Chopard

Watch_time_it_is
544

• Show profile
• Show other posts

REVIEW OF Chopard L.U.C Twist Tech Limited Edition

REVIEW OF
Chopard L.U.C Twist Tech Limited Edition
Sincere World Exclusive Collection



[NOTE – the following is my personal opinion of my recent purchase of the Chopard L.U.C Twist Tech Sincere Limited Edition. I am not associated with Chopard, the management of this forum, Sincere, or in fact any aspect of the watch industry other than as a consumer/purchaser. The opinions below are mine and are shared for no reason other than an attempt to share with fellow watch enthusiasts my experience, feelings, and thoughts on this watch.]

_______________________

Like so many other trips to Singapore, this one focused around work, yet turned into temptation that I was unable to resist. Temptation that I was ready to deal with and avoid, having planned a full schedule for 4 days leaving no time to visit Hour Glass, Sincere, Cortina, or any of the other fine watch shops that seem to be on every corner in Singapore.

But my plans were to be upset by a favor for a co-worker, and a trip to Sincere to pick up a watch he was interested in. While in the shop, I asked if there was anything special that would match my requirements – 40mm+, calendar, in-house movement, limited edition, and good number. Turned out there was, within 1mm of my requirements.



The Chopard L.U.C Twist Tech Limited Edition, one of the Sincere World Exclusive Collection, is a strikingly unique Chopard that brings the essence of the Twist to a modern, hi-tech design. While many will not take well to the slightly larger case (39+mm), unusual placement of the crown at the 4 position, an exhibition front and back, the date within the sub second dial at the 7 position, and the blackened 96 movement – I fell in love with the wonderful mix of classic and modern elements.


(Original Twist for comparison – image borrowed for this purpose.)



The watch is built around Chopard’s 96TB, with a 22k gold micro-rotor as the power source on this automatic movement. COSC certified, this movement beats at 28800, and with twin stacked barrels runs about 65 hours. The box comes with the COSC certification, limited edition papers, and watch warranty information.





While originally under the impression there were only 100 of this watch worldwide (given the “Sincere World Exclusive Collection” labeling, and the numbering on the back of the case), I have come to learn that this is not completely the case. There is a series of Twist Techs available at Chopard Boutiques (and maybe elsewhere) that is limited to another 250 pieces.

Both are with Steel cases bringing down the price to a level affordable for me on this unplanned purchase. (Yes, there was some room to negotiate; no, not a lot; and yes, the Chopard Boutique seemed less open to that line of discussion on the Chopard version what I talked to them.) While this material selection again moves the Twist away from the more classic White Gold, I am happy with the opportunity to place the financial buying power on the movement, design, and watchmaker rather than the materials surrounding it.

(Please do not get me wrong, there are times where the material of the case is important to the design, and I await the opportunity to purchase the Ulysse Nardin Anniversary 160 in Rose Gold, as I believe it to be the better color/material for that design over the White Gold, but when the style does not call for it, I prefer to stretch my limited watch purchase funds as far as possible.)

There appear to be two elements that are unique to the Sincere version of the watch limited to 100 pieces – first; the crown carries the Sincere logo rather than the Chopard logo. Given the small and soft placement of the “Chopard” and “L.U.C” on the front of the movement (“Chopard” between 12 and 1 on the movement and “L.U.C” below the 6), the lack of a Chopard logo on the crown is actually an element that I miss. Second; the dates are shown as a combination of white numbers (odd dates) and red dots (even dates) alternating. I understand that on the Chopard version, these are all white numbers. I do favor the alternating colors as it makes readability easier and adds to the style.






What the front lacks in the way of Chopard L.U.C branding and marking, the back makes up for. In fact, the back is my favorite view and one I make a point of sharing with other watch fans. The blackened movement, and the back of the case make it clear you are holding a very special watch, with no less that 3 “Chopard” and “L.U.C” brands, a clear “limited edition” badging, and with easy to read and find case and movement numbers.



While not the traditional L.U.C classic styling, my wife was instantly able to see the similarities in the numbers, sub second dial, and fanning in the white portion of the face between the “traditional” and Tech versions. Upon showing it to her when I returned, (fully expecting a lecture on fiscal responsibility) I was pleased to hear her say, “This looks like the Chopard we were looking at, just more modern.” You’ve got to love a supportive partner in situations like this.



In conclusion, a very pleasant surprise to find this style and direction from Chopard L.U.C, and in limited edition. I certainly would have preferred it to be truly limited to the number shown, but have learned the important lesson related to limited editions for store chains. Being a supporter of in-house movements, (knowing the investment required for such an undertaking), I wish only to be able to retain confidence in the scarcity of the item being purchased, and not to find that my limited edition #18 of 100 is really #18-1 of 350. Makes me wonder if there are other watch chains with another 100 out there somewhere. I just hope Chopard is not looking to move to “main stream” as it is the special-ness I find so appealing.