Named after the L.U.C 98.01-L four barrel movement that powers it, this is the updated Chopard L.U.C. Quattro.
That movement has 39 jewels, 28,800 vph and an impressive power reserve of 9 days.
Updates include the roman numerals and different textual stylings.
At 43mm, in 18kt rose gold, it also has an AR-coated sapphire crystal, a sapphire display back and water resistance to 50 meters.
The strap is hand-stitched brown alligator with an 18kt rose gold buckle.
Is it Valentine’s Day already?
Well, not quite, but if you’re the type who likes to plan ahead, the Valentine’s watches have started to trickle out.
Here’s Chopard’s contribution to love-land: the 2012 Happy Heart.
Only 500 of these will be made. It’s a 36 mm piece and the crown is set with a pink sapphire.
The watch comes on a silky purple satin strap.
Ref: 278475-3044
Chopard are celebrating their partnership with Paul Miller Racing in the American Le Mans Series, by introducing the ‘Paul Miller Racing Limited Edition Mille Miglia GTXL’.
Available in stainless steel (100 pieces, $9,650) or pink gold (25 pieces, $26,000).
Movement is a COSC certified automatic mechanical movement.
I quite like this, but I’m really not a fan of magnified dates (heresy, I know!).
What do you think?
[Press Release] To celebrate the 125th anniversary of the “Poinçon de Genève” quality hallmark, Chopard unveils a limited edition of its L.U.C XPS model enhanced with a date window.
Through this ultra-thin model meeting all the criteria of the “Poinçon de Genève”, the Manufacture is proud to be perpetuating a significant watchmaking tradition.
Since 1886, the “Poinçon de Genève” guarantees an exceptional standard of quality by requiring all manufacturers wishing to stamp it on their movements to duly perfect all the parts composing such calibres.
It thereby ensures a high level of precision while perpetuating hand craftsmanship skills. 2011 marks the 125th anniversary of this Genevan horological institution. On this landmark occasion, Chopard Manufacture, which since 1996 has seen a substantial proportion of its movements earn the “Poinçon de Genève”, presents an 18-carat rose gold commemorative L.U.C XPS model in a 125-piece limited edition.
To power this L.U.C XPS, the watchmakers of Chopard Manufacture have equipped it with the in-house made L.U.C Calibre 96.01-L (L.U.C 1.96). This choice has enabled them to achieve the feat of accommodating within an ultra-thin case a self-winding movement fitted with two barrels ensuring a 65-hour power reserve and driving central hour and minute hands along with small seconds at 6 o’clock and the date at 3 o’clock.
This 18-carat rose gold timepiece with its pure and dynamic lines features a chocolate-brown sunburst satin-brushed dial bearing the “Poinçon de Genève” logo at 12 o’clock. Its elegance is accentuated by its Gold-toned hands echoing the remarkably restrained hour-markers. Fully compliant with all the “Poinçon de Genève” criteria, the L.U.C 96.01-L (L.U.C 1.96) movement and its bridges adorned with “Côtes de Genève” may be admired through the sapphire crystal case-back. The L.U.C XPS – Poinçon de Genève 125th Anniversary Edition is also certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). Embodying a subtle blend of aesthetic appeal and technical refinement, this commemorative edition symbolises Chopard’s deep-felt attachment to watchmaking tradition.
For 125 years, the “Poinçon de Genève” quality hallmark has been guaranteeing the exceptional quality of the movements and additional mechanisms of watches made by manufacturers established in the canton. Instituted by a cantonal law, it requires strict respect for various criteria governing the precision and reliability of the watches as well as the beauty and polish of the mechanism. Thus, from the making of the parts to the finishing of the components, as well as the nature of the materials, the construction and assembly of the calibre, the criteria that must be met call for a level of authentic expertise such that only a handful of brands are able to obtain it for their movements. For its 125th anniversary, the venerable watchmaking institution is presenting an evolved version of the evaluation criteria governing its label of quality.
Case:
18-carat rose gold
Total diameter: 39.50 mm
Thickness: 7.13 mm
Water resistance: 30 metres
18-carat rose gold crown with L.U.C logo, 4.00 mm
Glareproofed sapphire crystal
Exhibition back fitted with glareproofed sapphire crystal
Movement:
Mechanical self-winding L.U.C 96.01-L (L.U.C 1.96)
Total diameter: 27.40 mm
Thickness: 3.30 mm
Number of jewels: 29
Frequency: 28,800 vph
Power reserve: 65 hours
Bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève
2 barrels, Twin® technology
Chronometer-certified (COSC)
Dial and hands:
Brown sunburst satin-brushed dial with “Poinçon de Genève” logo
Gold-toned hour-markers
Gold-toned Dauphine-type hours and minute hands
Gold-toned baton-type seconds hand
Functions and displays:
Central display of the hours and minutes
Small seconds at 6 o’clock
Date at 3 o’clock
Strap and buckle:
Hand-sewn matt brown alligator leather strap
18-carat rose gold pin buckle
Ref. 161932-5001 – in 18-carat rose gold – Limited edition of 125
Chopard have issued an update to their lovely Jacky Ickx Chronograph.
