To mark the 30th anniversary of its Fleurier manufacture, Chopard unveils the Beehive Table Clock, an exclusive table clock produced in a limited edition of just ten pieces. Combining watchmaking virtuosity, high jewelry, and allegorical symbolism through an exposed movement and handcrafted gold bees, this exceptional piece offers a truly multisensory experience.
The bee, emblem of a century-old heritage
To celebrate three decades of excellence at its manufacture, Chopard presents a creation that transcends the very notion of a timepiece to stand as a work of art in its own right. The choice of the beehive is by no means a mere decorative flourish. At Chopard, the bee has been part of the House’s history since the 19th century, inspired by Louis-Ulysse Chopard. This delicate motif symbolizes precision, diligence, and collective effort—foundational values that cutting-edge Swiss watchmaking strives to highlight with the utmost accuracy.
Architectural transparency and exposed mechanics
The timepiece features a sculptural design crafted from borosilicate glass, composed of elegantly stacked segments. This carefully crafted transparency is more than mere aesthetic flair: it invites the eye to delve into the heart of the mechanical movement and its gold bridges, as the watch willingly reveals the secrets behind the scenes. Designed with harmonious proportions, the watch ensures perfect readability of the hours and minutes thanks to a matte finish on the glass. The result is a subtle balance that prioritizes clarity while maintaining a presentation of absolute refinement that blends functionality and design.
Jewelry-inspired sculptures as hands
Three 18-karat yellow gold bees bring this crystalline structure to life. In a poetic interplay, two of them lightly touch the dial with their stingers to indicate the hours and minutes, while the third indicates the chime mode. Handcrafted in Chopard’s Geneva Haute Joaillerie workshops, these precious insects are set with yellow sapphires, black and white diamonds, black spinels, and rock crystal—the latter also adorning their wings with sparkling diamonds. The piece resembles as much a miniature sculpture as it does a timekeeping instrument.
Acoustic excellence by L’Épée 1839
The mechanical heart of this beehive was developed in close collaboration with L’Épée 1839, the leading Swiss manufacturer of table clocks. Integrating the acoustics into a glass structure required more than two years of meticulous research to ensure perfect sound resonance. The upper glass dome acts as a bell, transforming the very body of the piece into a true musical instrument. The mechanism offers three distinct modes: regular operation, silent mode, and on-demand chime. Marking the hours and half-hours, the clock is powered by two independent barrels—one for the movement and one for the chime—each providing an eight-day power reserve and enabling up to 1,440 crystal-clear chimes.
A Multisensory Work of Art
To perfect the sound quality, the study of vibrations, and the geometry of the cover, Chopard partnered with a prestigious watchmaking school in Geneva. The Beehive Table Clock brilliantly demonstrates that luxury watchmaking extends far beyond the confines of a simple dial: it sculpts space, captures light, and modulates the timbre of its chimes to create a complete work of art.
Through this boldly designed model, the brand does more than simply celebrate a milestone in its history. It sincerely showcases its heritage, blending visible mechanics, decorative virtuosity, and an irresistible taste for minimalist design. A true invitation to contemplation, where the everyday object gives way to beauty.