New Release
MTF's comprehensive Baselworld 2017 report highlights Chopard's L.U.C XPS Twist QF Fairmined, a watch that not only showcases exceptional craftsmanship but also deepens the brand's commitment to sustainable luxury. This piece is significant for its ethical sourcing of Fairmined gold and its distinctive aesthetic, setting a new standard for luxury watchmaking with a conscience.
Chopard was an early adopter of The Journey to Sustainable Luxury project that began in 2013 followed by the 2014 launch of the L.U.C Tourbillon QF Fairmined, the world’s first watch made from gold bearing the Fairmined certification. The next Fairmined certified watch was the L.U.C XPS Fairmined in 2015 that captivated everyone with its unique sunburst, satin-brushed, slate-grey galvanic dial.
For 2017, Chopard is launching a new limited-series L.U.C XPS Twist QF Fairmined as further commitment to sustainable luxury.
L.U.C XPS Twist QF Fairmined
This ultra-thin watch model is at the apogee of aesthetic, technical and ethical qualities.
Its on-trend design with-a-twist satisfies the avant garde aficionado with its chic and edgy appearance while the technophile will appreciate it achieving the watch industry’s most demanding certification: Foundation Qualite Fleurier (QF).
These attributes set it apart from other watches while contributing to improved living conditions of the miners who extract the gold.
Miners in the mountains ©ARM
L.U.C XPS Twist QF Fairmined
A fine watch with distinctive aesthetic and moral standards
L.U.C XPS Twist QF Fairmined
The L.U.C XPS Twist QF Fairmined allows connoisseurs who either missed out on its predecessor or wish to collect another watch unlike any other.
Fairmined gold is exclusive to Chopard currently because the Manufacture is committed to purchase the entire global production.
The distinctive and coveted slate grey dial with a stamped sunburst texture is highlighted by the rose gold case and was inspired by the raw appearance of gold nuggets extracted from mines.
L.U.C XPS Twist QF Fairmined
The crown and the small seconds sub-dial endow the timepiece with uniqueness being respectively off-centred at 4 and 7 o’clock.
It is only a few degrees askew but that is enough to excite aficionados of dials with quirky, subtle asymmetric appeal and exceptional personality.
L.U.C XPS Twist QF Fairmined
The 7.20 mm high case proofs to be an exceptionally slender watch with L.U.C signature satin-brushed finishes on the sides, complemented by a polished case-back and bezel.
The thin elongated profile provides a comfortable fit on the wrist.
The alligator leather strap of the L.U.C XPS Twist QF Fairmined is hand-sewn and dyed with eco-friendly plant-based pigments – in matt black for the main part and cognac-coloured for the lining.
Chopard continues its ethical commitment
Fairmined Gold
Chopard is a pioneer in the use of Fairmined gold for Haute Horlogerie watches within its long-term project “The Journey to Sustainable Luxury”.
Chopard set up a standard operating protocol in its Geneva workshops, where “Fairmined” gold is never mixed with other gold alloys and even the waste is dealt with separately, to guarantee the traceability of the “Fairmined” gold used in-house.
Case Stamping
Read about this project in a previous PuristSPro article: CHOPARD Technique & Aesthetic: Fairmined Gold
Certified Haute Horlogerie
L.U.C XPS Twist QF Fairmined
Although the Foundation Qualite Fleurier (QF) certification is open to all Swiss watches, very few are successful and the vast majority are from L.U.Chopard.
Read a previous PuristSPro article: L.U.Chopard Qualité Fleurier 2014 - Ten Testing Years
Produced in a 250-piece limited series, each L.U.C XPS Twist QF Fairmined watch has gained QF certification – the most demanding in the watch industry. The QF means that your watch has an independent certification of precision of the movement, reliability, durability and the quality of its finishes.
Before any of these rigorous tests, the FQF regulations require that the entire watch – including movement and external components – must be produced in Switzerland.
L.U.C 96.09-L
The L.U.C XPS Twist QF Fairmined is driven by the self-winding L.U.C Calibre 96.09-L movement, equipped with two barrels (Twin® technology), wound by a 22-carat gold micro-rotor ensuring a minimum 65-hour power reserve.
Its precision is tested by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) for its chronometer title.
Its reliability is then verified by the Chronofiable "torture test" – involving three weeks of “ageing tests” during which the watch is subjected to heat, cold and damp, repeated pull and push forces on the winding-stem, magnetic fields and repeated physical shocks.
The operation of the finished watch is then tested on the Fleuritest machine. Specially developed for the FQF, it reproduces the conditions of human wear on-the-wrist during a 24-hour cycle.
L.U.C XPS Twist QF Fairmined
Conclusion
Despite its ultra-thin demeanour, the L.U.C XPS Twist QF Fairmined is an exceptional horological tour de force imbued with bold twisted design, technical execution, admirable ethical approach and transcendent allure.
There will be 250 lucky owners out there!
Technical details
L.U.C XPS Twist QF Fairmined
Case:
• Case in 18-carat “Fairmined” rose gold
• Total diameter 40.00 mm
• Thickness 7.20 mm
• Water resistance 30 metres
• Offset crown in 18-carat rose gold 4.00 mm at 4 o’clock with L.U.C Logo
• Satin-brushed case middle, polished bezel and case-back
• Vertical satin-brushed space between the lugs
• Glareproofed sapphire crystal
• Open case-back with “Fairmined” engraving
L.U.C 96.09-L
Movement:
• Self-winding movement L.U.C 96.09-L
• Total diameter: 27.40 mm
• Thickness: 3.30 mm
• Number of jewels: 29
• Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
• Power reserve: 65 hours
• Two barrels - Twin® technology
• Self-winding via a 22-carat gold micro-rotor
• Bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève motif
• Chronometer-certified (COSC)
• Fleurier Quality Foundation certified (FQF)
L.U.C XPS Twist QF Fairmined
Dial and hands:
• Stamped dial, slate grey galvanic treatment
• Gilt Dauphine-type hours and minutes hands
• Gilt baton-type small seconds hands
Functions and displays:
• Central display of the hours and minutes
• Offset small seconds display at 7 o’clock
Strap and buckle:
• Strap in plant-dyed, CITES-certified hand-sewn matt black alligator leather with cognac-toned alligator leather lining
• 18-carat rose gold pin buckle
Ref. 161945-5001- in “Fairmined” 18-carat rose gold
250-piece limited edition
What do you think of the twist in the tale and textured dial?
Regards,
MTF
I'm afraid too often, a brand's artwork makes the watch look "better", or at least "different", than the real thing. Here, it seems like the dial is exactly how they advertise it. And that seems quite important on this model. Bravo, Chopard.
It is a watch that oozes character! Very, very appealing Chopard there!
...one that states: Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified Swiss Made And that's before the brand logo is added as well. Regards, MTF
But I have to agree that the dial could benefit from less text...
excellent dial and case with a good cause to support miners fairly. Movement is beautiful too. What more to ask? Thanks for the sharing MTF Cheers Robin
I think my favorite thing about it may be the concentric circles of the seconds subdial juxtaposed against the galvanic treatment of the dial. And it this point in the evolution of the L.U.C DNA, it is so nice to see these hands, these hour markers used with such consistency. These now say CHOPARD without ever having to say CHOPARD, if you know what I mean. That makes me happy.
This thread is active on the Chopard forum with 23 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.
Join the Discussion →
