The story behind this Chopard Happy Sport
In 1993, Caroline Scheufele designed a watch for Chopard that freed the diamonds from their fixed settings. Slipped between two sapphire crystals, they move freely, and Chopard became the first Maison to combine steel and diamonds in a watch. The case back of this piece, engraved with ‘Anniversary Edition’ and ‘Bucherer 1888’, marks a special edition reserved for the Swiss retailer, founded in Lucerne on 17 July 1888 by Carl Friedrich Bucherer. Purchased in September 2013 at the Bucherer boutique in Lausanne, it dates from the year in which the brand celebrated its 125th anniversary and the Happy Sport marked its 20th. Reference 278551-6001 is the 36 mm Happy Sport with a quartz movement, shown here in a two-tone steel and rose gold version on a rubber strap.
Case, calibre and strap of this Happy Sport
The 36 mm polished steel case features a bezel ring, a crown and four lug tips in 18-carat rose gold. The bezel features a white insert marked with Roman numerals at 12 o’clock, 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock and 9 o’clock, alongside rose gold-tone baton hour markers. The white mother-of-pearl dial features the Chopard logo in cursive script, printed oval hour markers and a date window positioned between 4 o’clock and 5 o’clock. The hour and minute hands, solid and rimmed in rose gold, frame a slender central seconds hand. Beneath the sapphire crystal, five moving diamonds, set in closed settings within rose gold bezels, alternate between three brown-hued stones and two white stones. With the slightest movement of the wrist, they glide across the dial. The crown features an additional diamond, bringing the total to 0.4 carats according to the original invoice. The solid caseback, secured by eight screws, has a satin-finished surface. The quartz calibre 955.112 displays the hours, minutes, seconds and date, and requires no winding. The white rubber strap with a wavy pattern fastens with a steel pin buckle bearing the Chopard logo.
Why this Chopard watch
This example combines two features not found on a standard Happy Sport. The case back, engraved for Bucherer, links the watch to a specific anniversary, as documented by its certificate of authenticity, whilst the alternating pattern of brown and white diamonds gives the dial a rhythm unique to this version. The quartz movement makes it easy to wear; it remains accurate even after several days without being worn. On the second-hand market, this offers access to a two-tone Happy Sport in 18-carat rose gold and diamonds, tested by our partner watchmakers and covered by a 24-month warranty.
Contents and condition
The watch is supplied in a The Swiss Collector presentation box, accompanied by a copy of the Bucherer purchase invoice dated September 2013. It shows micro-scratches on the polished sides and lugs, as well as fine marks on the caseback, consistent with careful use. It has not been polished, which preserves the case’s original edges; polishing remains possible on request. The crystal, dial and bezel insert show no visible defects. The rubber on the strap is intact; its white colour has simply faded over time.
Warranty and delivery
The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this watch, which is covered by a 24-month warranty. We accept returns within 10 days in accordance with our terms and conditions. As Switzerland’s leading second-hand retailer, backed by the largest network of shops, we offer online booking for a fitting and collection in-store, or fully secure international delivery.
* Good condition – Watch has been worn. Some signs of wear (micro-scratches, signs of wear, etc.). Fully functional and tested by our partner watchmakers.
