Table clock in the shape of a beehive, created in partnership with L'Épée 1839.
Chopard, in partnership with L'Épée 1839, has unveiled a unique table clock in the shape of a beehive. This model release marks the 30th anniversary of Chopard's manufacture. The clock is equipped with a striking mechanism and is limited to just 10 pieces.
The beehive was not chosen by chance. This home for hardworking bees is imbued with multilayered symbolism. Thirty years ago, when establishing the Chopard manufacture, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele reinstated the bee emblem as the house's symbol. In the 19th century, engravings depicting a beehive were used on watches (specifically on the bridges of the mechanism) by the company's founder, Louis-Ulysse Chopard.
Additionally, the beehive serves as a transparent metaphor for the energy, diligence, and craftsmanship of Chopard's workforce. On the other hand, the beehive is a clear nod to Chopard's eco-orientation, as bees play a special role in natural ecosystems.
The clock's base is made of steel and brass, coated with yellow gold to fully resemble a beehive brimming with honey. The model stands 25.8 cm tall, with a diameter of 16.8 cm at its widest point. The beehive structure consists of 7 tiers. Borosilicate glass is chosen for its transparency, heat resistance, and strength.
Externally, the glass structure is adorned with 3 bees symbolizing 3 generations of the Scheufele family. The bee figures are cast from ethical 18K yellow gold using traditional lost-wax casting techniques. The natural striped pattern on the insects' bodies is mimicked by manually set yellow sapphires and black diamonds, weighing 6.45 and 6.29 carats respectively. The bees' eyes are made of black spinel weighing 3.06 carats. The diamond-encrusted wings are crafted from rock crystal.
The bees carry not only symbolic but also functional roles. Two of them are positioned such that the insects' stingers serve as indicators on the hour and minute scales, which are placed on the rotating middle rings of the beehive. The third bee is positioned closer to the top of the clock: the raised head of the insect indicates that the striking mode is activated.
The clock operates in three modes: active (automatic), manual (on demand - DEM), and silent. In active mode, the mechanism automatically strikes the hour count at each hour and additional strikes every half hour. In silent mode, the mechanism is deactivated. In two of the three modes, the strike activator can be manually turned, allowing the mechanism to chime the current hour on demand. The key element of the striking mechanism is the upper tier of the beehive. It is shaped like a small bell and functions as a gong. During the striking process, a gold-plated hammer strikes it from inside.
Time on the clock can be set by simply turning the minute scale ring to the desired mark or rotating a small toothed wheel on the scale. A similar wheel is provided for manually winding the clock. Additionally, a winding crown is located on the lower tier of the beehive. The model's mechanism is equipped with 2 winding barrels. Turning the winding crown clockwise winds the clock itself, while turning it counterclockwise energizes the winding barrel responsible for the striking mechanism.
The power reserve of this unusual novelty lasts for 8 days. If the clock is set to the on-demand mode, a full wind of the mechanism provides enough energy for 1440 strikes or 120 striking cycles of 12 strikes each.
The clock will be available exclusively in Chopard boutiques. The estimated price of the model is $330,000.