Elegant, luxurious, accurate, feminine. An ode to the grand hours of imperial history. The eponymous collection stylishly combines the various skills of the Maison’s artisans, mingling artistic crafts with horological prowess. The two new timepieces in the collection are no exception: at the heart of the 36 mm-diameter cases in diamond-set ethical 18-carat rose or white gold beats the Chopard 96.17-C movement powering displays on two dainty mother-of-pearl and enamel marquetry dials.
In 2010, Chopard Co-President and Artistic Director Caroline Scheufele unveiled a collection evocatively named IMPERIALE in the City of the Doges. What better setting could one dream of to launch this new treasure than Venice – “La Serenissima”? Endowed with a design inspired by imperial aesthetic codes and cases equipped with in-house movements, the collection has been enriched over the years with genuine collector’s items – including timepieces featuring a moon phase or a tourbillon.
These two new models are no exception, perfectly combining the ancestral expertise Chopard proudly nurtures within its walls. Entirely designed, developed and conceived in-house, these models require the intervention of numerous artisans: from crafting the case to making the movement, from watchmaker to gemsetter, from enamellist to mother-of-pearl artist, all strive to create exceptional timepieces. These represent veritable showcases for the craftsmanship that Chopard is committed to perpetuating, keeping the techniques handed down from generation to generation alive and training young artisans.
Mother-of-pearl and enamel light up the IMPERIALE aesthetic codes
These two new 36 millimetre-diameter models are crafted in ethical 18-carat white or rose gold with diamond-set bezel, lug covers, cabochons and crown. While the collection’s customary design codes (dagger-type hands, lotus-flower crown, lugs shaped like ancient columns) are reproduced on these creations, it is their unique dials that catch collectors’ attention. The dial-making artisans have fashioned marquetry masterpieces inspired by the finest achievements in the realm of the decorative arts.
On the rose gold version, the likewise rose gold dial is entirely covered with dainty blue mother-of-pearl. A raised pink gold decorative fillet traces the collection’s emblematic arabesque motif while forming a subtle floral pattern. Studded across this work of art are alternating padparadscha sapphires and delicate flowers graced with pink mother-of-pearl petals and diamond hearts.
In the white gold version, a magnificent deep blue-green enamel sets the tone, rimmed by a raised white gold decorative fillet forming graceful arabesques filled with white enamel. Padparadscha sapphires and pink mother-of-pearl flowers complete this delightful picture. This magnificent craftsmanship is complemented by the IMPERIALE alligator leather straps and dagger-shaped hands.
A cadence set to the rhythm of the Chopard 96.17-C movement
These precious timepieces are driven by a movement entirely designed and developed in the Manufacture’s watchmaking workshops. Visible through the transparent case back, the Chopard 96.17-C movement is equipped with Chopard Twin technology with a double barrel, providing a generous 65-hour power reserve. At just 3.3 mm thick, this 167-component calibre is ideally suited to the exquisitely feminine, dainty IMPERIALE watch.
