Chopard Happy Diamonds 50th Anniversary

2026 marks the 50th anniversary of Chopard’s Happy Diamonds collection. Drawing inspiration from the original 1976 debut, the brand has introduced the Happy Diamonds Heritage—a timepiece with a distinct vintage aesthetic. Featuring an 18K gold cushion-shaped case paired with an alligator leather strap, as well as a black onyx dial and crown, the watch faithfully captures the spirit of the historical original. Meanwhile, Chopard’s Happy Sport collection—which also incorporates the concept of moving diamonds—has unveiled a new model, "Happy Sport The First," based on the collection’s inaugural design https://www.watchesnearme.co.

In 2026, the Chopard Happy Diamonds Heritage collection was introduced, staying true to the aesthetic essence of the original while subtly refining the case design. The lines are now more fluid, the bezel is slimmer, the lugs are shorter and more ergonomic, and the crown is larger, making it easier to grip and adjust. The collection is available in 34mm and 24mm diameters, echoing the dual-size strategy of the original models.

The hallmark of the collection—the "happy diamonds"—are set between two layers of sapphire crystal, allowing them to move freely. In this new iteration, the diamonds meet Chopard’s contemporary standards for clarity and precision cutting.

The movement represents the most significant departure from the original models. While the historical versions featured solid case backs and relied on third-party quartz movements, the 34mm Happy Diamonds Heritage models now feature a sapphire crystal case back, revealing the Chopard 10.01-C manual-winding movement. Introduced in 2024, this movement measures 15.7mm in diameter and just 2.9mm in thickness; it operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and offers a 45-hour power reserve. The 24mm models, by contrast, retain the solid case back and quartz movement found in the original pieces.

Turning to the Happy Sport collection, while it shares the signature "happy diamonds" concept with the Happy Diamonds line, the two collections differ in their specific details. Happy Diamonds models feature precious metal cases and a luxurious composition, with the diamonds moving along a fixed track that ensures they do not interfere with time-reading. In contrast, the Happy Sport—launched in 1993—liberated the diamonds from their tracks, allowing them to move freely across the entire dial. Furthermore, the Happy Sport collection pioneered the use of stainless steel cases, marking the world’s first instance of combining stainless steel with diamonds in a wristwatch.

Compared to previous limited editions, the 2026 Happy Sport The First collection returns to solid stainless steel and is powered exclusively by quartz movements. The new models feature subtle refinements to the dial, presented with a minimalist two-hand display. Blued-steel hands—understated and refined—are paired with Roman numeral indices against a silver-toned dial, free from any superfluous ornamentation. The design is completed by a "pebble-link" bracelet, lending the watch a versatile, modern aesthetic. A new 26mm size makes its debut, offering a delicate, sophisticated look perfect for all-day wear. The case is crafted from Lucent Steel™—Chopard’s proprietary alloy, composed of 80% recycled material—which combines exceptional durability and wear resistance with hypoallergenic properties, all while boasting a luster that rivals that of precious metals.