MASTERSTROKE
Chopard spectacularly celebrates the 25th anniversary of its L.U.C. collection with an outstandingly elegant creation which boasts everything it takes to make collectors wonderfully happy!
Since 1996, the manufacture has been paying tribute to Louis-Ulysse Chopard’s spirit with references which conjugate sophisticated style and accurate, innovating engineering. Throughout this period, a myriad of calibers equipped with one or more prestigious complications has been breathing life into esthetically-designed watches. However, one of these was missing. Or, should we say, had been missing until now because, with their L.U.C Quattro Spirit 25, the Fleurier watchmakers introduce us to their first-ever jumping hour watch. This 100-piece limited edition totally places the accent on exclusivity with its 40 mm-diameter case crafted in ethical rose gold. Dial-side, understated harmony reigns supreme. Immaculate white Grand Feu enamel center stages a minute tracker hovered over by a gilded dauphine fusée hand. In an aperture set at 6 o’clock, large black numerals slip away instantly as every new hour comes around. This incredibly readable scenography ensures the visual impact is stunning.
A hand-wound movement, able to deliver the considerable amount of energy required for this mechanism to work optimally working, was developed specially. The Quattro system which features four stacked and series-coupled barrels incorporates the L.U.C 98.06-L caliber. This device delivers a power reserve of 190 hours. An indicator, visible through the sapphire-crystal caseback, allows the wearer to know how much autonomy is available at any time.
This refined timepiece is complemented by a brown alligator strap clasped by an ardillon buckle.
The manufacture’s excellence, its finishes and its precision is acknowledged by the presence of the Hallmark of Geneva (Poinçon de Genève).
Price: EUR44,500 chopard.com
By Dan Diaconu