New Release
MTF introduces the Chopard L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru, a tonneau-shaped chronometer in 18-carat rose gold that pays homage to historical L.U.C pocket watches. This piece explores Chopard's unique approach to watchmaking, drawing parallels between fine wine and horological craftsmanship. MTF highlights the watch's Poinçon de Genève certification and its distinctive design, making it a significant addition to the L.U.C collection.
Chopard is adding to its range with a “form” chronometer in 18-carat rose gold featuring pronounced curves, conceived in the same way as an exceptional wine and relying on the finest watchmaking skills.
L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru
Equipped with the only tonneau shaped micro-rotor winding automatic movement, the ultra-flat, curvaceous and exceedingly elegant L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru is a vision to behold.
As a nod to the pocket watches created by Louis-Ulysse Chopard, the watch captivates the eye, mind and heart of the observer..
Just as a Grand Cru wine is classified and certified, the watch's excellent craftsmanship is attested by the “Poinçon de Genève” quality hallmark (Geneva Seal).
Unique in many respects, the L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru is intended for distinguished men who collect both great wines and exceptional pieces: the ultimate modern Epicurean.
L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru ref.162296-5001
Heritage
True to the form of the first L.U.C Tonneau watch introduced in 2001, the L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru is the only tonneau shape watch with a shaped automatic movement and micro-rotor.
Four years after the launch of the L.U.C 1963, Chopard presents a fresh interpretation in that signature line. The L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru pays tribute to the historical pocket watches of the Maison founded by Louis-Ulysse Chopard in 1860. It is suffused with authentic emotionally charged elements.
Sketch L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru
Hence, the pure white porcelain-style dial with black Roman numerals.
The minute track follows the central part of the dial and a small seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock create an equilibrium.
With the Poinçon de Genève certification, this chronometer exhibits respect for the fine craftsmanship and the traditional watchmaking practised at the Geneva-based Manufacture.
Karl-Friedrich and Christine Scheufele by the barrels
With this heritage, Chopard used the highly distinctive shape reminiscent of the oak barrels from the forests of Bertrange, Jupille and Tronçais, which transform great vintages into exceptional wines.
Karl-Friedrich Scheufele is an avid connoisseur and collector of wine to the extent that he bought a few vineyards. One such is Chateau Monestier la Tour that is gradually being transformed into a 'Biodynamique' or Eco-friendly vineyard.
Bergerac Blanc Cadran_Ch. Monestier la Tour
Caroline and Karl-Friedrich Scheufele grape harvest
Tonneau
L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru ref.162296-5001
The tonneau is a traditional shape of watch case that requires particular mastery. Part rectangle, part circle, the L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru is less formal than the former but every bit as gentle as the latter.
The maximum width of the case is almost equal to its length, thus ensuring an ample dial.
Although striving for masculine sensuality, the remarkable care lavished on the design ensures that the L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru is attractive to ladies as well.
The case and crystal of the L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru are domed, although the case is ultra-thin with a maximum thickness of 7.75 mm, close to that of the L.U.C XPS models. The curves provide comfort on-the-wrist.
L.U.C 97.01-L calibre: a worldwide exclusivity
L.U.C 97.01-L
This slenderness begins inside the L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru, which houses the 3.3 mm thick calibre 97.01-L. It is one of the rare “form” movements to be housed in a “form” case. It is adorned with the most advanced finishing performed in the Manufacture: the bevelling, polishing, circular graining and Côtes de Genève meet the high demands of the Poinçon de Genève criteria.
Automatic winding is accomplished by an engraved 22-carat gold micro-rotor, driving two stacked barrels based on Chopard’s patented Twin® technology. Together, they guarantee 65 hours of running time and supply sufficiently constant energy to enable calibre 97.01-L to beat with chronometer-worthy precision. In accordance with the rule from Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) has certified the operation of all the 97.01-L calibres equipping the L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru.
L.U.C 97.01-L a.k.a. 1.97
Is this the rejuvenation of the L.U.C tonneau watch?
After lying in the shadow of its more salubrious brethren, maybe it is now the Time of the Tonneau?
What do you think?
Technical details L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru
Case:
18ct rose gold
Dimensions 38.5 x 38.8 mm
Thickness 7.74 mm
Water resistance 30 metres
18ct rose gold crown with L.U.C logo 5.00 mm
Curving vertical satin-brushed case middle
Polished bezel and case-back surround
Open case-back
Domed glareproofed sapphire crystal
L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru ref.162296-5001
Movement:
Mechanical self-winding L.U.C 97.01-L
Wound by a 22ct gold micro-rotor
Number of components 197
Total diameter 28.15 x 27.60 mm
Thickness 3.30 mm
Number of jewels 29
Frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve 65 hours
Two barrels - Twin® technology
Swan neck
Balance spring with Philips curve
Bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève motif
Chronometer-certified (COSC)
“Poinçon de Genève” quality hallmark
Dial and hands:
White porcelain-type dial with black and red transfers
Finely snailed 6 o’clock counter
Gilded Dauphine-type hours and minutes hands
Gilded small seconds hand at 6 o’clock
Minute track
Functions and displays:
Central display of the hours and minutes
Small seconds at 6 o’clock
Date display at 6 o’clock
Strap and buckle:
Hand-sewn brown alligator leather strap with alligator leather lining
18ct rose gold pin buckle
Ref. 162296-5001 – in 18ct rose gold
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.
It’s alright on the regular style version, but this one would’ve looked so much the better without the date display muddying things.
I am not bothered by the date. Better without? Maybe, but for how many watches can we say the same thing. I find the overall dimensions interesting - almost square. Yet it looks more vertical of course. I love the shape, I have a tonneau Carl F. Bucherer for many years now that is a personal favorite. I look forward to seeing the Chopard live.
...without the date. The shaped movement is beautiful and rare these days.
And I feel the date function has been executed impeccably- it doesn't deter from the overall curvaceous symmetry, and provides functionality in a slender form. Micro rotor, slim movement... Geneva hallmark all add to the appeal. Lovely addition!
In that it is a superb watch overall but that the date is somewhat unnecessary or even detracting from the whole. I hope a special, date free version will get made in a couple of years
Porcelain-style means it is not grand feu enamel fired at 800 degrees C. Like both the L.U.C 1963 Chronometer and the L.U.C 150 The Tribute. Both those watches had no date because they used the huge hand wind pocket watch movement in the style that would be familiar to the founder L.U. Chopard. Modern automatic L.U.C movements have date disc at homologation with the Geneva Seal inspection. Those movements are certified and only Geneva Sealed movements are used in the L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru wat
This thread is active on the Chopard forum with 24 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.
Join the Discussion →
