Heritage
A house, in its own words
Louis‑Ulysse Chopard opened a small workshop in Sonvillier, France, in 1860. He crafted pocket watches for local clients and quickly earned a reputation for mechanical reliability. In the early 1900s the family moved operations to Geneva, where the Swiss watchmaking tradition deepened the brand’s technical expertise. The Scheufele brothers, Karl and his son Caroline, acquired a controlling share in 1963 and guided Chopard into jewellery and high‑end accessories. By the late 1980s the house launched its first fragrance, Happy Diamonds, a bright floral that appeared in 1986 and marked the brand’s entry into perfumery. The 1990s saw the release of Heaven (1994) and Casmir (1991, created by perfumer Michel Almairac), both of which reinforced the house’s scent portfolio. In 2000 the brand introduced Casran, a woody composition that reflected a growing interest in exotic notes. The 2010s added Oud Malaki (2012) and Agar Royal (2019), signalling a turn toward richer, orientalist accords. 2022 brought Patchouli de Sumatra, a modern take on a classic ingredient, while the 2026 launch of Tobacco Malaki expanded the line with a smoky, gourmand profile. Throughout its history Chopard has maintained a parallel focus on watchmaking, jewellery design and responsible sourcing, positioning the house as a multi‑disciplinary creator rather than a single‑category label. Chopard approaches fragrance as an extension of its broader design language. The house values precision, elegance and a respect for natural materials. Creative direction often comes from Caroline Scheufele, who acts as muse and curator for new scents. The brand partners with perfumers who share an interest in rare ingredients and sustainable practices. In recent years Chopard has published an ethical commitment that outlines steps toward responsible sourcing of ambergris, oud and precious metals. The philosophy emphasizes balance between artistic expression and environmental stewardship. Rather than chasing trends, the house seeks to translate the tactile qualities of its jewellery into olfactory experiences, allowing wearers to sense the same refinement that defines a Chopard timepiece.
