Embodying technical prowess and daring avant-garde design, the L’Heure du Diamant collection has stood the test of time. From its creation in 1969 to the models presented today, it has retained its true core: a pioneering modernity that has become timeless. The power of the original design is enhanced by three new timepieces featuring an in-house mechanical movement. An octagonal case – a first in the collection – adorned with crown setting; a supple gold bracelet inspired by a historical model; along with refined dials in mother-of-pearl or malachite: L’Heure du Diamant is infused with an ultra-contemporary yet resolutely vintage spirit.
In a perfect blend of art, tradition, craftsmanship and modernity, L’Heure du Diamant revives the modernism of the 1960s. From the first creation designed in 1969 by Karl Scheufele – as a token of his love for his wife Karin – to the new releases presented this year, the models in the L’Heure du Diamant collection have traversed the decades, always well ahead of their time and vividly testifying to Chopard’s dual watchmaking and jewellery expertise.
The octagonal case – a first in the collection
This is the collection’s first watch to feature an octagonal case. Its strong lines and perfectly mastered proportions were inspired by historical 1960s timepieces and the powerful design embodies the quintessence of how marrying vintage with present-day vibes can bring a contemporary yet timeless touch. At the centre of these 32 mm-diameter octagons, mother-of-pearl and malachite dials add both softness and a hint of classicism.
Crown setting – a Chopard innovation
In keeping with the Scheufele family’s expertise in jewellery watches, this new case shape is enhanced by a unique gemsetting technique known as crown setting. Epitomising masterful craftsmanship, the crown setting features V-shaped prongs – invented by Karl Scheufele – enabling light to reach the diamonds with as little interference as possible. The watch case thus vanishes beneath a diamond coronet, surrounding the dial with a glittering, over 4-carat halo.
Only the purest, most luminous diamonds are chosen by Chopard to adorn its creations. For L’Heure du Diamant, Karin Scheufele herself now oversees the choice of stones that will adorn the watches so dear to her heart and to the history of the Maison. Her infallible eye enables instant recognition of the stones that will best enhance these exceptional creations.
The supple bracelet – expertise and hand-crafted assembly
Among all the skills mastered in-house, Chopard cultivates genuine expertise in the creation of metal bracelets. Even before the acquisition of Chopard in 1963, the Scheufele family was producing its gold chains and bracelets in its workshops in Pforzheim, Germany. The exceptionally comfortable, supple bracelet of these new models is thus inspired by and built on an iconic 1960s design.
The mechanical self-winding movement
The three new L’Heure du Diamant models beat to the rhythm of the Chopard 09.01-C movement and its 42-hour power reserve; a self-winding movement entirely designed, developed and assembled in the Fleurier watchmaking workshops.
The collection
The L’Heure du Diamant collection was launched in the late 1960s, a period filled with political and social upheavals, yet also characterised by a very strong aesthetic. It was a decade of vibrant, colourful creativity and assertive style – just like the first L’Heure du Diamant creations. These graphic, modern, technically innovative and resolutely jewelled pieces were an instant hit and have been ever since.
