Chopard St Moritz: A Close-up Look

This is the Chopard St. Moritz and the last iteration of the line designed initially as a rare piece to compete against AP's Royal Oak and Patek's Nautilus. These are rare to surface given the short and limited production run, and this example went to market on 16 Feb 2001 in Kuwait and first sold just three days later. I am the only second owner to wear it, and I had it completely overhauled by Chopard’s regional service center, Bolduc Watches Canada, where it received a complete service, new spring bars, new sapphire crystal, and a complete case and bracelet refinishing. The watch is 38mm, so it fits most wrists and is water resistant to have been screwed down crown. The retail price in 1999 is said for a US market of USD 4,120. The bracelet alone from Chopard today, I have been told, costs an estimated USD 3,800. The bracelet is a feature that makes this example even more exclusive. Changing the links is a straightforward process that requires a tiny 1.5 flat-head screwdriver, and the over-engineered nature of Swiss perfectionism demands that each narrow link have four pieces. This example comes with as I understand all of its original links to fit by my estimate up to a 7.75” wrist, though this is an estimate, and I wear it on my 7.25” wrist with four links spare. The design of the bracelet allows for near-perfect fitting because of the slim profile of the bracelet, and the tension-fit butterfly clasp has been re-tensioned by Bolduc for a very secure fit! The bracelet is held to the case with four tiny spring bars, a system unique to the St Moritz, and I have four mounted and four used ones as spares. Spring bar pliers are required to remove and remount the bracelet, but it is surprisingly easy because of the unique design. The case is luxury sport slim and the perfect weight for daily wear. The movement powering the watch is a Frederic Piguet 1150, also known as Chopard's Caliber 1150-4. Frederic Piguet is a distinct watch brand, highly respected in the watch industry for making Blancpain movements that they still employ today. It has a claimed power reserve of 100 hours and beats away at 28,800hz, making it a perfect daily or casual wearing timepiece, and the FP calibre is known for its accuracy and robustness. Note that it is a non-hacking movement. The condition of the watch is used with minor scratches and flea bites despite Bolduc’s best efforts, and the overall condition is as illustrated. Since its return, I have worn it sparingly and less than a handful of times. The watch wears light and comfortable on the strap, and I have four perfect companions for when a bracelet is not desired. This complete package is missing only the original sales paperwork and comes with the original inner and outer box, watch on bracelet, four after-market straps, eight spring bars, treat travel pouch, service warranty card, and service paperwork. Name: Chopard St. Moritz Date: 24 Oct 2023 Music: Grey Blue Grey by Tommy English (iMovie)