CaliforniaJed introduces the Chopard L.U.C 1963 Tourbillon, a Baselworld 2015 highlight that pays homage to Chopard's heritage while showcasing its haute horlogerie prowess. This article delves into the watch's Grand Feu enamel dial, COSC-certified tourbillon movement, and nine-day power reserve, presenting it as a comprehensive work of horological art.

L.U.C 1963 Tourbillon

The purest expression

of Chopard haute horlogerie

When  Chopard pay s tribute to watchmaking excellence, it does so in the finest possible way. Joining the proud lineage of L.U.C 1963 and L.U.C 1963 Chronograph watches, the L.U.C 1963 Tourbillon is a concentrated blend of the very best in Chopard haute horlogerie. Its finely crafted dial is in Grand Feu enamel. Its tourbillon movement is COSC certified and boasts a nine-day power reserve. This array of qualities, along with its classic and discreet elegance, combine to make the L.U.C 1963 Tourbillon a truly comprehensive work of horological art.

The Chopard spirit of excellence pervades every aspect of the new L.U.C 1963 Tourbillon: its materials, its production techniques, its movement, its aesthetic and its ergonomics.

A strong link with Chopard history

1963 was the year when the Scheufele family became the owners of Chopard. A discreet tribute to the family tradition, L.U.C 1963 watches directly evoke the aesthetic of the pocket watches made by the company at that time. These historical roots are also a source ofhorological inspiration. The spirit of Chopard Manufacture is about perpetuating the historical production quality of the brand founder, Louis-Ulysse Chopard. This attachment to the realm of haute horlogerie is expressed in many different ways.

The discreet charm of an enamel dial

The grand watchmaking tradition is vividly embodied in the dial of the new L.U.C 1963 Tourbillon with its strikingly luminous character, its intense whiteness and its natural glow. It is crafted in accordance with the traditional Grand Feu enamelling technique and composed of a plate dusted with enamel powder and then fired at high temperature (900°C), hence the French term Grand Feu (literally ‘great fire’). The manual, artisan-style operation is repeated several times and always implies the risk of damaging the dial.

The latter is then hand-polished to erase the micro-bubbles formed on its surface. Finally, a last firing of a transparent enamel coating called fondant or glazing gives a unique brilliance. Chopard thereby revives the discreet vintage charm of enamel dials and also cultivates an ancestral craft.

A new calibre tailored to the enamel dial

L.U.C Calibre 02.19-L1 is an evolved and 0.6 mm slimmer version of the 02.01-L movement. Chopard thereby leaves more room for the enamel dial that is naturally slightly thicker than the average. This exceptional calibre powers a tourbillon at 6 o’clock as well as a nine-day power reserve. The tourbillon bridge features only two attachment points compared with the usual four. Delicately open worked and pared down to essentials, it is also meticulously chamfered and satin-brushed to set the crowning touch to the movement finishing.

The power-reserve display at 12 o’clock has an eight-day graduated scale, serving as a reminder that the L.U.C Calibre 02.19-L1 is endowed with the patented Quattro® technology supplying the movement with 216 hours of operating autonomy. Its four barrels deliver their energy to the movement in a smooth and regular manner, thereby contributing to the chronometric precision of this exceptional timepiece.

Precision and aesthetic harmony

In accordance with the wish expressed by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, co-president of Chopard and founder of Chopard Manufacture, the rating precision of the L.U.C 1963 Tourbillon is certified by the COSC, as indeed are all L.U.C watches with a seconds indication. This model also bears the Poinçon de Genève, guaranteeing the extremely high level of finishing on its components. They are indeed chamfered, straight-grained, circular-grained and/or polished, depending on their position and function within the movement. This certification has recently been enriched and now encompasses the entire watch, its parts, its rating regularity, as well as its case.

Measuring 40 mm in diameter and 10.60 mm thick, the L.U.C 1963 Tourbillon displays pleasingly balanced and deliberately modest proportions infusing this timepiece with authentic classical elegance. The rose gold case with its rounded, satin-brushed sides and its slender bezel will delight watchmaking connoisseurs, while the sleekly sophisticated lugs further slim down the watch while ensuring exceptional comfort on the wrist.

This refinement is indeed the guiding principle behind the creation of this haute horlogerie watch. The meticulous finishing of all its parts matches the exclusive nature of its dial. The quality of its mechanical construction is accentuated by the practical usefulness of its generous power reserve. Its rigorous timekeeping precision mingles with the kinetic beauty of its tourbillon. The L.U.C 1963 Tourbillon will become the proud possession of the first one hundred aficionados who will be able to get their hands on it.

 Technical details

Case:

18ct rose gold

Total diameter                                                    40 mm

Thickness                                                          10.60 mm

Water resistance                                                50 metres

18ct rose gold crown with L.U.C logo                     7.50 mm

Vertical satin-brushed case middle

Polished bezel and case-back

Exhibition back

Glareproofed sapphire crystal

Movement:

Hand-wound movement                                     L.U.C 02.19-L1

Total diameter                                                   29.70 mm

Thickness                                                           5.50 mm

Number of jewels                                               33

Frequency                                                          28,800 vph (4 Hz)

Power reserve                                                   216 hours

Four barrels - Quattro® technology

Mainplate and bridges in rhodiumed brass

Côtes de Genève adorned bridges

“Chronometer” certified (COSC)

Poinçon de Genève

Dial and hands:

White Grand Feu enamel dial with black transfers

Gilt Dauphine hour and minute hands

Gilt small seconds hand and power-reserve pointer

Railtrack chapter ring

Functions and displays:

Tourbillon at 6 o’clock

Central display of the hours and minutes

Small seconds displayed at 6 o’clock on the tourbillon carriage and power-reserve

Strap and buckle:

Hand-sewn brown alligator leather strap with alligator lining

18ct rose gold pin buckle

Ref. 161970-5001 – in 18ct rose gold

Limited edition of 100 pieces

Link to Chopard's website: Chopard.com