Few organisms have as much cultural influence and importance as the lotus flower, making it an excellent choice to represent the Chopard Imperiale collection, a collection that pays tribute in its entirety to what the brand calls “modern-day empresses whose noble, majestic beauty is rivaled only by their conquering spirit.” While the attribution is endearing and a bit superfluous, there is no arguing that many of the watches earned the hyperbolic description, including the 2017 GPHG-winning Lotus Blanc. But we are here today to take a first look at the latest haute joaillerie Imperiale unveiled at Watches and Wonders 2023 to be adorned with the holy flower motif.
Specifications
Brand: Chopard
Model: Imperiale Ref. 385388-5002
Dimensions: 36.00 x 10.15mm
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Case Material: Ethical 18k rose gold
Crystal/Lens: Sapphire
Movement: Chopard 96.20-L
Power Reserve: 65 Hours
Operating Frequency: 4 Hz
Strap/Bracelet: Seamless blue alligator leather with ethical 18l rose-gold pin buckle
Price & Availability: $90,700 Available only through Chopard boutiques
A dazzling delight of diamonds decorates most of the ethical 18k rose-gold case with refined symmetry throughout. The claw-like lugs, while lacking diamonds, are capped with deep navy blue sapphires and elegantly frame the spectacle that is the dial of the watch. After you recover from the blinding bedazzlement of diamonds encircling the case your eyes will rest on the open lotus flower on the dial. A mix of satin frosted and highly polished finishes create what Chopard calls “lacework,” as the flower opens to reveal a poetic legend brought to life.
Drawing inspiration from Egyptian legend, the sun rises out of an opening lotus each morning only to fall back into one at the close of day. Behind the polished gold lattice of lotus leaves lies a disk with two distinct sectors. The outer is decorated with diamonds and six different shades of blue sapphires. These gems are snow-set in a gradient to represent the passing of day and night. While Chopard claims these are snow-set initial press images indicate a more radial pattern of gem setting. Snow-setting is an invention of Jaeger LeCoultre in which the arrangement of gems is done to minimize the amount of the underlying layer that is visible. The lacquered mother-of-pearl interior sector is decorated with a gradually fading blue gradient and 7 gold powdered stars to sparkle in the night sky. The smokey pearlescence of the pearl takes the place of cloudy skies in the daytime. The entirety of the decorated dial rotates over the course of 24 hours to provide an ever-changing skyscape on your wrist.
The diurnal and nocturnal nature of this disc is thanks to a variation of Chopard’s first manufacture calibre the L.U.C 96.30-L. The 188-component movement is visible through a sapphire caseback and operated by a diamond and sapphire set solid 18k rose gold crown. The self-winding micro-rotor movement maintains an impressive 65-hour power reserve while continuously rotating the high-mass dial. Topping off the dial is a robust pair of sword-style hands that poetically defend the magical lotus flower.
While haute joaillerie doesn’t always grab the headlines at shows like Watches & Wonders, there is no disregard for the breathtaking craft and execution. Watches like the Imperiale are both artistic expressions of watchmaking and dynamic material finishing. Chopard’s observations of nature and human history are embodied in a single timepiece that only 25 individuals will get to own, though anyone that sees it will surely not forget it. The Imperiale is available exclusively through Chopard boutiques and priced at $90,700 USD. Learn more about the Chopard Imperiale collection, its Watches and Wonders 2023 novelties, and more at the brand’s website.
