PALME D’OR
The jury has reached its verdict and presented its awards. If there was one for accessories, this new glamorous limited edition would surely stand out.
The curtain has just come down on the Cannes Festival. Partner of the event since 1998, Chopard is now tempting us to climb the steps of the red carpet with a timepiece in colors inspired by the French Riviera. The L.U.C XPS Azur has a dial in summery blue hues reminiscent of the Mediterranean Sea. To achieve this, the dial has a delicate guilloched center with an emanating pattern combined with a sunburst satin finish. This work is magnified inside a 40 mm white gold case. In this subdued depiction, the stars of the show tell the time. The dauphine-type hour and minute hands point to an outer ring illuminated by baguette-cut diamond index markers. Far from being relegated as extras, the small seconds and the date both play their parts perfectly at 6 o’clock.
The extra-slim L.U.C 96.01-L caliber performs its role inside the case. Once wound using the two barrels, this self-winding movement provides an ample power reserve of 65 hours. The Geneva stripes on its bridges, the micro-rotor and cogs can be seen through the sapphire case back.
As with all Chopard watches, this very limited edition of just 10 pieces has the chronometer certification issued by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). The L.U.C XPS Azur also bears the hallmark of the demanding Geneva Seal for its exemplary finishes.
Price: 37,800 CHF chopard.com
By Dan Diaconu