Chopard

MTF
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L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru: new “tonneau” chronometer

Chopard is adding to its range with a “form” chronometer in 18-carat rose gold featuring pronounced curves, conceived in the same way as an exceptional wine and relying on the finest watchmaking skills.

L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru

Equipped with the only tonneau shaped micro-rotor winding automatic movement, the ultra-flat, curvaceous and exceedingly elegant L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru is a vision to behold.

As a nod to the pocket watches created by Louis-Ulysse Chopard, the watch captivates the eye, mind and heart of the observer..

Just as a Grand Cru wine is classified and certified, the watch's excellent craftsmanship is attested by the “Poinçon de Genève” quality hallmark (Geneva Seal).

Unique in many respects, the L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru is intended for distinguished men who collect both great wines and exceptional pieces: the ultimate modern Epicurean.

L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru ref.162296-5001

Heritage

True to the form of the first L.U.C Tonneau watch introduced in 2001, the L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru is the only tonneau shape watch with a shaped automatic movement and micro-rotor.

Four years after the launch of the L.U.C 1963, Chopard presents a fresh interpretation in that signature line. The L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru pays tribute to the historical pocket watches of the Maison founded by Louis-Ulysse Chopard in 1860. It is suffused with authentic emotionally charged elements.

Sketch L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru

Hence, the pure white porcelain-style dial with black Roman numerals.

The minute track follows the central part of the dial and a small seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock create an equilibrium.

With the Poinçon de Genève certification, this chronometer exhibits respect for the fine craftsmanship and the traditional watchmaking practised at the Geneva-based Manufacture.

Karl-Friedrich and Christine Scheufele by the barrels

With this heritage, Chopard used the highly distinctive shape reminiscent of the oak barrels from the forests of Bertrange, Jupille and Tronçais, which transform great vintages into exceptional wines.

Karl-Friedrich Scheufele is an avid connoisseur and collector of wine to the extent that he bought a few vineyards. One such is Chateau Monestier la Tour that is gradually being transformed into a 'Biodynamique' or Eco-friendly vineyard.

Bergerac Blanc Cadran_Ch. Monestier la Tour

Caroline and Karl-Friedrich Scheufele grape harvest

Tonneau

L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru ref.162296-5001

The tonneau is a traditional shape of watch case that requires particular mastery. Part rectangle, part circle, the L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru is less formal than the former but every bit as gentle as the latter.

The maximum width of the case is almost equal to its length, thus ensuring an ample dial.

Although striving for masculine sensuality, the remarkable care lavished on the design ensures that the L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru is attractive to ladies as well.

The case and crystal of the L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru are domed, although the case is ultra-thin with a maximum thickness of 7.75 mm, close to that of the L.U.C XPS models. The curves provide comfort on-the-wrist.

L.U.C 97.01-L calibre: a worldwide exclusivity

L.U.C 97.01-L

This slenderness begins inside the L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru, which houses the 3.3 mm thick calibre 97.01-L. It is one of the rare “form” movements to be housed in a “form” case. It is adorned with the most advanced finishing performed in the Manufacture: the bevelling, polishing, circular graining and Côtes de Genève meet the high demands of the Poinçon de Genève criteria.

Automatic winding is accomplished by an engraved 22-carat gold micro-rotor, driving two stacked barrels based on Chopard’s patented Twin® technology. Together, they guarantee 65 hours of running time and supply sufficiently constant energy to enable calibre 97.01-L to beat with chronometer-worthy precision. In accordance with the rule from Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) has certified the operation of all the 97.01-L calibres equipping the L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru.

L.U.C 97.01-L a.k.a. 1.97

Is this the rejuvenation of the L.U.C tonneau watch?

After lying in the shadow of its more salubrious brethren, maybe it is now the Time of the Tonneau? 

What do you think?

Technical details L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru

Case:
18ct rose gold
Dimensions      38.5 x 38.8 mm
Thickness       7.74 mm
Water resistance     30 metres
18ct rose gold crown with L.U.C logo  5.00 mm
Curving vertical satin-brushed case middle
Polished bezel and case-back surround
Open case-back
Domed glareproofed sapphire crystal

L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru ref.162296-5001

Movement:
Mechanical self-winding    L.U.C 97.01-L
Wound by a 22ct gold micro-rotor
Number of components    197
Total diameter     28.15 x 27.60 mm
Thickness      3.30 mm
Number of jewels     29
Frequency       28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve      65 hours
Two barrels - Twin® technology
Swan neck
Balance spring with Philips curve
Bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève motif
Chronometer-certified (COSC)
“Poinçon de Genève” quality hallmark

Dial and hands:
White porcelain-type dial with black and red transfers
Finely snailed 6 o’clock counter
Gilded Dauphine-type hours and minutes hands
Gilded small seconds hand at 6 o’clock
Minute track

Functions and displays:
Central display of the hours and minutes
Small seconds at 6 o’clock
Date display at 6 o’clock

Strap and buckle:
Hand-sewn brown alligator leather strap with alligator leather lining
18ct rose gold pin buckle

Ref. 162296-5001 – in 18ct rose gold

Regards,

MTF