This is edition V (5, of course).
Limited to 2000 pieces in a 42.5mm stainless steel case and 500 in the same sized rose gold case, the model now features 24 hour and 60 minute counters – modified from the 12 hour and 30 minute counters in previous versions.
What else do you get?
Well, there’s a magnifying glass date display; a screw-down crown; ‘piston style chrono pushers and a specially decorated sapphire case-back.
Movement is a COSC-certified automatic mechanical chronograph.
In case you’re wondering, Jacky Ickx is a Belgian former F1 Grand Prix driver and six-time winner of the legendary Le Mans 24 hour race.
Absolutely love the chrono-pushers on this one!
Chopard have added a split seconds timer to their Racing Superfast range, in a 1000 model special edition.
The split seconds function (aka ‘Rattrapante’) effectively has two seconds hands.
You can stop them independently of each other, enabling recording of an intermediate (split) time.
When released, the split seconds hand catches up with the main chrono hand, and you can start all over again.
The movement to enable this magic is a COSC certified automatic chronograph, with a power reserve of 42 hours.
The watch itself comes on a 45mm blackened DLC case.
You also get moulded rubber pushers – red for the split seconds – a vintage steering wheel emblem on the crown and ‘wheel-nut’ screws on the bezel.
It comes shod with a Dunlop tyre style rubber strap.
V. cool!
Wow!
Here’s Chopard’s addition to ‘Only Watch 2011‘.
And here’s the official word:
[Press Release] A unique piece designed for Only Watch 2011: the Only Watch L.U.C Engine One Tourbillon is powered by an exceptional “motor”, proprietary L.U.C Calibre 1TRM. Machined like an engine and mounted on silent-blocks, this mechanical hand-wound tourbillon movement was designed, developed and produced at Chopard Manufacture.
In 2010, Chopard introduced the L.U.C Engine One Tourbillon model to celebrate Chopard’s 150th anniversary. This year, Chopard releases a special black and yellow toned version of the now famous automobile spirited timepiece for the annual Only Watch Charity Auction to benefit Duchenne muscular dystrophy research.
Honoring automobile traditions
From its strong lines to the most subtle details, everything about this powerful timepiece honors automobile traditions. The L.U.C Engine One Tourbillon model houses a proprietary mechanical hand-wound tourbillon movement, L.U.C Calibre 1TRM. Like a car engine, this movement is mounted on silent blocks – that absorb shocks – and held by three lever arms inserted into the case middle. Designed, developed and produced by Chopard Manufacture, this L.U.C Calibre 1TRM beats at a cadence of 28,800 vibrations per hour and boasts a 60-hour power reserve. Chronometer-certified by the COSC, a sure token of reliability and precision, this tourbillon movement drives the hours, minutes, seconds, and power reserve displays.
The reamed engine block bears the Chopard signature, while a circular segment fixed directly on the movement at 12 o’clock carries the power-reserve display which is positioned opposite the tourbillon bridge at 6 o’clock: a design that is a first for Chopard.
A DLC titanium case
Representing a magnificent mechanical feat of engineering, the L.U.C Engine One Tourbillon Only Watch is distinguished not only by its high-end motorisation, but also by its bodywork that endows it with an inimitably sophisticated style. The DLC titanium case is water resistant to 50 meters and features alternating polished and matte finishes; it also carries slightly curved lugs screwed onto the case that enhance the overall dynamic effect. Streamlined like car wings, these lugs ensure excellent wearer comfort and a perfect fit on the wrist for the opulent 35.4 x 44.4 mm case, which is engraved with “Only Watch 2011” on the side.
The dial is also inspired by the automobile world and plays on the theme of transparency. Beneath the glare resistant sapphire crystal are engraved yellow-tinted hour markers and the new Arabic numerals characteristic of the L.U.C collection. The hand-sewn black alligator leather strap, setting the perfect finishing touch to this model, is enhanced by four reinforced inserts evoking the seats of classic racing cars.
