Three years after the successful model - L.U.C Engine One Tourbillon (EoT), Chopard launched a new 2013 model which turns heads, literally, by rotating the dial-design. Though the form-factor is turned, it is not just a simple exercise. Let's have a look at the new L.U.C Engine One H Tourbillon ...
Three years after the successful model - L.U.C Engine One Tourbillon
(EoT), Chopard launched a new 2013 model which turns heads, literally,
by rotating the dial-design. Though the form-factor is turned, it is
not just a simple exercise.
Let's have a look at the new L.U.C Engine One H Tourbillon ...
A refresher, with the First model of the L.U.C Engine One Tourbillon in year 2010.
* Please note all the pictures were from the prototype piece *
The new 2013 model - L.U.C Engine One H Tourbillon, limited to production quantity of 100 pieces.
'H' to indicate Horizontal.
Case dimension is very similar to original at 44.50mm X 35.00 mm , made of Titanium Grade 5.
Thickness is slight slimmer than the first model, 10.35mm versus 10.90mm.
The
'H" model sinuous case gives a feel of a lower profile and more
muscular design chassis, and a suspended movement like engine of
supercars.
The big diameter 9mm titanium crown is now at 12H, enabling easy winding and time adjustment.
Note the suspension blocks holding the movement at location 1H & 5H.
Some parts of the bridges on both sides of the movement are gloss-polished and engraved then filled with black inks.
At 3H, the is the tourbillon cage which rotates once every 60 second, doubling as the small second.
For a precision machine, would like the 'second-track' to have at least a small 5-second interval markings.
At 9H is the power reserve indicator to represent the 60 hours full-tank. Each marking may indicate 10 hour of power reserve.
The bowl in effect of the subdial is nicely executed.
From
this inclined angle, the 3D depth effect is beautifully illustrated.
Starting from the top-most second-track (printed on the second-surface
of the sapphire crystal), down to the hour & minute hands then slide
down to the power reserve indicator and the small-second hand and
through the tourbillon cage .
The
floating second-track on the cambered glare-proof sapphire crystal.
Very gradual cambering as noted on the effect of the minute-hand above
but effective to cut down glare at many view angles.
Extreme
precision required to centralise the small-second. It requires the
combined accuracy of component dimensions like the sapphire crystal, the
case opening and the movement assembly for near perfect alignment.
Another
point of attention to small details, all edges were beautifully beveled
and mounting screws were all polished. The cover-plate of the small
second cum tourbillon cage also formed to 'cave in' to mirror the
power-reserve indicator.
Spectacular
case work with many curvaceous lines and various polishing texture,
especially on the challenging titanium materials.
The caseback of the L.U.C Engine One Tourbillon ( Calibre L.U.C 04.01-L) from the first version ... for comparison.
Next is the new COSC certified Calibre L.U.C 04.02-L beating at 4Hz and a power reserve of 60 hours.
Shock-absorber materials were used to mount movement.
Bridges
were were frost and brush finish to create a contrast with the polished
bevel edges, counter-sunk screw-holes and screws.
This L.U.C Engine One H Tourbillon, looks even better in metal then pictures.
Curious
for those who love the initial versions, would you prefer either
Landscape or Portrait? Probably both after seeing on your wrists
Kong
Related Reads :1)
The first L.U.C Engine One Tourbillon issued in 2010 2)
Variations of the Engine One Tourbillon3)
L.U.C Engine One Tourbillon Version 2013
This message has been edited by Kong on 2014-02-22 23:01:30 
