Exceptional L.U.C watches from Chopard
High watchmaker Chopard has unveiled some exceptional additions to its L.U.C line this year; these include a perpetual calendar, a flyback chronograph, and a Twist timepiece
L.U.C Perpetual Twin
Chopard is now presenting the chronometer-certified L.U.C Perpetual Twin perpetual calendar, in two stand-out versions: in robust stainless steel – with a rich and urbane blue dial – and in 18-carat rose gold, with a subtle grey dial. Both dials emphasise tonal contrasts through sunray satin-brush finishes. A big date forms the focal point of the layout, with sub-dials for the perpetual calendar day, month, and leap year indications, and small seconds at 6 o’clock. Minimalist applied hour markers bring quiet poise to this discreet and perfectly balanced design.
Visible beneath a sapphire crystal caseback, the movement powering the L.U.C Perpetual Twin, mechanical automatic calibre L.U.C 96.22-L, is a work of true technical and artisanal mastery. Hand-made by Chopard’s skilled watchmakers, it exhibits the finest traditions of hand-finishing, and has been certified as a chronometer by the experts of Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC) – a rare distinction for perpetual calendar watches. A 22-carat gold micro-rotor that sits within the plane of the movement, keeps the entire mechanism to just 6 mm in depth. Chopard Twin Technology, meanwhile, employs dual barrels to deliver an extended power reserve of 65 hours, meaning that the watch will continue running when left untouched for over two-and-a-half days.
Chopard L.U.C Chrono One Flyback
Limited edition of 250
The new monochromatic Chopard L.U.C Chrono One Flyback is offered in steel, as a limited edition of 250 pieces. In this edition, the steel case is smaller and thinner at 42mm x 13.42mm. All upper surfaces of the case including the bezel, lugs and pushers are highly polished, while the case middle features contrasting vertical satin brushing. The caseback is a mix of the two finishes, with the highly polished inner flange hand-engraved with the words “Chrono One Flyback” / “Limited Edition 250”.
On the dial, rhodium plating has been cleverly used for the sub-dial rings, understated but legible and complementing the rhodium-plated hour markers and 12 o’clock numeral. The hour and minute hands are the Dauphine fusée-type typical of the L.U.C range and are painted with Super-LumiNova. The rhodium plating gives everything a high-polish finish, contrasting against the sombre tones of the dial. The date is shown via a window between 4 and 5 o’clock. Inside is the L.U.C 03.03-L calibre, featuring several patented developments by Chopard. Comprising 359 components, it is an in-house manufacture and is certified as a chronometer by the COSC. A self-winding movement, it features an open-worked rotor in 22k gold and offers a 60-hour power reserve.
Chopard L.U.C XPS Twist Qualité Fleurier
The L.U.C. Twist watches are so named because the movement is rotated in the case to an unusual position, putting the crown at 4 o’clock, and the sub-seconds dial at 7 o’clock. An additional interesting feature of this version is Qualité Fleurier certification, provided by the Fleurier Quality Foundation (FQF), an independent inspection agency that examines watches according to several criteria, including place of manufacture, as well as durability, accuracy, and aesthetic criteria.
The case is made of ethically certified Fairmined gold, sourced from mines that meet certain standards for good environmental and business practices, and which are produced on a small, local, and artisanal scale. While Chopard has been using Fairmined gold since 2014, the company announced in 2018 that it would use Fairmined gold exclusively for all its watch and jewellery collections. The movement is Chopard L.U.C. calibre 96.26-L, which offers a 65-hour power reserve in a relatively flat, 3.30mm movement; it is a micro-rotor calibre with a white gold winding rotor and is finished to the standard that made L.U.C. movements so important to the history of modern watchmaking.
