Baselworld 2012:  Chopard has added a new collection, simply called Classic, to its portfolio, with the first watch in the new line, the Classic Manufactum, making its debut at the Baselworld watch fair.  The understated design of the watches is simply marvelous.  Inspired by the pocketwatches of the Belle Epoque,  the classicism of the design starts with the porcelain-type dial and its shiny black Roman numerals and extends to the small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock, which features a “railtrack” graduation typical of vintage pocketwatches of the era; and the slender gold-toned hands.  Though the first “Classic” piece to receive this particular in-house movement, the caliber was used in select Chopard Imperial pieces in 2011.  The rose-gold model retails for $14,740.

Chopard Classic Manufactum Watch

38mm case (rose, yellow or white gold), exhibition caseback, automatic Chopard Caliber 01.04-C, fitted with a matte black alligator leather strap with an 18k gold pin buckle.

rose gold:

The Chopard manufacture caliber is entirely created by Fleurier Ebauches, the Chopard Group unit producing industrial movements not destined for the L.U.C Haute Horlogerie collection.

white gold (l), yellow gold (r)