In 1976 Chopard’s in-house designer Ronald Kurowski returned from a walk in the Black Forest, inspired by the sight of sunlight bouncing off a waterfall and wondering how he might recreate the magic of these thousands of droplets glistening with rainbow colours. His idea was to allow diamonds to move freely between two sapphire crystals.
The diamonds hold the gaze, becoming satellites spinning free of the watch. The effect is compelling, achieved simply by setting each stone in a gold bezel with a bevelled base, like a child’s spinning top.
The very first Happy Diamonds watch was introduced in 1976, when it was awarded the coveted Golden Rose of Baden-Baden. Surrounded by a tonneau-shaped case in gold, a cluster of diamonds whirl around the dial against a black backdrop. The public had never seen anything like it and were immediately won over by such a joyful, even playful, design.
In 1985 the concept was further developed with the launch of Happy Diamonds jewellery. Now both watches and jewellery came alive with moving diamonds in all manner of forms and sizes, dancing across a dial, around a case, at the heart of a ring or the tip of an earring. Later, in 1993, the watch collection saw the arrival of the Happy Diamonds Sport, still the best-known interpretation with its five moving diamonds framed by a round case in steel. In yet another iteration - the Happy Fish, worn on a rubber strap -, the free-floating diamonds are replaced by a trio of fish in gold set with diamonds, sapphires or rubies.
The Happy Diamonds continued its journey through time and styles, playing with the concept’s design codes yet never losing sight of its original identity and bold personality. Always the epitome of modernity. In a version released in 2016 to celebrate 40 successful years, moving diamonds take the stage in a prong setting: an unprecedented innovation in the history of the Happy Diamonds. This new technique meant the diamonds could be larger, more numerous and different sizes, all of which accentuated their whirling dance and the impression of a profusion of precious stones. Once again, the public were under the Happy Diamonds spell.
Almost half a century has gone by since the Happy Diamonds saw daylight, in 1976. This unique concept, elevated to iconic status, is an instantly recognisable signature, explored equally in Chopard’s watches and jewellery… thanks to the talent of Caroline Scheufele, Chopard’s co-president and artistic director for jewellery. She makes no secret of her passion for the Happy Diamonds and even hints that her sketchbooks are full of fresh interpretations. We can’t wait!
