Complications
MTF recounts the emotional unveiling of the Chopard L.U.C Full Strike, the manufacture's first minute repeater, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of Chopard Manufacture. His post captures the anticipation, the Scheufele family's presence, and the profound admiration for this horological achievement, positioning it among the world's best striking watches.
On 7th November 2016, a monumental and momentous symphony was revealed to the world. In conjunction with the 20th anniversary of the Chopard Manufacture, L.U.C's first minute repeater striking watch was presented in Fleurier. That evening, the 'Concert L.U.C Full Strike par Renaud Capuçon' in Lausanne completed the symphony for Mr Karl-Friedrich Scheufele and family. I offer my thoughts on the emotions of that day.
Chopard Forum, Fleurier
Anticipation
Watch Collectors and journalists from around the globe travelled the tortous route through Val-de-Travers to convene at the 'Chopard Forum' in Fleurier.
Despite flurries of light snow, our spirits were high and the AN-TI-CIpation was palpable.
Despite resolute security and the Envelope of Embargo that shrouded the event, some of us were sworn to secrecy by none other than Mr Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, who suggested it would be a fitting culmination of the 20th Anniversary Celebrations, not to be missed.
Three generations of Family Scheufele
Even to the uninitiated, it was clear that something wondrous was afoot because three generations of the Scheufele family were in attendance.
What's more - they even posed for a rare group photograph - a Chopard employee remarked that I should sell the photo to the company archivist! 
Karl Friedrich Scheufele in contemplation
Emotion
During his introductory speech, I sensed the emotions that passed through Karl-Friedrich both in the articulated and the unsaid.
I felt the trials and tribulations as well as the joys that marked the twenty-year journey of L.U.C and Chopard Manufacture.
Imagine the derision and objections he faced as a 36-year old executive when pitching his proposal to make an in-house movement when there were unlimited supplies from ETA, Piguet, Lemania, JLC and others? After the ravages of the 1970s, only few brands with deep pockets could do so and nobody had the will.
Then came the L.U.C 1.96 movement in 1996 and the rest - as they say - is history.
L.U.C Full Strike
Admiration
When we saw...nay...heard the L.U.C Full Strike, we knew it was a triumphant fanfare. Like Copeland's 'Fanfare for the Common Man', it opened the floodgates of emotion. Our jaws both literally and virtually dropped in a panoply of empathy and incredulity.
I don't possess any minute repeater watch and have never been attracted to any before. I've heard many considered by my friends to be the best striking watches in the world.
With great admiration and respect for all those friends and the usual suspects - Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Bulgari, Credor, JLC, Piaget, and maybe Vacheron Constantin - we now have a Best-of-the-Best in the L.U.C Full Strike.
L.U.C Full Strike
L.U.C Full Strike
Resolution
I will leave it to my technical colleague to present the PuristS detailed report on the L.U.C Full Strike; it is well worth waiting for.
Soon, my friends, soon....
L.U.C Full Strike Design Goals
Meanwhile, I took away the key points for a the common user:
1) Crystal clear sound: World's first sapphire gongs and amplifier watch glass.
2) Consummate cadence: Perfect musicality.
3) Indefatigable power: Reserve for 12 full sets of 32 gong strikes at 12:59 and 60-hours of separate timing autonomy.
4) Unmitigated security: Built-in safeguards against user error breaking strike mechanism.
L.U.C Full Strike target sound 
L.U.C Full Strike patent
L.U.C Full Strike patent
L.U.C Full Strike patent
Collaboration
Musical and Striking Watch presentations are a concert of efforts.
L.U.C Full Strike watchmaker and designer
The watch designer and movement maker had to work together to showcase the culmination of 17,000 hours of development.
An open-work dial may have its fans or detractors depending on whether they want to see the striking components or not.
Universally, they all love the music it produces.
Celine Renaud, CEO and Founder JMC Lutherie
That brings me nicely to the presentation box...nay...cabinet.
