Swiss watchmaker Chopard has been upping the ante on technical developments—this year saw the Alpine Eagle Cadence 8HF with its 8Hz frequency, and last year its Full Strike watches were the talk of Watches and Wonders. But its latest release reaffirms that the Maison holds artistic excellence in high esteem as well. It was in 2021 that Chopard launched the L.U.C Quattro Spirit 25, its first jumping hours timepiece with a Grand Feu enamel dial. The 40mm watch was created in ethical rose gold and marked the 25th anniversary of the L.U.C collection. Now, that line has an addition: The L.U.C Quattro Spirit 25 Ganesh Edition, featuring a heavily detailed and intricately crafted deity on the dial.
Though a young line, Chopard has positioned the L.U.C Quattro Spirit 25 sub-collection as one where it can exhibit its prowess in Métiers d’Art. The second timepiece in the line, released in 2022, was dedicated to the TimeForArt auction and featured a hand-engraved skull on the dial, which took inspiration from the Mexican Dìa de los Muertos or ‘Day of the Dead’. This year, Chopard has moved the spotlight to Indian mythology, choosing to feature one of the most loved Indian Gods, Lord Ganesh, beautifully on the dial.
“The concept behind the Chopard Ganesh watch stems from a deep admiration for the rich cultural heritage and spiritual symbolism in India, in particular the connection with Lord Ganesh,” says Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, CEO, Chopard. “We wanted to create a timepiece that pays tribute to this revered deity while showcasing the craftsmanship and artistic excellence that define Chopard. Lord Ganesh, known as the remover of obstacles and the bestower of wisdom and intellect, embodies qualities that resonate with individuals worldwide. Our aim was to capture the essence of Ganesh’s divine presence and infuse it into a watch that would serve as a source of inspiration, positivity, and harmony for its wearers.”
Scheufele adds that Indian mythology has always fascinated him, with its rich tapestry of stories and symbolism. It was in 2019 when he came to the decision of creating Lord Ganesh on the dial of the new L.U.C timepiece. The process started with some mood boards, with the goal to propose an exclusive timepiece crafted in small quantities. “As a storyteller and a lover of art, I have found great inspiration in Indian mythological narratives. His imagery is instantly recognisable and carries a deep spiritual significance. The decision to represent Ganesh on the dial of a Chopard watch was a combination of admiration for Indian mythology and the desire to create a meaningful connection with our customers,” he adds.
The Ganesh Edition watches have been crafted in two iterations—a Grand Feu enamel one, and other, Urushi.
The pieces will be soon delivered to leading retailers in the country, including Johnson Watch Company in New Delhi.
The above text is an extract from the cover story of WatchTime India's July-Sept 2023, 11th-anniversary issue, featuring the L.UC Quattro Spirit 25 - Ganesh Edition. To read the full story, subscribe here, or pick up a copy at a newsstand near you.
Images: Courtesy Chopard
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