Located in Cathedral Place Building on 925 West Georgia Street, Chopard's boutique here in Vancouver affords a rare opportunity to visit this discrete but masterful house. Renowned for its jewellery and watchmaking, Chopard's other collections and novelties are treasures worth seeking out.
Chopard, in its trademark manner, does not flaunt its offerings or push its brand, but for the discerning collector or connoisseur, the Mille Miglia is synonymous with Chopard's special collections. Inspired by their link to the iconic Italian road race, Chopard's classic racing collection of writing instruments features models in coloured carbon fiber, such as the Brescia rollerball with palladium plated trim.
Other finishes in the Brescia line include the use of black leather on the barrel with rose gold plated trim - an extraordinarily luxurious touch, which is as well suited for the hand of its user as it is to please the discriminating taste of a collector.
For those interested in Chopard's time pieces, the sporty Alpine Eagle offers the appeal of a sport watch with the pedigree of a house respected for its legendary craftsmanship. The 42 mm, COSC certified Alpine Eagle Large is crafted from a proprietary, highly refined steel which Chopard calls Lucent Steel A223. This material is said to be refined to a higher standard than surgical grade stainless steel, yet is made from recycled steel as a part of Chopard's environmental initiative. Demonstrating Chopard's attention to detail, the screw-down bezel features screws which are set to align perfectly at each point around the watch case.
And from Chopard's L.U.C collection, the Heritage Grand Cru is a Geneva hallmarked, COSC certified formal watch with a 38.50 x 38.80 mm, 18 karat rose gold, tonneau-shaped case and matching tonneau-shaped movement (inspired by the pocket watches created by Louis-Ulysse Chopard). Although boasting 65 hours of powers reserve, perhaps its most striking feature is a white lacquered, porcelain-type dial which is noticeably unique from other watch dials. Together, these make the Heritage Grand Cru a mechanical marvel, hidden within deceptively subtle layers of craftsmanship and skill that only the initiated may truly appreciate. But this, of course, is the only way Chopard would have it.
Chopard
Cathedral Place Building
925 West Georgia Street
Phone: (604) 684-6515
