Chopard Happy Diamonds

The Happy Diamonds is one of the most famous and popular collections in the Chopard catalog. These women's watches blur the line between timepiece and fine jewelry. One unique feature is the cluster of moving diamonds that appears to float around the outside of the dial. Every movement of the wearer's arm causes these shimmering gemstones to come to life.

Chopard released the first Happy Diamonds in 1976 and has remained true to the same basic concept ever since. The case consists of two concentric rings. Most are circular, though there are also oval, cushion-shaped, and barrel-shaped models available. The outer ring serves as a bezel, while the inner ring surrounds the dial. The space between the two rings is home to diamonds that glide between two sheets of sapphire crystal. From the back, you can see their gold casings.

Chopard constructs these timepieces using only the finest materials: The cases come in 18-karat rose or white gold, and you can choose between a guilloché mother-of-pearl dial or one made of colorful stone like turquoise or lapis lazuli. Many watches also have additional diamonds on their case. Reliable quartz calibers from the Swiss movement manufacturer ETA provide these two-hand watches with their precise timekeeping.

With cases ranging from 26 to 38 mm in diameter, these watches are the perfect accesory to wear at the office or to formal occasions.

The round, 36-mm Happy Diamonds watch and the model with a 37.85-mm cushion-shaped case are particularly eye-catching. These white or rose gold timepieces feature 15 diamonds that sparkle and dance around the dial. Stationary diamonds on the bezel, crown, and ring around the mother-of-pearl dial further underscore the sense of luxury.

Expect to pay around 37,500 USD for a cushion-shaped watch based on the original Happy Diamonds. Mint-condition timepieces with a round case cost about 33,500 USD. Both versions are currently extremely rare on the pre-owned market.

The 32-mm Happy Diamonds model is only available with a round white or rose gold case. These timepieces have no crown. Instead, you can set the time using a small button sunken into the case back.

This watch comes in one of two designs. The dials of the most colorful models stretch all the way to the outer ring. They get their color from minerals like agate, lapis lazuli, onyx, or turquoise. Each is paired with a matching textile strap. Despite their bright colors, these watches are far from gaudy. Combined with a polished case and five moving diamonds, they feel classy and fresh. New watches sell for anywhere from 6,800 to 7,500 USD depending on the color. With any luck, you may even find a well-maintained pre-owned model for as little as 4,400 USD.

The second design option is a bit more reserved in terms of color. However, these diamond watches come with a very special feature: The space between the inner and outer rings is transparent thanks to sapphire glass. As a result, the guilloché mother-of-pearl dial appears to be floating in mid-air, orbited by seven diamond satellites. The version with a polished rose or white gold case demands between 8,400 and 8,800 USD new. Prices for pre-owned watches start around 3,400 USD in good condition. The addition of more diamonds increases those prices to about 10,000 USD for a pre-owned timepiece and 13,000 USD for a new one.

The Happy Diamonds Icons boasts the same see-through effect as the 32-mm model but with a smaller case. Current models measure 25.8 mm in diameter, while previous editions came in at 22 or 24 mm. Unlike the larger Happy Diamonds, Chopard also creates an oval version of the Icons watch. Another notable difference is the intricate decorations found on certain models. For example, some watches feature two rows of diamonds around their bezels. Others have diamond-encrusted butterflies or bows on their lugs.

The most elaborate models sell for between 15,500 and 26,000 USD. You can save quite a bit by purchasing a more restrained timepiece with a polished rose or white gold case. These watches change hands for 7,300 to 11,500 USD. You can even find well-maintained Happy Diamonds Icons watches on the pre-owned market for as little as 4,500 USD.