Three of Chopard’s novelties that will be presented at Baselworld 2015

Baselworld will open its doors in less than a week and as an appetizer, let me introduce you to three new models by Chopard: the absolute racing piece, the Mille Miglia GTS Power Control, the elegant L.U.C Regulator and for ladies the diamonds and steel Happy Sport 30mm Automatic.

Mille Miglia GTS Power Control

Mille Miglia GTS Power Control

Chopard has first launched its Mille Miglia racing collection in 1988, born from the fascination for classic cars nurtured by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, co-president of Chopard. This year they will extend it with the Mille Miglia GTS (for Grand Turismo Sport) collection. It will be 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.

Inspired by the shape of classic cars, the Mille Miglia GTS Power Control is 43 mm, 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. The direct reference to cars can be further observed on the black dial, the power-reserve indicator with a design that evokes a petrol gauge typical of the 1950s, the black aluminum insert bezel and of course the black rubber strap inspired by the 1960s Dunlop racing tyres.

The back of the Chopard Mille Miglia GTS Power Control, powered by the automatic 01.08-C calibre

It is powered by the COSC certified, automatic Chopard 01.08-C calibre, developed, designed and assembled within the workshops of Fleurier Ebauches. Beating at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) it offers 60 hours of power reserve.

L.U.C Regulator

Chopard L.U.C Regulator

In their L.U.C Haute Horlogerie collection, Chopard will present a timepiece combining the L.U.C case with a regulator movement. In keeping with the grand tradition of precision clocks, the six indications on the L.U.C Regulator are separated to ensure optimal readability.

Contrary to almost all available regulators, which place the hours at noon, those of the L.U.C Regulator appear at 3 o’clock. This means they peek out beyond a shirt cuff and are thus legible in all circumstances. The unique nature of the L.U.C Regulator also lies in its other atypical indications. Its dial features exquisite symmetry, with its four cardinal points each occupied by an indication. At noon, the power-reserve indication proudly indicates the autonomy of L.U.C Calibre 98.02-L on a graduated scale. The hours are placed at 3 o’clock, while the small seconds beat steadily at 6 o’clock.

The fourth of these strategically placed items of information is a dual-time display appearing at 9 o’clock. This GMT function is controlled by a corrector-pusher discreetly recessed into the side of the L.U.C Regulator. The date is visible through a window between 4 and 5 o’clock.

The back of the Chopard L.U.C Regulator

Each L.U.C 98.02-L movement of the L.U.C Regulator has successfully undergone the tests conducted by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute, thereby guaranteeing its chronometric precision. The watch is thus authorised to bear the inscription “Chronometer” on its dial. Moreover, its case and its movement have passed the stern tests performed by the Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark, which certifies the fine technical and aesthetic craftsmanship of the watch, and in particular the high level of finishing on its mechanical parts.

The L.U.C Calibre 98.02-L, measuring only 4.9 mm in thickness, delivers an impressive power reserve of 216 hours, equivalent to 9 days.

Happy Sport 30mm Automatic

Chopard Happy Sport 30mm with stainless steel bracelet (Ref. 278573-3002) and the diamond set bezel on alligator strap (Ref. 278573-3003)

In 1993, Caroline Scheufele, Chopard Co-President and Artistic Director, designed a sporty watch based on an original design in an unexpected combination – steel and diamonds. The Happy Sport was born. True to the spirit of Happy Diamonds, these gems dancing freely between two sapphire crystals soon became a symbol of Chopard and feminine watchmaking as a whole. In 2013, Chopard celebrated the 20th anniversary of this watch with the development of a mechanical model – the Happy Sport Medium Automatic – featuring redesigned lines and details.

The new Happy Sport 30mm Automatic is available with a polished steel or diamond-set case. Five floating diamonds whirl about its silver-toned dial featuring a spiral guilloché centre pattern. The crown, also made of steel, is set with a blue sapphire, while the steel bracelet or alligator leather strap accentuates the singularly graceful appeal of this model.

We look forward to learn more about the new models that Chopard will release this year. In the mean time, keep an eye on www.chopard.com.