Collection
MTF presents a curated Christmas gift guide for Chopard in 2016, highlighting key releases across their sporty Mille Miglia and elegant L.U.C collections. This article offers a valuable snapshot of Chopard's strategic focus during a significant year for the L.U.C line, celebrating its 20th anniversary. Readers can explore the brand's diverse offerings, from racing-inspired chronographs to refined dress watches, and understand the context of these important historical releases.
Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus,
Right down Santa Claus lane.....
Gentlemen,
Start your engines! It is a Time of Gifts at Chopard for You, when an---ti---cipation is high.
Black is the New Black
Mille Miglia GTS Automatic SPEED BLACK 168565-3002
For the sporty gent, this year's Mille Miglia GTS features an in-house automatic movement in a deep black DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) covered stainless steel case.
The red highlights denote the 'Rossa Corsa' detailing from the "world's most beautiful race" - Enzo Ferrari.
168565-3002 case back
Superfast Chrono Porsche Motorsport 919 BLACK EDITION
The black theme continues with the all black Superfact Chrono issues in association with Porsche Motorsport that won the last two World Endurance Championship including 24-Hours at Le Mans.
Chopard is the official timekeeper of the Porsche Motorsport team that has won Le Mans Overall a record 18 times in the modern era.
Of course, the in-house movement is by Chopard and made extra special with decoration cut-outs like a racing engine.
Superfast Chrono case back
Mille Miglia 2016 XL Race Edition 168580-3001
For the first time, a Mille Miglia automatic chronograph has been equipped with an in-house Chopard movement.
This year's Race Edition is also the largest Mille Miglia chronograph ever at 46mm diameter but the thin bezel makes it look and wear much smaller on-the-wrist. The vintage style black dial and grey sub-dials are most legible, making it the most attractive Mille Miglia chronograph yet.
L.U.C Collection Celebrates 20th Anniversary
The L.U.C Collection started in 1996 with the launch of the famous L.U.C 1860 reference with the first L.U. C micro-rotor automatic movement.
Thus, it is fitting that the first watch of the celebratory year is the extra flat L.U.C XPS 1860 available in rose gold case.
Even more surprising, the watch is also available in a steel case from the launch rather than wait a few years after all the precious metal colours have been issued.
L.U.C XPS 1860 168583-3001
in steel case
L.U.C XPS 1860 161946-5001
in rose gold case with additional Geneva Seal
L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Rooster
In preparation for next year's Oriental Zodiac sign (Rooster), the extra flat dress watch, L.U.C XP Urushi (Japanese Lacquer) Year of the Rooster, is now available.
The hand painted lacquer work is exquisite with sprinkled gold dust on top of black and coloured lacquers.
Get it now for the Lunar New Year on 28th January 2017.
L.U.C Perpetual Twin 168561-3001
In tune with the global economy and trend, this affordable automatic perpetual calendar is only available in a steel case.
That is amazing from a Haute Horlogerie brand!
Travelling in Style
L.U.C Time Traveler One is the first world time model in the L.U.C collection and it comes in three flavours - steel, platinum and rose gold.
Any one of them will be indispensable for the globe-trotting lifestyle. It allows the urbane traveller to track the time in every zone around the globe.
The three colour combinations have been selected for that added panache and elegance.
For the distinguished gentleman traveller, this is no mere tool but a refined statement of his savoir-faire in any situation.
For those who only need to track two time zones, the L.U.C GMT One was presented on the same day as the L.U.C Time Traveler One.
Here, you can see the two versions of the GMT One (rose gold and stainless steel) next to the other travelling watches.
The most affordable of the travel time watches and perhaps with the most striking dial is the steel L.U.C GMT One seen below.
L.U.C GMT One 168579-3001
You don't have to be too NICE to get one of these!
The Big Boys' Toys
Just in case you thought 2016 is all about doom and gloom in the economy, L.U.C brought out the big bang products that requires Santa Claus or your sugar daddy (or mummy) to have a big wallet.
L.U.C Perpetual Chrono 161973-1001
The L.U.C Perpetual Chrono combines my two favourite complications - chronograph and perpetual calendar - in my favourite colour case (white gold) with Geneva Seal and Fairmine certification
This is the best "practical" L.U.C watch.....ever!
L.U.C Full Strike 161947-5001
Finally, this is the BIG ONE.
The last L.U.C watch for 2016 is the culmination of the first 20 years experience at the Chopard Manufacture, 6 years of R&D, 17,000 hours of development, 1.5 million test strikes, three patents pending and a world's first crystal integrated gongs and watch glass.
As someone whose first ever posting on The PuristS forum was "Why do we need minute repeaters in the 21st century?" and who has tested but steadfastly refused to buy any minute repeater since 1999, I admit that I am MOST impressed by the L.U.C Full Strike.
If you must have one minute repeater in your life, this is the ONE ! Forget the other brands and usual suspects.
Santa would have to carry a Ferrari 488 GTB in his sack to match the price of this superb complicated watch. 
So, my Chopard friends, which of these is on YOUR Christmas Wish List?
Happy New Year!
MTF
The L.U.C 1860 reference is a notable offering within the L.U.C collection, distinguished by its focus on classical watchmaking principles and refined aesthetics. This particular model, introduced at Watches and Wonders 2023, represents a continuation of Chopard's commitment to high horology, emphasizing traditional craftsmanship and a discreet presentation. It is recognized for its balanced proportions and the integration of a finely finished movement, reflecting the brand's in-house manufacturing capabilities.
This reference features a case crafted from Lucent Steel, a proprietary alloy, measuring 36.5 mm in diameter. The watch is powered by the L.U.C 96.01-L automatic movement, which is visible through a sapphire crystal case back. This movement is equipped with a micro-rotor and offers a power reserve of approximately 65 hours. The dial is presented in a salmon color, complemented by a sapphire crystal on the front.
Appealing to collectors who value understated design and mechanical integrity, the L.U.C 1860 fits into the brand's lineup as a dress watch with significant horological merit. Its limited production and specific material choices contribute to its appeal among enthusiasts seeking a watch that combines traditional watchmaking with contemporary material science. The model is a testament to Chopard's ongoing development in its L.U.C range.
I have to say you have put a wonderful collection together. And many a delightful piece I would not mind calling my own is on there. Still, a first priority has to be another brand just now but then again, you will hopefully forgive me that (this one time ). Here are some that would otherwise be considered for next year:
And more MBs to come, too...
With so many great recent creations, one is definitely going to have a hard time choosing, donΒ΄t you think, MTF? Happy Holidays, Alex
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