Chopard L’Heure du Diamant Watch Review
The Chopard L’Heure du Diamant was unveiled at Watches & Wonders 2024. Offered in two variants, the new references draw on the brand’s vast expertise in creating exemplars of Haute Joaillerie and refined luxury timepieces. US-based journalist Meehna Goldsmith imparts her wisdom in her own, unique expressive style.
Image – ©Patrick Csajko – Ref. 10A178-5321
Chopard jewellery and watches
Chopard is one of the rare houses that can claim expertise in both jewellery and watches. In each, the brand excels, creating outstanding pieces that are not only coveted by collectors but also regularly appear on the red carpet. That’s why when Chopard combines these skills and unveils a new jewellery watch, you know it’s going to be something special.
Chopard L’Heure du Diamant – made to shine
L’Heure du Diamant is Chopard’s latest creation in the category, showcasing the brand’s artistic vision and technical ability. Translated to mean the ‘Diamond Hour’, it pays tribute to that most fiery of gems. At the top of the Mohs scale, ranking a 10, the diamond is the hardest substance on earth. It represents purity, commitment and faithfulness. In addition, Ancient Greeks called the diamond ‘adamas’, which means invincible, indestructible and untamed. Such a powerful gem deserves its own stage to shine.
Chopard L’Heure du Diamant – brilliant cut diamonds
As an ode to the diamond, the Chopard L’Heure du Diamant is a perfect composition, elegant and refined. Set against a backdrop of textured mother-of-pearl or green malachite, twelve brilliant-cut diamonds delicately mark the indices, while leaf-shaped hour and minutes hands articulate the time. The bezel shimmers with over two carats of diamonds, setting the picture ablaze with dancing light. It’s an artistic triumph all on its own that beckons the eye to wander and discover more. Chopard uses what it calls the ‘crown setting’ technique, which allows light to ricochet through the gems to dazzling effect. Not to be forgotten, the crown nestles a diamond as well, a nice detail that continues the theme.
Chopard ethical 18-carat gold
Measuring 26 mm in diameter, L’Heure du Diamant is housed in a case formed of ethical 18-carat gold. If you weren’t aware, traditional gold mining can be quite destructive. Not only does it displace communities, harm the environment and workers, but it also contaminates drinking water. Dangerous chemicals such as mercury and cyanide are also a by-product, threatening people and delicate natural ecosystems. On the other hand, ethically mined gold approaches the activity with conservation in mind, minimising damage and paying people fair wages. Although more expensive, Chopard only sources gold from mines that are mindful of people and places, and has been a trailblazer in the field. Another beautiful feature of the timepiece.
Chopard calibre 10.01-C
The mechanics of the Chopard L’Heure du Diamant are equally impressive. Inside the watch, ticks the manufacture hand-wound Chopard calibre 10.01-C, which can be viewed through the sapphire case back. When creating a woman’s watch some brands repurpose an existing calibre from its repetoire of movements. The newest iteration of the L’Heure du Diamant debuts with a movement that’s designed specifically for the occasion. The Chopard calibre 10.01-C, decorated with Côtes de Genève and featuring slotted and chamfered screw heads, has additional qualities that make it noteworthy: it’s one of the smallest and thinnest on the market.
Chopard L’Heure du Diamant Ref. 13A178-1306
The Chopard L’Heure du Diamant is available in two variants: white gold or rose gold. The first option (Ref. 13A178-1306) features a mother-of-pearl dial teamed with ethical 18-carat white gold housing and is presented on a black satin strap.
Chopard L’Heure du Diamant Ref. 10A178-5321
The second option, the ethical 18-carat rose gold variant (Ref. 10A178-5321), secures to the wrist with a unique ‘bark-style’ bracelet forged in matching ethical 18-carat rose gold. This silky smooth bracelet, a piece of art in its own right, is something the alchemical wizards at Chopard created. The surface, supple and light on the wrist, is crafted to look like the fine bark of a tree.
Paired with an eye-catching malachite dial, this reference proves a gorgeous representation of contrasting hues. For a more traditional presentation, the rose gold model can also be specified with a satin strap.
Chopard L’Heure du Diamant – closing remarks
The Chopard L’Heure du Diamant brings together jewellery and horlogerie in a perfect marriage of design and mechanics. It serves as a testament to the artisans working at the Geneva-based Maison and proves a sublime expression of wrist-worn art.
Further reading
Technical specification
- Model: Chopard L’Heure du Diamant
- Reference: 13A178-1306 – mother-of-pearl dial
- Case: ethical 18-carat white gold, diameter 26 mm, sapphire crystal to front
- Functions: hours, minutes
- Movement: Chopard 10.01-C, 19 jewels, power reserve 45 hours
- Strap: satin strap
- Price on application
- Model: Chopard L’Heure du Diamant
- Reference: 10A178-5321 – malachite dial
- Case: ethical 18-carat rose gold, diameter 26 mm, sapphire crystal to front
- Functions: hours, minutes
- Movement: Chopard 10.01-C, 19 jewels, power reserve 45 hours
- Bracelet: bark-style bracelet in ethical 18-carat rose gold. Also available with a satin strap
- Price on application
