Chopard has introduced a new creation that channels a distinct maritime spirit within its celebrated Happy Sport collection. The latest 36 mm Happy Fish model, presented in a limited edition of 250 pieces, combines the brand's exclusive Lucent Steel with accents of ethical 18-carat rose gold. This timepiece is defined by its vibrant turquoise mother-of-pearl dial, which provides a shimmering backdrop for a unique mobile fish that glides alongside the collection's signature dancing diamonds. The watch is part of a duo, accompanied by a matching pendant in ethical 18-carat white gold, both pieces designed to capture a sense of oceanic poetry and summer vitality.
The history of the
Chopard Maison is one built on a foundation of detailed craftsmanship and creative ambition. Since its founding by Louis-Ulysse Chopard in 1860 in Sonvilier, Switzerland, the company has established itself as a purveyor of fine watches and jewelry. Over the decades, Chopard has navigated the evolving landscape of luxury goods by maintaining a commitment to quality while embracing innovative design. The Scheufele family, who acquired the company in 1963, has continued to build on this legacy, fostering a culture where technical proficiency and artistic expression merge, leading to the creation of some of the most recognizable pieces in modern horology.
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A pivotal moment in the brand's contemporary history arrived in 1993 with the debut of the Happy Sport collection. Conceived by Caroline Scheufele, this line was a direct reflection of the era's ethos, capturing a spirit of freedom and bold self-expression. The core innovation of Happy Sport was its unprecedented combination of stainless steel and diamonds, a pairing that challenged the traditional conventions of watchmaking. This blend brought a sense of relaxed accessibility to the luxury of diamonds, creating a sports watch that was both robust and visually striking. The collection has since become a pillar of the Chopard brand, consistently celebrating a joyful and free-spirited approach to life.
The concept of the "dancing diamonds" is central to the identity of the Happy Sport collection. This feature, first introduced in 1976, involves diamonds that are not fixed to the dial but are instead free to move between two sapphire crystals. When Caroline Scheufele's mother first saw the prototype, she reportedly exclaimed that diamonds are "happier when they are free," giving the concept its name. This dynamic element ensures that the watch is in constant, subtle motion, with the diamonds swirling and gliding in response to the wearer's movements. It transforms the timepiece into an ever-changing spectacle, where the owner plays a direct role in animating the scene on the dial.
Within the broader Happy Sport family, the Happy Fish motif first appeared in 1998, introducing an aquatic theme to the collection's playful character. It was a whimsical deviation that infused the design with the charm of the marine world. The theme has been revisited over the years, and this latest iteration continues that tradition. The new 36 mm Happy Fish brings back the beloved aquatic element, reinterpreting it with contemporary materials and a fresh color palette, ensuring its place within the ongoing narrative of the Happy Sport universe.
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The case of the new Happy Fish is a study in mixed materials and refined finishing. Measuring 36 mm in diameter, it provides a substantial yet comfortable presence on the wrist. The primary material is Chopard's proprietary Lucent Steel, an alloy known for its durability and brilliant luster. This is complemented by polished accents made from ethical 18-carat rose gold. These warmer-toned elements include the smooth, rounded cabochons that adorn the top of each lug, as well as the watch's crown. The caseback features a special engraving of the "Happy Sport" name, acknowledging the prestigious lineage from which this particular model originates.
Delving into the specific dimensions of the case reveals a carefully considered architecture. The 36 mm diameter is a versatile size, suitable for a range of wrist sizes and preferences. With a thickness of 10.46 mm, the watch has a noticeable profile without feeling overly cumbersome, maintaining the sporty yet sophisticated feel of the collection. The water resistance is rated at 30 meters, making it suitable for everyday wear and protecting it from incidental splashes, though it is not intended for submersion. The crown, crafted from 18-carat rose gold, is set with a single blue sapphire, adding a touch of classic gem-setting that contrasts beautifully with the modern case design.
