Kong
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Chopard Manufacture Visit Part 2(c)-Time Travel with L.U.CEUM
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
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Chopard Manufacture Visit Part 2(c)-Time Travel with L.U.CEUM
Please click here to access Part 2(b) Visit to FQF 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 Manuf...
"the longitudes..."
Hello, thanks for the pictures, and the report, the book you photographed is the manual (from 1775) of the “GPS” you are referring to a bit later in your report, the page you pictured says : Longitudes by the measurement of time, or method to determine lo...
Thanks Paul3f for the translation...
if revisiting again, will try to ask to look at the book contents (I mean pictures ) . The Berthouds were exceptional in watch-making, as the L.U.CEUM consists a few of their pieces. Kong
Thanks for the report!
The Luceum looks like a great visit. I only wish they had more of the movements visable. There's got to be a way to show off the dial, back case and movement, all at once.... A
I guess if have sufficient time, or just purposedly visit the L.U.CEUM ...
may be able to request to see the pieces (out from the cases) with the curator , Ms. Anne Walther. If you can get/borrow a copy of the L.U.CEUM book, there are many nice pictures. If can fabricate a rotatable glass case ( with non-reflective glasses), it ...
I really like your posts Kong, they're always informative...
...still waiting for Bvlgari novelties from Baselworld by the way Thanks,
Kong, the collection in L.U.CEUM is an eye opener
Hey, they have fusee and chain. I particularly like the gold pocket watch with planetarium (blue enamel dial). The unanswered question may be able to find an answer. My guess is that the 2 identical pocket watches is either for the richman's twins daugthe...
One day at a time......
One rumour is that they already had long servicing periods in the 19th century (like today). It was worse because they did not have Fedex or DHL and the round trip back to factory could take years. So, one had 2 watches to allow for one to always be in us...
Very expensive way to solve long turn around time.
May I suggest that for services that will last for more than 3 months (duration is negotiable), Chopard is to provide another similar watch for temporary use to the customer. Upon return of the serviced watch, the customer has an option to either return t...
Mystery Missing....
Ling, This suggestion was tried by A Lange & Sohne. They made stainless steel versions of their early watches in 1994-5 as loaners during servicing. Mysteriously, when the owners' watches were ready, the loaners were conveniently (or inconveniently fo...
Indeed eye-opener, just need more time!
There are many ancient horological pieces in the L.U.CEUM ! The work of the past geniuses had yet to be surpassed till now. With just simple tools, raw metals and no CAD, they created stunning pieces. I'm just short of holding and viewing them on my hands...
Is it fair too say that ...
in old days, the master watchmakers are generally more skillful as they managed to produced so many complicated and nice pieces with such limitations? In terms of labour cost, they should charge much much more than what today's watchmakers have been charg...
Ling, I second you
I think in the good old days, a watch is much more a "tool" therefore the price commensurate with the functions, complextity, workmanship, etc. Nowadays, since a watch is no longer a "neccessity" in all practical sense, it all boils down to "luxury" brand...
Chopard made very beautiful pocket watches!
Kong, many thanks for this great post again, I am not aware that Chopard had made so beautiful pocket watches until reading your post which is eye-openning to me. best, stefan
Chopard's origin is watchmaking...
Hi Stefan Mr.Karl-Friedrich Scheufele has started the back-to-root journey through L.U.C since the past 14 years. I wonder if next year 150th Anniversary, would there be a Chopard pocket-watch? It should be interesting. Thanks for reading. Kong
Thanks for the great report and look in the L.U.CEUM. The photograph
from the entrance, with all the wood beams and the displays is something out of a dream. This place is on my list for a must visit. You gave a really great sense of being there, key to any great report. Best, Tim
Thanks Tim...
for the kind words. Yes, it is a must visit. Reason is the collection is still growing and not collected base on a single brand, instead likely by the innovation in every individual pieces. Kong
Welcome Watchuknow ...
to the Chopard forum. Many of us like the enameled pieces. Thanks for the kind words. Kong
Great description and photos.
Wish I could be there! Thank you for all the four parts, Kong!