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Chopard Connections 2014-1: First for Ladies
What is the Chopard Connection?
First Chopard chronometer watch for ladies with LUC mechanical movement was launched in April 2014
Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Khadja Nin, Christine Scheufele, Jacky Ickx
Chopard Jacky Ickx Chronograph 6/24 Mk.V Stainless Steel Edition
Chopard Jacky Ickx Chronograph 6/24 Mk.V Rose Gold Edition
Scheufele and Ickx wearing Chopard Jacky Ickx Chronograph 6/24 Mk.III and Mk.V respectively
Value to Chopard
From my observations of the Scheufele family, I conclude that decisions are not made lightly nor without aforethought. Mr Karl-Friedrich Scheufele once told me that while they do not have to answer to shareholder activists, every decision involves family money and is not taken lightly. This does not mean that the decision process takes ages nor does it mean that fiscal spreadsheets take precedence. It allows for human factors to play a part like personal interests and choices whether they be sports cars, elephants, clowns or sheep. These motifs are found in Chopard product lines.
When Chopard acquired UHP (Union Hôtelière Parisienne), the company owning Hôtel de Vendôme in Paris, it raised a few eyebrows. CLICK URL to read:
Why would a privately-owned watch/jewellery business buy a hotel? Why would they "diversify the business", as mentioned in the press release. Actually, as a concept, diversification into the hospitality business had already been rejected by the family council many years ago! The main reason for this change of heart in Paris is "Location Location Location".
The hotel building houses the Chopard Paris Boutique at No. 1 Place Vendôme. The owner had put the building up for sale and the risk of losing the lease for the boutique at THE prime address on THE prime luxury square in Paris was unimaginable. The business decision was a rational one in order to secure the Chopard Boutique. It always comes back to the Chopard business.
Chopard Motorsports
Apart from the undeniable cachet of one of the fastest advertising "billboards" in the world, the association with Porsche Motorsport allows Mr Karl-Friedrich Scheufele to indulge in one of his real passions. He and his father (Karl III) own and drive vintage Porsche cars. Chopard has sponsored the Mille Miglia race since 1988 and the Scheufeles have raced their classic Porsches there. Chopard also sponsors the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique. This Porsche Motorsport partnership continues long term business and personal associations with motor sport.
