Chopard L.U.C Quattro 25 Years Reference Guide

quattro · 2025-04-03T16:02:37Z

Explore 25 years of Chopard L.U.C. Quattro, from the original Caliber 1.98 to the new Mark IV. A collector's guide to references, movements, and design evolution.

quattro

WPS member · Chopard forum

29 replies6120 views52 photos

As Chopard celebrates the 25th anniversary of its L.U.C. Quattro line, forum member 'quattro' (Emmanuel) provides an invaluable historical overview, tracing the evolution of this iconic collection from its inaugural reference to the newly redesigned Mark IV. Emmanuel's detailed post, enriched with high-quality images, serves as a definitive guide for collectors seeking to understand the technical prowess and aesthetic journey of the L.U.C. Quattro, highlighting why this series remains a cornerstone of haute horlogerie.

As Chopard is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the L.U.C. Quattro with two variants of an entirely redesigned model, the Mark IV, I thought it would be interesting to trace the whole story of this line.

The caliber 1.98, later named 98.01-L, comes with double-stacked twin mainspring barrels containing exactly 1.885 metres of springs and enabling 9 days of power reserve (216 hours). It displays a power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock and a sub-seconds dial at 6 with a date indicator. Vibrating at 28,800 vph, it features a black polished Swan neck regulator, 39 jewels, a COSC certification, the Geneva Seal, five positions adjustment, and complete hand-finishing throughout.

It was introduced in 2000 with the LU.C. Quattro ref. 16/1863, which can be considered as the Mark I. Then came:

In 2007, the Mark II, ref. 16/1903 (or maybe even late 2006)
In 2011, the Mark III, ref. 16/1926
In 2025, the Mark IV, ref. 16/1954, with a new variant of the caliber (98.09-L) placing the power reserve indicator on the back instead of on the dial.

Let's have a look!

Best,

Emmanuel

A/ L.U.C. Quattro Mark I, ref. 16/1863 (introduced in 2000)

38 x 9,8 mm case, caliber 1.98. Variants presented below: blue, black and silver dial in white, yellow and rose gold.

credit: @so.frech

credit: @elprimerolove

credit: mr watchley

credit: @trail_brake

credit: s.song

B/ L.U.C. Quattro Mark II, ref. 16/1903 (introduced in 2007 or maybe late 2006)

39.5 x 9.10 mm case, caliber 1.98. Variants presented below: ref. 161903-5001 (rose gold) & ref. 161903-1001 (white gold)

credit: @umsv.watches

credit: @datimeninja

credit: touch of modern

C/ L.U.C. Quattro Mark III, ref. 16/1926 (introduced in 2011)

43 x 8.87 mm case & caliber 98.01-L (the platinum version of this model has been presented here by foversta and here by amanico)

1/ Rose gold & silver dial (ref. 161926-5001, from 2011)

credit: ablogtowatch

2/ Rose gold & brown dial (ref. 161926-5003, from 2015)

credit: personal photo (1) & European watch company

3/ Arabic numerals, ref. 161926-5004, from 2018 (limited to 50 pieces)

credit: @jayh997

4/ Arabic numerals, ref. 161926-1002, from 2019 (limited to 50 pieces)

credit: horobox

D / L.U.C. Quattro Mark IV, ref. 16/1954 (introduced in 2025)

39 x 10.40 mm case, new caliber 98.01-L with power reserve indicator on the back and quick interchangeable strap system

1/ Ref. 161954-9001 in platinum with a dial in frosted-textured brass featuring a light blue colour

credit: @swisswatches

credit: @yohann_martinez & david_roditi_at_chopard

The bee engraved between the lugs is/will be the distinctive sign of L.U.C. platinum cases (credit: revolution)

2/ Ref. 161954-5001 in rose gold with dial in frosted-textured brass featuring a deep blue colour

credit: monochrome & david_roditi_at_chopard (last photo)

credit: watchadvisor

E/ BONUSES

1/ Some images of the making of the 98 caliber in its variant (ref. 98.06-L) for the Quattro Spirit 25 Jump Hour model

2/ The 2012 L.U.C. Quattro Table Clock

credit: chopard

Key Points from the Discussion

The L.U.C. Quattro series, particularly its caliber 1.98, is considered an undervalued haute horlogerie piece, representing a significant engineering marvel with its 9-day power reserve.
The new Mark IV models feature a redesigned case with subtle thickness increases due to updated lugs and crown, and a new textured dial surface. The relocation of the power reserve indicator to the case back in the Mark IV is a notable change, with some collectors preferring the original dial-side indicator for symmetry.
The Mark IV introduces a spectacular platinum iteration and a quick-release strap system, which has received less press coverage than the rose gold variant.
The original Dauphine-fusée hands of the Mark I and Quattro Spirit 25 are preferred by some collectors over the V-shaped base design of the newer models.
The Mark I and Mark IV, particularly in white gold with blue dials, are frequently cited as favorites, with their aesthetic drawing comparisons to the L.U.C. Chopard Sport 2000 Limited Edition.
Despite the technical excellence of the 98 caliber, some collectors question the dial layout of the new models, specifically the high placement of the sub-seconds dial and the inclusion of a date complication.

The Discussion

TeutonicCarFan

Apr 3, 2025

I still think on the new ones the seconds is too high. Or the short side of the minute and hour hands are too bulky. Just something about the lack of space between the canon pinion and the date wheel. also, why date😂

Marc Obermann

Apr 3, 2025

The first one and the last one in white gold and blue dials are my favourites by a long way. Although these are far more sophisticated they do remind me of my LUC Chopard Sport 2000 LTD Edition with it's blue dial dart hour markers and dauphine hands. Marc

AuHavrePro

Apr 3, 2025

I think though that the movement is it's biggest advantage over so many other options from almost any manufacturer....

quattro

Apr 3, 2025

don’t think you would mind: for example my Laurent Ferrier Classic micro rotor is 11.10 mm thick and, to me at least, it feels very nice and sufficiently thin. Best, Emmanuel

mdg

Apr 3, 2025

...but from the photos, the old versions look much thinner...

quattro

Apr 3, 2025

the only one I really share personally is the one which concerns the hands: I liked much more the original design of the Dauphine-fusée hands (the one used in my Quattro Spirit 25). I don’t warm up to this v-shaped base part of the hand: I preferred the u-shaped and flatter original design. Best, Emmanuel

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Chopard L.U.C Quattro 25 Years Reference Guide

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