Heart and Soul
The PEAK Singapore|August 2024
Heart and Soul A tour of Chopard’s central manufacture reveals its pledge to champion ethical practices and hand-forged mastery.
CHARMIAN LEONG
Heart and Soul

Fine watchmaking, for all its efforts to romanticise traditional methods, has justifiably evolved into an industry reliant on large, utilitarian machinery and advanced software to produce modern wristwatch components.

01 This watchmaker is one of the master artisans based in Chopard's main Meyrin facility.

While a handful of small independents still embody the image of a lone watchmaker sequestered in some snow-capped mountain crafting everything by hand, such storybook charm is not a luxury that brands producing tens of thousands of watches a year can afford.

02 Careful assembly of the L.U.C Full Strike minute repeater.

It would seem obvious which category Chopard falls under. Its ambassadors are A-list megastars, it has become synonymous with events like the Cannes Film Festival and 1000 Miglia race, and its many watch and jewellery creations have become icons in the realm of accoutrements. What is less obvious, perhaps, is that the maison is making every effort to maintain the soul of craftsmanship in its still family owned business, as our recent visit to its headquarters in Meyrin revealed.

HOME OF ARTISTRY

This manufacture in Meyrin is one of three facilities Chopard runs in Switzerland. The other two are located in Fleurier, dedicated to the development of its top-of-the-line L.U.C watches, and production of high-volume movements such as the ones found in the Mille Miglia and ladies’ collections, respectively.

03 Chopard is one of few Swiss maisons that still operate their own gold foundry.

The Meyrin location, however, is where the rest of the magic happens.

Denne historien er fra August 2024-utgaven av The PEAK Singapore.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra August 2024-utgaven av The PEAK Singapore.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA THE PEAK SINGAPORESe alt
From Screen to Store
The PEAK Singapore

From Screen to Store

Heini Zachariassen, founder of global wine rating app Vivino on how its first retail store in the world brings data-driven curation to wine lovers.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
In the Dining Spotlight
The PEAK Singapore

In the Dining Spotlight

Renowned Dutch chef Sergio Herman, whose name has been associated with the Michelin Guide in the Netherlands and Belgium, is expanding his Asian footprint with his Singapore outpost, Le Pristine in Grand Hyatt Singapore.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
All for One
The PEAK Singapore

All for One

How would you navigate a corner if you were hearing-impaired or enjoy school if you were on the spectrum? These architects posit that inclusive design must be part of mainstream standards to improve overall living environments.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Pods and Swirling Staircases
The PEAK Singapore

Pods and Swirling Staircases

This quirky and playful home designed by Park Associates is shaped after its owners, a young family with three children.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Stories Behind the Kebava
The PEAK Singapore

Stories Behind the Kebava

Sufiyanto A. S., one half of the duo behind the Kebaya.Societe Instagram account, has had enough of seeing Malay identity erased and forgotten.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Good to Go
The PEAK Singapore

Good to Go

Driving classic Jaguars on the legendary Goodwood Motor Circuit is all the magic a motorhead needs.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Seasons of the Snake
The PEAK Singapore

Seasons of the Snake

Japanese architect Tadao Ando once again works his magic for Bvlgari, with the Serpenti Tubogas as an artistic canvas for nature's cyclical transformation.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Phoenix Rising
The PEAK Singapore

Phoenix Rising

One gutsy retired pharmaceutical executive rescued two-century-old Swiss watchmaker Bovet, and today, its presence is stronger than ever in Southeast Asia.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Con Amore, Leggiero, Presto!
The PEAK Singapore

Con Amore, Leggiero, Presto!

Chan Weitian injects new insights into Presto Drycleaners, blending operational innovation with time-honoured values.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Preserving Paradise
The PEAK Singapore

Preserving Paradise

Gaya Island Resort takes eco-tourism beyond the expected, blending conservation efforts with authentic luxury.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024