CHOPARD | L.U.C 150 All-in-One

Chopard

The Ultimate Model in the L.U.C Collection, Celebrating 150 Years

In 2010, Chopard, a leading Swiss manufacture, celebrates its 150th anniversary. This year, in commemoration, they have unveiled a new collection of their in-house mechanical watch, "L.U.C," andHigh Jewelrythe "Animal Planet Collection,"Jewelry Watchhas been announced.

By Yasuto Shibuya

L.U.C 150 All in One

Visible from the front of the dialTourbillonThis is a complex wristwatch equipped with a tourbillon escapement and a perpetual calendar with a 24-hour display, month and date, and leap year indicator. On the reverse side, visible through the transparent case back, it features an equation of time, sunrise and sunset times, a sidereal moon phase display, and a power reserve indicator, among other functions. Despite housing such a multitude of functions, the newly designed complex movement, "L.U.C Caliber 4TQE," utilizes four barrels as its power source to achieve a 7-day power reserve. This is the most complex and monumental model in the history of the L.U.C collection, which dates back to its development decision in 1993, spanning 17 years. In addition to the Geneva Seal, which signifies the finest traditional handcraftsmanship applied to the mechanical movement, it has also passed the C.O.S.C. chronometer certification. As a masterpiece that can be called the "ultimate L.U.C," it is highly recommended for watch collectors. In addition to the white gold case model shown, there are also rose gold case models and white gold case models set with diamonds.

Hand-wound, white gold case, black half-gloss alligator strap with hand-stitched finish, 46mm case diameter, limited to 15 pieces worldwide for each variation (total of 45 pieces across the three case material variations), 36,004,500 yen, scheduled for release within 2010.

BRAND HISTORY

Chopard's history began in 1860 with the production of pocket watch movements. In the first half of the 20th century, it also gained renown as a jewelry brand, and in the 1960s, it conceived its signature "Happy Diamonds." The way diamonds freely dance within the dial continues to captivate women worldwide to this day.

Furthermore, Chopard possesses solid expertise in its core field of mechanical watches. Since 1988, it has sponsored the "Mille Miglia" vintage car race and released collaboration models related to the event. The high level of craftsmanship in the mechanical watches, primarily chronographs, released almost every year, has also given Chopard a sporty brand identity.Chronographhas also given Chopard a sporty brand identity.

In 1997, after more than four and a half years of development, the long-awaited manufacture caliber was completed. In the same year, the "L.U.C 1860" was unveiled, featuring a movement bearing the initials of founder Louis-Ulysse Chopard. Since then, Chopard has successively developed its own manufacture calibers.

In 2003, they released the complex watch "Quattro Tourbillon," and in 2005, the "L.U.C Full Strike" garnered significant attention, being the first to receive certification for the new quality standard "Qualité Fleurier."

Then, in 2007, Chopard succeeded in developing the "L.U.C Chrono One," a model equipped with its own chronograph movement, which is said to be the most challenging to develop. The company continues to achieve rapid development as a manufacture brand.

Founding Year: 1860
Place of Founding: Switzerland, Sonvilier
Main Series Names: L.U.C, Mille Miglia, Happy Diamonds
Inquiries: Chopard Japan Press 03-5414-2520
Official Website: http://www.chopard.com/