The Chopard 1860 with the 1.96 calibre is, without a doubt. the finest watch to come out of Chopard's manufacture. Even more impressively, it was more or less the first serially produced watch to come from the then-brand new manufacture.

The movement is a beautifully decorated microrotor movement, complete with a Breguet overcoil and swan neck regulator. These features are the hallmark of high-end movement design, as they're more difficult to design and produce but make for a more accurate movement.

The guilloche dial was manufactured by Metalem SA, who would go on to produce dials for Philippe Dufour. The case, while perfectly proportioned, is relatively simple, allowing the dial and movement to take centre stage.

A very small number of 1.96 watches were produced, with Chopard never finishing the production of all the watches they intended to make.

The 1860/2 variant comes with the open caseback by default, showing off the stunning movement in all its glory.

CHOPARD

Although Chopard's phenomenal success as a haute joallerie brand has overshadowed its watchmaking department, this manufacture is very much a watchmaker in its own right. Many of its movements feature the Geneva seal, a highly respected market of horological excellence. Chopard has created many of its own movements, including an ultra thin microrotor automatic - a highly respectable achievement.