Chopard XPS Caliber 96.40-1: Movement Specs

Chronometer (aka yacomino) · 2023-09-15T11:44:50Z

Explore the Chopard L.U.C XPS Caliber 96.40-1. This article delves into its micro-rotor movement, twin barrels, and Geneva Seal finishing, comparing it to the Patek Philippe 240 caliber.

Chronometer (aka yacomino) shares a captivating look at the Chopard L.U.C XPS with the Caliber 96.40-1, highlighting its exceptional design and technical prowess. This post offers an intimate view of a timepiece that exemplifies Chopard's commitment to haute horlogerie, inviting collectors to appreciate the intricate details often overlooked. Chronometer's contribution serves as a valuable reference for understanding the appeal of this specific L.U.C model within the broader landscape of luxury watchmaking.

Key Points from the Discussion

The Chopard Caliber 96 series was designed for a smaller footprint while aiming for an extended power reserve, ultimately achieving 65 hours. Unlike the Patek Philippe 240 caliber, it operates at a higher beat rate of 28,800 VPH with an appropriately sized balance wheel, indicating a more 'sporty' movement design.
The Chopard 96.40-1 movement, at approximately 28mm wide, features a micro-rotor and stacked twin barrels, allowing for its impressive 65-hour power reserve within a thin profile. This contrasts with the Patek Philippe 240 caliber, which is about 31mm wide and has a 48-hour power reserve.
While appreciating the case size, one collector suggests that a slightly smaller watch or an enlarged/reworked movement could improve the fit within the case. Additionally, nudging the sub-seconds down slightly is noted as a potential aesthetic refinement.
The innovative 8-shaped links of the bracelet are a point of fascination, prompting questions about their manufacturing process, speculating between waterjet or CNC drilling as possibilities.
The watch and its movement proudly bear the Geneva Seal, a testament to its exceptional quality and finishing.
The superb finishing of the timepiece is highly praised, though a minor reduction in case size by a few millimeters is suggested as a path to perfection.

The Discussion

mdg

Sep 15, 2023

...but I'll give this one a pass as it's gorgeous...

Clueless_Collector

Sep 15, 2023

I don't know what else is needed to add on the XPS.

KCLQMULKU

Sep 15, 2023

Wow! Now that's what I am talking about! I forget the movement (and the case!) has the Geneva Seal! Absolutely magnificent!!!

patrick_y

Sep 15, 2023

Patek's 240 caliber has got some competition!!! Micro rotor for the win! I see two barrels stacked! Amazing they could fit two barrels stacked in such a thin movement; 65 hours s 48 in the Chopard and Patek Philippe respectively. Chopard 96's winding rotor diameter is much smaller than the Patek Philippe 240 caliber rotor. Balance wheel is also much smaller on the Chopard. The Chopard 96 movement is about 28mm wide, the Patek Philippe 240 caliber is about 31mm wide.

patrick_y

Sep 15, 2023

Especially more pics of the clasp and of the side of the links! Those innovative 8-shaped links are really impressive. I wonder how they're made and cut... It's not laser. Waterjet? CNC drilled?

patrick_y

Sep 15, 2023

The concept of the 96 series movement was to make a smaller movement but they really wanted a longer power reserve. The original target was around 72 hours. But it couldn't be done without a huge accuracy problem. So they compromised it to 65 hours. It's also important to note, the watch runs at 28,800 VPH! Not at 21,600 VPH like the Patek Philippe 240 caliber. So it's not cheating by using an extra small balance wheel and a low beat. No, it uses an appropriately sized balance wheel for the fair

Chopard XPS Caliber 96.40-1: Movement Specs

Key Points from the Discussion

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