RECIPE OF TRADITION
After the Year of the Dog, make way for the Year of the Pig! And to get the year off to the best possible start, Chopard has released a collector’s watch with great aesthetic elegance.
On 5 February 2019, the Chinese New Year will begin under the zodiac sign of the Pig. For the occasion, Chopard has added a limited edition of 88 pieces to its L.U.C XP Urushi collection. The totally hand-made dial displays a golden pig, the symbol of plenty, luck and cheerfulness. The brand has once again called on the talents of Minori Koizumi for the new timepiece. This virtuoso of the traditional Japanese lacquerware technique works alongside the master, Kiichiro Masumura, widely recognised as the finest exponent of his art. Urushi lacquerware is made from the sap of the tree of the same name. Its honey-like consistency adds relief to the delicate picture on the dial. But that’s not all, since it also provides a rich range of colours helping to bring the composition to life. The dial has no hour markers or numerals but features dauphine-style hour and minute hands.
This remarkable work of art is protected by an ethical pink-gold case with a diameter of 39.50mm. Inside the watch is an automatic movement. The modern architecture of the calibre L.U.C 96-17-L and the two barrels powered by a micro-rotor give the watch a generous 65 hours of power reserve. The decorative components in the luxury watchmaking tradition can be seen at work through the sapphire glass caseback.
The L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Pig is worn with a hand-sewn black alligator strap. The watch is only on sale in Chopard stores.
Price on request chopard.com
By Dan Diaconu