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 new timepiece in the collection is no exception: at the heart of the 36 mm-diameter case in diamond-set ethical 18-carat white gold beats the Chopard 96.17-C movement powering displays on a 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.
This new model is no exception, perfectly combining the ancestral expertise Chopard proudly nurtures within its walls. Entirely designed, developed and conceived in-house, this model required 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
This new 36 millimetre-diameter model is crafted in ethical 18-carat white 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 this creation, it is its unique dial that catches collectors’ attention. The dial-making artisans have fashioned a marquetry masterpiece inspired by the finest achievements in the realm of the decorative arts.
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 strap and dagger-shaped hands.
A cadence set to the rhythm of the Chopard 96.17-C movement
This precious timepiece is 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.