At the center of this timepiece is a dial that immediately commands attention. The surface is crafted from textured mother-of-pearl, a material sourced from the iridescent inner layer of seashells. Chopard's artisans have applied a rich turquoise hue to the material, creating a visual effect that powerfully evokes the glistening surface of a sunlit tropical sea. The texture of the mother-of-pearl adds depth and complexity, with the light playing across its irregular patterns to create a sense of movement, much like gentle waves on the water.
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This aquatic stage is brought to life by the free-floating elements sealed between the sapphire crystals. In addition to three classic round brilliant-cut dancing diamonds, this model includes a unique charm in the shape of a small fish. This fish is crafted from ethical 18-carat rose gold and is meticulously set with diamonds for a sparkling effect, while a tiny onyx cabochon serves as its eye. This character, along with the diamonds, glides peacefully across the turquoise dial, creating a dynamic and enchanting underwater scene that shifts with every gesture of the wearer. The total diamond weight for these mobile elements is 0.22 carats.
The watch is powered by a quartz movement, a choice that prioritizes reliability, accuracy, and ease of use. This type of winding mechanism ensures that the watch keeps precise time without the need for regular manual winding, aligning with the practical, everyday wearability central to the Happy Sport concept. The movement operates the essential functions of hours, minutes, and seconds, presented clearly on the dial with elegant hands that sweep over the aquatic scene.
The specific caliber used in the Happy Fish is a Swiss-made quartz movement with a diameter of 26.20 mm and a slim profile of just 2.50 mm. This compact size allows for the watch's overall elegant proportions and the necessary space for the dancing diamonds mechanism above it. The movement contains 7 jewels, which are synthetic rubies used as bearings at critical stress points to reduce friction and enhance the longevity and efficiency of the mechanism. The movement is also CE certified, indicating its compliance with European standards for health, safety, and environmental protection.
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To complete the vibrant aesthetic, the watch is fitted with a strap made from matte turquoise grained calfskin. The color is a perfect match for the dial, creating a cohesive and striking visual statement. The grained texture of the leather adds a tactile dimension and enhances its durability, while the matte finish provides a contemporary contrast to the polished and shimmering elements of the case and dial. This choice of strap reinforces the watch's summery, carefree character.
The strap is secured to the wrist with a simple and effective pin buckle. This traditional closure is crafted from Lucent Steel, matching the primary material of the watch case. The use of a pin buckle is in keeping with the sporty and functional nature of the collection, offering a secure and easily adjustable fit. The material ensures that even this functional component meets the high standards of quality and finish seen throughout the rest of the timepiece.
Chopard's commitment to responsible sourcing is a significant aspect of this watch's story. The use of "ethical" 18-carat rose gold signifies that the gold has been acquired from sources that are verified as meeting strict environmental and social standards. Similarly, Lucent Steel is an exclusive alloy developed by Chopard that is not only notable for its brilliance and hardness but is also produced with a high percentage of recycled material, reflecting the brand's ongoing journey towards sustainable luxury.
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The Chopard Happy Fish, with reference number 278598-6001, is available as a limited edition of 250 pieces. The retail price for this model is $8,290. The accompanying pendant, which is sold separately, is identified by the reference number 799450-9601. Given its status as a limited release, availability will be restricted to select Chopard boutiques and authorized dealers. This timepiece offers a unique combination of playful design, fine materials, and the legacy of one of Chopard’s most successful collections.
Case: 36 mm diameter, 10.46 mm thickness, crafted from Lucent Steel™ and 18k ethical rose gold. Water-resistant to 30 meters with an 18k rose gold crown.
Movement: CE certified quartz movement. Dimensions of Ø 26.20 mm x 2.50 mm thick, containing 7 jewels. Functions include hours, minutes, and seconds.
Dial: Turquoise textured mother-of-pearl. Features three free-moving diamonds and one free-moving, diamond-set fish charm with an onyx eye. Total diamond weight is 0.22 carats.
Strap: Turquoise grained calfskin strap with a stainless steel pin buckle.
Price: $8,290
Reference Number: 278598-6001
Notes: This is a 250-piece limited edition. Its defining feature is the set of free-spinning gems, including a unique fish charm, that dance between two sapphire crystals.