Chopard has added a new collection, simply called Classic, to its portfolio, with the first watch in the new line, the Classic Manufactum, making its debut at the Baselworld watch fair. The understated design of the watches is inspired by the pocketwatches of the Belle Epoque, which helped establish the reputation of brand founder Louis-Ulysse Chopard.
The classicism of the design starts with the porcelain-type dial and its shiny black Roman numerals and extends to the small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock, which features a “railtrack” graduation typical of vintage pocketwatches of the era; and the slender gold-toned hands. The 38-mm-diameter case is available in 18k rose, white or yellow gold and features an 18k gold crown and an exhibition caseback.
The Classic Manufactum also contains a new movement, automatic Chopard Caliber 01.04-C, which was entirely developed in-house and produced in the workshops of Fleurier Ebauches, which makes the movements not destined for Chopard’s L.U.C Haute Horlogerie collection. The third reference developed by this workshop, which is part of the Chopard Group, Caliber 01.04-C drives the hour and minute hands, along with the small seconds and the date display at 3 o’clock. It beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph and has a 60-hour power reserve.
The watch is fitted with a matte black alligator leather strap with an 18k gold pin buckle. The rose-gold model (pictured) retails for $14,740. Prices on the other models have yet to be determined. Click on the picture below for a larger image.
Technical Characteristics:
Case: 18k rose, yellow or white gold. Glareproof sapphire crystal and sapphire exhibition caseback. Gold crown. Diameter = 38 mm. Water-resistant to 30 meters. Matte black alligator leather strap with gold pin buckle.
Dial and hands: Porcelain-type dial with gold-toned hour, minute and small-seconds hands; applied black Roman numerals.
Movement: Chopard 01.04-C, automatic. Diameter = 28.8 mm, thickness = 4.95 mm. 27 jewels. 28,800 vph. 60-hour power reserve.
Functions: Central display of hours and minutes, small seconds at 6 0’clock, date at 3 o’clock.
