the world of automobile racing. Equipped with a Manufacture movement with engine-inspired finishes, they are designed for devotees of fine watchmaking who will be capable of taming the inevitable sense of raw power that they produce.