In 1969, at a time of social, cultural and artistic revolution, when jewellery was crying out for an entirely new expression, for new excitement and relevance to a younger and fashion-forward clientele, that Chopard launched a collection of strikingly contemporary jewellery watches. The dials composed of minerals, hardstones including lapis lazuli, malachite, jade or tiger’s eye that were the defining feature of the late 60s and 70s jewellery, framed in diamonds, and set on bracelets of heavily textured white gold, another signature of 1970s jewellery.

In tune with a new and youth-fuelled mood of luxury, L’Heure du Diamant re-ignites the spirit of the 60s and highlights Chopard’s unrivalled mastery of both refined jewellery artistry and artisanal watchmaking skills. A homage to the Maison’s indefatigable pursuit of timeless modernism. The hour has come, L’Heure du Diamant creates a new and exquisite moment in time with eight new jewellery watches featuring hardstone and gemstone dials reigniting 60s modernism and celebrating 50 years of its mastery of jewels and watches. The perfect fusion of art and craft, art and science, of tradition and modernity.

Exactly 50 years later, Chopard presents L’Heure du Diamant at the 2019 edition of Baselworld. The eight new timepieces in the collection are inspired by the original 1969 models, their design contemporised, the craftsmanship refined, proportions, colours and textures harmonised, to create a sublime jewellery watch for our moment in time that still resonates with the unmistakable beat of 1960s modernism. A timepiece that effortlessly and elegantly balances fine jewellery and fine watchmaking, showcasing the dual expertise that is the essence of Chopard.

Each watch features a dial specially carved from a mesmerising mineral: midnight blue, gold-flecked lapis lazuli; velvety, forest green malachite swirled with striations; vivacious, sunlit skyblue turquoise; darkly dramatic black opal, with its lightning flashes of intense green and red fire. The deep, vibrant, emotionally-stirring colours of the dials are encircled in diamonds, of generous size, – a modernising element – totalling more than 4-carats and creating a striking contrast between sheen and shine, between the texture, opacity or glinting depths of the dials and the brilliance of the diamonds, their fire and life intensified by Chopard’s ‘crown’ setting.