Chopard’s Karl-Friedrich Scheufele and his Personal Relationship with Time and Watches

Twelve on Time is a conversation series that invites leading personalities from the watch industry to step beyond their work and speak more personally about their relationship with time, creativity, and craft. Through a set of twelve questions, the column aims to lift the veil on both the individual and their perspective on watchmaking, revealing not only how they perceive watches but also how they perceive themselves within a culture shaped by precision, heritage, and emotion. We continue this series with the always-elegant Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard. 

1- Which watch changed the way you looked at watchmaking? The first Ferdinand Berthoud watch to join our museum in Fleurier: the Astronomical Watch No. 3, conceived by Ferdinand Berthoud in 1775 and executed by Jean Martin in 1806.

2 – What is the quality you most value in a watch? It is difficult to mention just one quality; therefore, I would highlight timeless design, quality of craftsmanship and finishing, as well as precision.

3 – Which is your favourite complication? The minute repeater, because of its additional acoustic dimension.

4 – What is the most overrated trend in modern watchmaking? Among several strong trends, such as smaller time-only watches, I do not perceive one that strikes me as truly overrated. A more concerning trend – buying watches for speculation – is fortunately losing momentum.

5 – What detail instantly tells you a watch was made with care? I closely look at how watch cases and movements are detailed and finished. Only a few timepieces feature exquisite finishing, even on components that are not in plain sight.

6 – Which moment do you believe most fundamentally shaped watchmaking as we know it today? The introduction of mechanical wristwatches with greater affordability, allowing them to reach a wider audience.

7 – What is the greatest challenge facing the watch industry today? Transmitting the passion for mechanical watches to the younger generation, as well as preserving craftsmanship.

8 – What outside sources of inspiration most influence your thinking in watchmaking? The world of antique watchmaking, classic cars, visual arts, and, last but not least, nature.

9 – Which watch do you wish you had created? The Astronomical Watch No. 3 by Ferdinand Berthoud, as mentioned above, considering the period in which it was conceived and the means used to build it.

10 – Which watch do you wear most when nobody is watching? Without doubt, the original Chopard L.U.C 1860, featuring our first in-house calibre 1.96 – a major milestone in our company’s history.

11 – Which personality has most shaped your view of watchmaking? Ferdinand Berthoud, as he shared his outstanding watchmaking knowledge through numerous publications already in the 18th century.

12 – What should younger collectors focus on before buying their next watch? They should focus on the qualities mentioned above and ask themselves whether they will still appreciate a given timepiece in ten years.