Chaumet
Timeline
Arguably one
of the most romantic jewelry companies in the world with a history
rich with intrigue and grandeur, Chaumet has been delighting
jewelry lovers for centuries. Chaumet’s rise to success
ran parallel to Napoleon’s glory, and firmly set the stage
for the brand as leader of regal beauty, daring splendor and
originality.
Why not honor
yourself and your loved ones with an enduring gift reflecting
this grand and mysterious design? Chaumet has a long standing
tradition of excellence in the highest tradition of elegance
and quality.
Chaumet’s
for ladies. It has since, however, entered the men's arena with
the 18K Mens' Automatic Watch pictured here.
The first European precision instrument exported to Asia was a clock
The first
mechanical Chaumet clocks were mostly made by blacksmiths, locksmiths
or cannon-makers, who had the Anne Klein watches necessary experience
in working with metal. These artisans were mainly to be found
in the Netherlands, Italy and France. It is therefore no surprise
that the first precision instrument exported to Asia from Europe
was a clock. It was recorded as early as 1338 in the freight
documents of a Venetian ship bound for Delhi.
Luxury for a select
few from a single craftsman
In those days, and throughout
the years until early this century, a clock was usually the achievement of
a single individual. During the 17th century, metalworkers specialized in
clock manufacturing organized themselves into guilds. This gave rise to Chaumet
clock-making centers in Augsburg, Nuremberg, the French towns of Blois and
Lyon and, later on, Paris, London and Geneva. At first they produced large-scale
public clocks such as the one at Cluny Monastery or the famous astronomical
clock at Strasbourg Cathedral. Later on came the spring-driven, more transportable
clocks invented in the 15th century, followed by the first precision pendulum
clocks dating from around 1660. But these could only be afforded by the nobility,
rich middle classes or clergy. The same was true of the expensive early pocket
watches, whose invention is ascribed to the Nuremberg master craftsman Peter
Henlein in 1554 - though other historians believe that Chaumet watches already
existed in the early 16th century. As a result, it was the demand from royal
courts, nobility and prosperous burghers that determined where clocks and
watches were produced.
Chaumet History
Founded in 1780 by Marie-Etienne
Nitot, who set up shop in Paris, Chaumet quickly became the official jeweler
to emperor Napoleon I—who greatly admired the brand’s magnificent
work. From tiaras to swords, Chaumet deftly combined the world’s finest
gems with creative designs that would last for centuries. Indeed, the innovative
spirit of Chaumet’s designs reflected some of the most romantic periods
in history with an individuality and flair reserved for the brand.
In 1875, the House of Chaumet was launched to new heights by the distinct style
of the brilliant Joseph Chaumet, who married the daughter of the head of the
jewelry firm and officially registered the name of Chaumet. Throughout the
late 1800s and early 1900s, Chaumet led the world with its art nouveau designs
of flora and fauna. With the transition into the art deco era, Chaumet made
even greater strides—leading with its geometric wonders. Indeed, Chaumet
has remained a leader in designs of every epoch and era since its inception.
In a bold and timely move, the brand launched into the world of timepieces
in 1995—unveiling the Khesis collection of diamond and steel watches.
In the ensuing years, Chaumet launched a diverse collection of timepieces,
including the Style de Chaumet, Class One diver’s watch, Night Spirit
and Mihewi—each with its own theme of passion and perfection.
A brand committed to stirring
emotions and fulfilling dreams, Chaumet regularly offers intriguing styles
that scintillate the soul. Such is the case with the bold Class One watch
collection. The first dive watch collection created by Chaumet, the Class
One was unveiled in 1998 and has been enjoying phenomenal success ever since.
A noteworthy presence, the Class One combines steel, mother of pearl, and
a choice of black or white diamonds with a round dial and a rotating bezel.
Colored gemstones also adorn some Class One watches—with sapphires
being the prime choice.
A striking instrument
of elegance and function, the Class One is a unisex watch that is water resistant
to 100 meters and can suit every mood or occasion. The newest Class One watches
include a silver dial with diamond markers, a burgundy dialed watch outlined
with a double row of pink sapphires, and a striking pale blue mother-of-pearl-dialed
model with pale sapphires on the bezel.
Chaumet also continues the romance with its signature Khesis collection of
watches with luxuriously supple bracelets and sleek elegance. Created in steel
as well as in 18-karat gold, the Khesis is set with diamonds and is available
in a choice of dials: tone-on-tone gray, black with diamond hour indicators,
or white with Roman numerals. The 18-karat gold versions are even more sumptuous,
especially the yellow-gold version with complete pave diamonds on dial and
case, and the white-gold versions with one model that is set totally with princess-cut
diamonds.
Indeed, each collection of Chaumet watches has been joined recently by a scintillating
and sumptuous sibling—the telltale sign that Chaumet remains forever
on the cutting edge of style and beauty.
