Chopard St. Moritz Automatic (Ref. 8183), 1990s

Dealer description — Huntington Company

History and Significance The Chopard St. Moritz holds an important place in the brand’s modern history. Introduced in 1980 by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, it was the first watch he designed after joining the family company. The model represented a shift toward sportier luxury watches, combining integrated bracelets, exposed bezel screws, and precious metal accents in a way that felt modern at the time. While many St. Moritz watches were produced with quartz movements, the automatic references are generally considered more desirable by collectors today. The reference 8183 stands out for this reason, offering the same distinctive design but paired with a mechanical automatic movement. It preserves the elegance of the original concept while giving the watch the character and longevity associated with traditional watchmaking. The St. Moritz also reflects a broader design movement of the late 1970s and 1980s, when luxury brands began exploring sport-inspired watches with integrated bracelets and bold bezels. Today it sits comfortably alongside other pieces from that era that helped shape the category. Writer’s Thoughts The St. Moritz is one of those watches that quietly represents an entire design era. The scalloped bezel with exposed screws, the integrated bracelet, and the mix of steel and gold all give it a distinctive presence without feeling overly flashy. What makes this particular reference appealing is the automatic movement. Many examples you come across are quartz, which is practical but lacks the mechanical charm collectors tend to look for. With the automatic caliber inside, the watch feels more in line with the traditional values of Swiss watchmaking. Our Promise Every watch is thoroughly vetted, carefully described with complete transparency, and guaranteed authentic. Each piece is offered in honest condition, ensuring collectors receive a timepiece that reflects both originality and integrity. Specifications Brand: Chopard Model: St. Moritz (Ref. 8183) Year: circa 1990s Case: Stainless steel and yellow gold Case Size: 32mm Dial: White dial with Roman numerals and applied hour markers Movement: Automatic mechanical movement Strap/Bracelet: Integrated stainless steel and yellow gold bracelet Buckle/Clasp: Integrated double folding clasp Contents: Watch only Condition Case: Stainless steel and gold case shows light wear consistent with age and use. Edges remain well defined. Crystal: Clean, with no chips or cracks. Dial: Dial remains clean with clear printing and a strong overall appearance. Hands: Hands are clean and correct for the model. Strap/Bracelet: Integrated bracelet shows light wear consistent with age, with good overall structure. Buckle/Clasp: Clasp functions properly with normal surface wear.