Kong takes readers on a captivating 'Time Travel' journey through the L.U.CEUM, Chopard's private museum, following a visit to the Fleurier Quality Foundation. His detailed account, rich with photographs, offers a rare glimpse into a collection of horological masterpieces and art pieces spanning from the 16th century to the present day, inviting readers to appreciate the historical depth of watchmaking.
Previously we were at the Fleurier Quality Foundation (FQF) to see how the Fleuritest was performed.
The next venue was the L.U.C museum.
It was 3:55 pm when we left FQF. Got to rush back to Chopard Manufacture before the work day ended. Fortunately the ride was less than 5 minutes.
We dashed up to the top floor of the building where the museum is located to meet Ms Anne Walther, the Curator.
Impressive sight once the solid metal door open.
The view from the entrance.
This
room contains the many pieces of horological masterpieces and other art
pieces (crafted between year 1500 to the present day) acquired by the
Scheufele.
As
I walked in, the rich scent of the warm wood has a calming effect.
Looking at the charming and intriguing pieces, somehow lost track of
time,but was pre-alerted we need to travel back to Geneva 
At the opposite end, the standing sculpture should be the work of the renowned Belgian artist, Jean-Michel Folon (1934-2005).
Before typing this post, to appreciate L.U.CEUM better , a read of the L.U.CEUM (Trace of Time) is advisable.
The
96-page book (in 3 versions - English, French & German) with superb
live-size pictures of the time pieces, well catalogued with detailed
explanation.
Understand that this book is highly sought-after as it was not for sale and may not have many copies left now.
Why
a museum besides the reason that Mr Karl-Friedrich Scheufele is fond of
antique horological pieces and fascinated with the concept of time?
From the Introduction of the L.U.CEUM book by Mr Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, besides his wish to share with others and express his passions, there could be other objectives :
1)
to 'capture' the great manifestation/milestones of previous great
watchmakers who constructed the masterpieces with only simple tools and
countless laborious hours. Sort of a time-capsule to preserve this
knowledge with live pieces for future generations to refer and
appreciate.
2) to raise the awareness of time (of visitors) and to appreciate the many ways man has tried to capture time
3) a refuge for people to contemplate and muse about time without feeling the rush by time and
4)
a reference platform for current watchmakers to study, observe and be
inspired by the yesteryear watchmakers' creations & innovations so
they could better conceive and construct timepieces for today's
sophisticated clients.
Lithograph of the town of Fleurier ca. 1860 (by C. Calame)
Why the museum is located in Fleurier?
And also why the name "L.U.CEUM" instead of just Chopard Museum?
The
museum concept and architecture was the aggregate work of three
specialists/experts and Mr. Karl-Friedrich Scheufele. Everything was
thought through thoroughly.
The museum's location and its name were carefully chosen.
Fleurier
is selected as it is where the Chopard Manufacture started more than 10
years ago and still keeping with the word 'manufactory', watches not
made only by machines but also with the dexterous hands of the skilled
watchmakers.
"L.U.CEUM" was chosen instead of using the common
term 'museum', to be unique and expressed the connections between the
founder of Chopard brand (Louis Ulysse Chopard), the manufactory and
the museum.
The structure of
L.U.CEUM is divided into the 6 chapters/themes to provide a holistic
time traveling journey through the history of timekeeping and
watchmaking.
I only managed to cover about a fifth of the
displayed pieces. A longer time and multiple visits are needed to
fully view and enjoy all the pieces.
Hope you enjoy the pictures.
"The future is a present given to us by the past."
by Andre Malraux
Some previous tools and machine (yesterday CNC) were on display ...
Many types of early timekeepers were shown too...
Lateral thinking was exhibited with this oil-lamp...
The ancient '2 in 1' !
Beside keeping time, it was a light source.
Also known as the "Jesuit lamp".
This coach watch (circa 1750) was developed by Johann Heckel in Warsaw before the invention of lightbulb.
The
quarter-hour repetition activated by pulling a cord, extremely useful
to know the time during the pitch dark, without lighting a candle.
There is a unanswered question, "Why were 2 identical pocket-watches sold together?"
The coming up piece could be the genesis batch of Chopard...
One of the earliest Chopard timepiece !
The Longitudes...not sure of the content.
For today's watch enthusiasts, you may wish to watch the film or read - the Longitude by Dava Sobel.
The next few pictures are caterorised under the " The Measure of Precision" ... its about chronometers.
This piece has a diamond endstone instead of ruby! Talking about materials experimentation...it had begun long ago...
This
Ferdinand Berthoud's (1707 - 1807) piece has another intersting
indicator....instead of power reserve, the subdial indicates the
amplitude of the balance!
Will it happen in current watches?
This circa 1801 piece could be the first reliable chronometer constructed by a man in France.
He was Pierre-Louis Berthoud, nephew or cousin of Ferdinand Berthoud.
It
was sold to the ' Administrator des Board of Longitudes' in the name of
'Citoyen Ministre de I' Interieur'. It had changed hand and accompanied
Delambre on an expedition to Egypt . Later it was acquired by
Vice-Admiral Rosily for Ministry of the Marine and was used in an
expedition to Senegal.
Have we ever asked previously how Time
(through the pieces of chronometers) increased the power of the Marine
of the several countries and helped tremendously in conquering of lands?
The chronometer was the yesterday GPS.
Some clocks ...
This massive work was by L.G. Blondeau (circa 1831)...
A Perpetual Calender clock with a thermometer in the pendulum's bob.
There are so many pieces I have yet to see and hope some of you, watch-friends were with me.
Perhaps another time ....
We drove back to Geneva at 5:15pm ...
The hotel-restaurant at the Chapeau de Napoleon where we had our lunch just 5 hours ago ...
A few scenic shots along the journey...take a few deep breath of the fresh air ...
About 7pm we arrived in Geneva town centre ...totally opposite of the quiet Fleurier.
First start with the jammed Could be faster on feet!
Patrick found a place to park and we walked before dinner ...
To
those who has followed the posts, thank you and I hope you are more
familiar with Chopard L.U.C - their capabilities and capacities. I
hope some of you could visit the Chopard's two manufactories.
There are still so much to see and learn from the people working inside.
Thanks to Chopard and Mr Karl-Friedrich Scheufele for the wonderful trip and fantastic hospitality.
And
not forgetting my best guide, Mr Patrick Wehrli, besides taking good care care of me, the unseen back-end co-ordinating work
with various people and departments to show me the processes.
Kong
This message has been edited by Kong on 2009-09-04 01:09:08 About the Chopard L.U.C Ref. L.U.C1860
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.
Specifications
- Caliber
- L.U.C 96.01-L
- Case
- Lucent Steel
- Diameter
- 36.5mm
- Dial
- Salmon
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