JMC Lutherie is a specialist sound box manufacturer in Le Brassus, Switzerland that makes the presentation cabinet for the L.U.C Full Strike.
Through the mystical marriage of magical woods and consummate craftsmanship, the sound is channeled to the ear with alacrity. JMC Lutherie also makes flat panel hi-fidelity loud-speakers from wood and table-top sounding box stations for personal devices.
JMC Lutherie sound box for mobile phones
'Concert L.U.C Full Strike par Renaud Capuçon'
Renaud Capuçon and Karl-Friedrich Scheufele
"Renaud Capuçon is a French violinist." How dry does that sound?
Actually, Mr Capuçon is a renown soloist and pupil of Isaac Stern who also records exclusively for Virgin Classics. Although he plays with with top orchestras around the world, he is noted for his love of chamber music.
Renaud Capuçon plays the Guarneri del Gesù "Panette" (1737) that belonged to Isaac Stern, bought for him by Banca Svizzera Italiana (BSI).
Renaud Capuçon in concert
Accompanied on pianoforte by Silvia Fraser, Mr Capuçon enthralled us with pieces by Beethoven, Brahms, Massenet, Bartok, Williams and Gluck; all while wearing the light L.U.C 1860 XPS watch.
Renaud Capuçon and Silvia Fraser
Dîner L.U.C Full Strike by Ann-Sophie Pic
As if our appetites were not already whetted by the concert, there was a superb dinner by Ann-Sophie Pic to follow, at the Michelin 2-Star 'Restaurant Anne-Sophie Pic' in Lausanne.
Anne-Sophie Pic is the daughter of the late Chef Jacques Pic and grew up at the family's restaurant - 'Maison Pic' in Valance - founded by grandfather Chef Andre Pic, whose 'crayfish gratin' gained the restaurant their first Michelin 3-star award in 1943 that was maintained by Chef Jacques. After her father's death in 1992, she moved to working the front of the house. In 1995, the restaurant lost its third Michelin star.
Feeling that she had lost "her father's star", she returned to the kitchen. In 1997, she took control of the restaurant without formal training in cooking. In 2007, she regained Maison Pic's three Michelin stars.
'La Dame de Pic - Paris' has 1 Michelin Star and the newest 'La Dame de Pic - London' is scheduled to open in less than three weeks (26th January 2017).
So far, Chef Anne-Sophie Pic has 6 Michelin Stars from three restaurants.
L.U.C Full Strike on Mr KFS
Conclusion
If Music be the Food of Love, play on....
I rarely post my image online, preferring to use wrist shots to convey my passion. However, everything fell into place with perfect harmony that day in Switzerland that I felt moved to show our joy - Two PuristS with watches - a symphony of emotions!
Pair of PuristS: Passion, Opinion, Information.
Regards,
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.
can get an idea of what sapphire sounds like in this unique use and position. Really a great looking piece too and not enormous like other brands. Thanks for the look and feelings you conveyed. Best to all, Tim
Timerider, The videos comparing chimes were already posted before. CLICK HERE Regards, MTF
Definitely going from strength to strength Doing so many great pieces in such a short period of time is a testament to a brand on a roll. While I am not an universal fan of open worked dials, I find it works great in this application. Now to another question - is that a LUC Lunar One on your wrist? And I really like the matching ties, also Chopard? If so, I need to check it out
Yes, that is a L.U.C Lunar One watch. It was my favourite L.U.C before the L.U.C 1963 Chrono Purists Edition came out for the 50th year since Mama and Papa Scheufele acquired Chopard in 1963. The matching Chopard ties are Limited Edition for the 10th Anniversary of Chopard in 2010. No, they were not available for sale They were gifted by Chopard to Friends, Family and Retail Partners. Regards MTF
They look really cool! Btw. reminds me I should have a look at their regular tie collection at some point. Thanks a lot for clarifying!
Mr Capuçon was a bonus - Just heard him play last week! =) J
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