Introduced exactly 25 years ago, the Chopard L.U.C. 1860 model is a highly esteemed timepiece from the brand. Thanks to its rich history, extraordinary movement, and effortless design. This example features an 18-carat white gold case fitted with a silver guilloché dial. The soft and elegantly restrained exterior of the 36.5mm case is gently defined by its stepped bezel before flowing into the blended lugs and case body with remarkable slenderness.
The dial on this 16/1860/2 is detailed and precise in its design and execution, yet simultaneously undiluted. Crafted from gold by Metalem, the silvery tones of the base house a beautiful handcrafted engine-turned stepped dial surrounded by a simplified seconds track before presenting the sharply shaped raised arrow hour markers. Complementing these are a large set of dauphine style hands sitting just above a subsidiary seconds register, complete with concentric circles and half of the dial matching date aperture at six. Like the dial they sit on, the hour markers and handset are also solid gold. This traditionally configured dress watch is simply signed 'Chopard' at twelve and includes 'automatic' neatly within its sub-register.
The Movement
The LUC manufacture calibre 1.96 is the beating heart of this Chopard and, much like the watch it powers, has its own celebrated reputation. Michel Parmigiani designed the movement in conjunction with Chopard taking three years to develop. The movement is awash with black polishing from its swan neck regulator to each screw head. The anglage on each bridge alongside the engraved and signed platinum micro-rotor glows effortlessly and plays with light and shadow. The bridges feature Côtes de Genève striping and house the Geneva hallmark identifying this as a Geneva Sealed piece. Not only is this a gorgeous movement to view through the display caseback, but it's also technologically impressive. Said micro-rotor generates energy which is stored in its two mainspring barrels that are stacked on top of each other to optimise space and produce 70 hours of running autonomy. With a Breguet overcoil hairspring, 32 jewels, COSC certification, and a beat rate of 4 Hz, it's no wonder this precise and efficient movement remains highly regarded. So much so, Philippe Dufour is said to have rated this as one of the top finished movements at the time, only behind his own creations and famously A. Lange & Söhne.
How It Wears
Proportions can truly make or break a watch, and thanks to its balanced sizing, the Chopard Chopard LUC 16/1860/2 is thankfully made by its size. At 36.5mm wide, it's conservatively mid-sized and is only bettered by its 8.4mm thickness. Due to its stepped bezel and minimal case, the watch has a contemporary wrist presence appropriately dominated by its dial. It's also worth bringing to attention the lugs, which further sensibly aid its presence. There are special watches, and then there are pieces like this Chopard LUC 16/1860/2.
Condition & set
Due to the careful curation of our offerings, watches offered as complete sets aren't uncommon for the Mr Watchley site. However, this specific LUC 1860 takes the term 'full set' to a higher level.
Removing the original outer box reveals its original inner box, which houses the second solid caseback, including the original stickers to protect it. Also included with this Chopard is a 1997 LUC 1860 catalogue, and the certificate of origin. Furthermore, the watch is presented with the original certificate for its Poinçon de Genève seal, detailed Bulletin Officiel Suisse De Chronometres, and the original LUC 1860 manual. Provenance is highly desirable when dealing with pre-owned timepieces, and this offering is one of the better sets we have seen here at Mr Watchley.
And last but not least, we have the final and most important piece of the puzzle, the very watch itself. The watch is fitted to a Mr Watchley Grained Light Grey strap paired with its original white gold pin buckle.
For more information, visit www.mrwatchley.com - [Email address suppressed for privacy] - 0032456135537
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