The New Chopard Happy Sport Tourbillon Joaillerie

Chopard is one of those legendary brands, which simply refuses to settle for good, or even great for that matter. Instead, Chopard goes after the truly extraordinary. This year has seen some exceptional pieces at both SIHH and Baselworld, but the Happy Sport Tourbillon Joaillerie is redolent with an exquisite sophistication that seems completely effortless.

What really sets this watch apart is the fact that Chopard not only makes this watch a work of art through its aesthetics but the brand has also made sure that the technical mastery of the movement is beyond reproach. For a timepiece of this pedigree, Chopard will only offer it at boutiques.

The general shape and design of the case is classic Happy Sport but this model ups the ante by totally covering the 18kt white gold case in sparkling, visually clean, white diamonds. The diamond shapes used for this masterpiece are round brilliants and baguettes totaling a jaw-dropping 9.04 carats. As with all Happy Sport watches, there are floating diamonds that dance over the diamond pavé dial. On the main crown is set a full cut round diamond with the culet facing outwards. There are even diamonds on the perimeter and bridges of the tourbillon and the aperture.

The Happy Sport Tourbillon Joaillerie is made to a large size for women of 42mm. Though this size isn’t overdoing it by any stretch of the imagination, Chopard makes its point that this is a statement piece. Sapphire crystal used on both the dial window and case back on this spectacular timepiece. This Happy Sport watch employs a hand sewn white alligator leather strap with a simple pin buckle made from 18kt white gold. The Chopard Happy Sport Tourbillon Joaillerie is water resistant to 30 meters.

The movement found in this piece is the L.U.C 02.16.L, a hand wound tourbillon movement. A tourbillon was first created by Abraham Louis Breguet to combat the effects of gravity on the escapement. This model carries a chronometer certification issued from the COSC. Apart from this enviable certification, Chopard also has made this watch with a 9 day power reserve. This is achieved by lining two double barrels parallel to each other in what is called by Chopard their ‘Quattro’ technology. The transparent sapphire crystal case back reveals a highly decorated movement with Côtes de Genève all along the ¾ main plate.

The hands on the dial are sword shaped and are fashioned from blued steel, which contrasts nicely against the pavé diamond dial. At the 6 position is the tourbillon, which shares its space with a small seconds register. The dial also features indexes, and large Roman numerals at the 3, 9, and 12 positions.