Case
· Case in polished DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) titanium
· Length 44.40 mm
· Width 35.40 mm
· Thickness 10.90 mm
· Water-resistance 50 metres
· DLC titanium crown with L.U.C logo 7.00 mm
· Engraved glareproofed sapphire crystal on front
· Glareproofed sapphire crystal on back
Movement
· Hand-wound tourbillon movement L.U.C 1TRM
· Total diameter 34.00 X 25.90 mm
· Thickness 5.60 mm
· Number of jewels 29
· Frequency 28,800 vph
· 1 barrel
· Power reserve 60 hours
· Chronometer certified (COSC)
Dial and hands
· Arabic numerals engraved and yellow tinted under the sapphire crystal
· Black Dauphine fusée-type hour and minute hands
· Black small seconds hand
· Black power reserve hand with red tip
Functions and displays
· Central hour and minute hands
· Small seconds at 6 o’clock
· Power-reserve display at 12 o’clock
Strap and buckle
· Hand-sewn black alligator leather lined with brown alligator leather featuring gadrooned motif
· DLC titanium pin buckle
[Press Release] Chopard’s latest addition to the Happy Sport collection, “La vie en rose” radiates summer while retaining the essence of the Happy Sport collection: sports chic with the signature free-moving diamonds.
Roses are the theme to the smallest details: from the bezel set with rose sapphires, to the rosé mother-of-pearl dial and matching satin strap. Adding to the motif is a delicately contoured rose on the dial with free-moving diamonds and rose sapphires that dance like dewdrops across its petals.
“La vie en rose” is 36 mm in diameter and a limited production timepiece available in stainless steel (250 pieces) or rose gold. The rose gold models are available with either a gem-set rose gold bezel (25 pieces) or a non-set bezel (250 pieces).
[Press Release] The new Chopard Xtravaganza evokes an erupting volcano, a shining star… or perhaps a dazzling fireworks display! Its finely guilloché rose or white gold dial is paved with a burst of diamonds of all different sizes, as is the matching pendant.
As round and bright as the daystar itself, its flamboyant rays are studded with scattered diamonds. Available in white or rose gold and in two different sizes, the glowing talisman is held by a slender double-link chain. The case of the watch echoes this theme and is available in either 36 mm or 45 mm to suit perfectly.
The 18-carat rose or white gold case is secured seamlessly by golden lugs to an elegant black alligator leather strap. These contrasting colours further enhance the radiant brightness of the dial. The attachments and bezel may be gem-set or non-set. Its incandescent and hypnotic beauty combine to ensure that this new Xtravaganza will melt the hearts of all who bask in the warmth of its unique glow.
Wow!
[Press Release] The Imperiale Full Set combines Haute Joaillerie and precision mechanics in an infinitely precious aesthetic and marks the first Chopard timepiece to house a movement from Fleurier Ebauches.
The Imperiale Full Set is Chopard’s first timepiece to house a movement entirely developed and produced in the Fleurier Ebauches workshops. Fleurier Ebauches is owned by the Chopard group and is located in the Neuchâtel Jura.
Fleurier Ebauches reflects the substantial advancement of the vertical integration process undertaken by Chopard in recent years.
This first movement is code-named “Calibre CHOPARD 01.03-C” and beats at the heart of the Imperiale Full Set at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hertz), while its barrel ensures a 60-hour power reserve.
This range of characteristics ensures the reliability, performance and precision of this new mechanical self-winding movement. Calibre CHOPARD 01.03-C is visible through the Full Set’s transparent caseback.
The 40 mm cases in 18-carat white or rose gold are entirely paved with diamonds and appear like an extension of the dials, which are also diamond-set and only touched upon by the dagger-shaped hour and minutes hands that glide across the dial.
In its white gold version, the dial, case and crown are entirely paved with baguette-cut diamonds.
The dial’s brilliance is punctuated by the “Chopard” and “Swiss Made” inscriptions beneath the sapphire crystal.
In its rose gold version, brilliant-cut diamonds embellish the dial in a woven motif between applied rose gold Roman numerals. The lightly curved case is set with brilliant-cut diamonds and baguette-cut diamonds embellish the bezel. Both brilliant- and baguette-cut diamonds embellish the scroll lugs.
Imperiale Full Set
Case
• 18ct white or rose gold
• Total diameter 40.00 mm
• Thickness 10.60 mm
• Water resistant to 50 metres
• 18ct white or rose gold crown set with brilliant- or baguette-cut diamonds
• Glareproofed sapphire crystal on front and back
• Lugs set with 4 oval diamonds
Movement
• Mechanical self-winding CHOPARD 01.03-C
• Total diameter 28.80 mm
• Number of jewels 27
• Power reserve 60 hours
• 1 barrel
• Frequency 28,800 vph
Dial and hands
• 18ct white or rose gold dial set with baguette- or brilliant-cut dial
• Gold-toned hour-markers or no hour-markers at all
• Gold-toned or rhodiumed hour and minute hands
Functions and Displays
• Central hour and minute display
Strap and buckle
• Alligator leather strap
• 18ct white or rose gold pin buckle set with brilliant- or baguette-cut diamonds
Ref. 384239-5003 – In 18ct rose gold set with baguette- and brilliant-cut diamonds
Ref. 384240-1001 – In 18ct white gold set with baguette-cut diamonds
