Chopard L.U.C 1937 White Lacquer Dial Review

Kong · 2011-12-17T12:02:16Z

Explore the 2011 Chopard L.U.C 1937, a tribute to Chopard's heritage with new dial variations and a relocated crown. Discover its design, movement, and value.

Kong

WPS member · Chopard forum

10 replies6436 views4 photos

Kong introduces the 2011 Chopard L.U.C 1937, a series paying homage to the year Paul André Chopard moved the business to Geneva. This article highlights the two new variations for 2011, featuring a relocated crown and distinct dial finishes, building on the inaugural 2010 model that commemorated Chopard's 150th anniversary.

1937 was one of the most important years for Chopard. Paul André Chopard, founder Louis-Ulysse Chopard's grandson moved out of the Jura region to set up his business and workshop in Geneva, the canton which the brand still operates till today.

Thus the steel automatic L.U.C 1937 series, is a tribute to the historical landmark. The inaugural model was launched in 2010 to commemorate Chopard's 150th anniversary. This year 2011, two more variations are added with a slight modification - the crown relocated to 3'o clock position.

Above anniversary model (limited to 1937 pieces) is the first of the L.U.C 1937 which was issued last year with newly designed case, typefaces and hands.
For more pictures, please click here.

The 2011 models, two variations were made - white lacquer dial or satin-brushed silver dial.

More to a monochromatic theme.

Firstly, a look at the white lacquer dial L.U.C 1937.

The stainless steel case is of diameter 42mm a decent size and a good compromise for a contemporary and yet
a classical watch.

The lacquer dial made this piece very appealing and some thought it is enamel dial too

A closer look at the well-made dial ... the hour markers and the minute track were printed and not applied on.

Similarly with the new identity/ brand-name and the word " Chronometer" were printed in sort of san-Serif typeface.

Solidly printed and the inks produced a glossy surface giving the hour-indexes an embossed effect.
The date window was very well chamfered!

Exceptional clarity as the sapphire is double ant-reflective coated.

The combination of brush-finishing on the side of the cases and gloss-finish on the top surface brings out the profile of the case.

The blacken Dauphine fusée hands for hours and minutes were redesigned since last year 150th anniversary collection. If the counter-weight of the moving centre-second Dauphine could be redesigned smaller, it would be perfect and less cluttered in the central area. Superluminova was coated onto both the hour and minute hands.

Alternating polishing lugs. Would be more balanced to have a slightly wider lug to lug gap to fit a 22mm wide strap.

Interesting line created by the polished chamfers on the lugs ...

Polished signed diameter 6mm crown.

Sapphire caseback displaying the L.U.C 1.010 the first movement manufactured by the new facility, the
Fleurier Ebauche.

The COSC certified L.U.C 1.010 beats at 4Hz and has a power reserve of 60 hours to last over the weekend should you leave it unworn since Friday evening and ready to wear on Monday morning. The sweeping of the second-hand could be improved to be smoother.

Bridges decorated with Cotes de Geneve pattern.

The case is rated to 100m for water resistance.

The 1937 is matched with a set of beautiful hand-stitched alligator strap with brown alligator lining on Ardillon buckle.

The second model of the 2011 L.U.C 1937 ...

Stainless steel case with a satin-brushed silver dial. Rhodium-plated applied Roman hour markers . Hands
are rhodium-plated too. Superluminova is coated on both the hour and minute hands.

Several wrist-shots ...

The L.U.C 1937 Series is well-built and paired with an pretty value for money (retailing about USD9K) which could be appealing to people who like to explore L.U.C and enthusiasts who are waiting for a more contemporary design from L.U.C. Luxury 'Time-only' watches should be popular in North Asia, however, unsure if he L.U.C 1937 would be well-received. Reducing the diameter slightly to 40mm may be better suited for smaller Asian wrists.

So which model do you prefer?

Thanks for viewing.

Kong

This message has been edited by Kong on 2011-12-17 12:14:19

Key Points from the Discussion

Despite producing beautiful watches, Chopard L.U.C series watches often have lower values in the secondary market compared to retail, raising questions about quality perception versus actual craftsmanship and potential prejudice against Chopard as a jewelry brand.
The L.U.C 1937 is praised for its beautiful design, well-decorated chronometer movement, ideal 42mm size, and affordable price point, representing excellent value.
The L.U.C 1937 with a white lacquer dial is a subtle, quietly beautiful watch with extraordinary accuracy, gaining only 12 seconds in 10 days.
Chopard L.U.C watches are considered fine and beautiful, with extremely well-finished movements, but it may take decades for collectors to fully appreciate the brand's horological contributions.
A version of the L.U.C 1937 without a seconds hand would achieve perfection for some, enhancing its dress watch aesthetic.
An enamel dial and white gold case version of the L.U.C 1937, even at a higher price point, would be an irresistible offering.

The Discussion

cuibono

Dec 17, 2011

time and again, chopard produces on beautiful watch after another. these are really pretty. it surprises me that their values in the after and grey market at so low compared to retail. from a consumer's side, this suggests to me that great values are to be had. but i wonder if the real experts on this list have any insight? is the quality there with chopard, say, in the luc series? it seems to me that it is, but i don't own one (yet!) so i can't comment. is there a prejudice that chopard is jewe

ImranLondon

Dec 17, 2011

have been sick! Imran

foversta

Dec 17, 2011

I love its dial! Thanks Kong for the post! Fx

ant

Dec 17, 2011

I have one with a white dial.It is subtle and laid back,quietly beautiful. The accuracy is extraordinary; it gained 12 seconds in 10 days. Outstanding design, engineering and value for money. Thanks again for such an interesting posting with fab pictures.

timerider

Dec 17, 2011

This was taken in Geneva, shared it before but in honor of Foversta, just could not resist. Best to all, Tim

KIH

Dec 17, 2011

... very well made, it seems. Looks like the good old model. Having said that, I wouldn't mind wearing the applied index one on more formal occasion. Well done! Ken

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