Chopard

The Beauty of Mechanics

At the crossroads between tradition and the avant-garde, the L.U.C Tech line – a contemporary expression of Chopard’s prestigious L.U.C collection – offers connoisseurs and devotees of excellence a truly dazzling vision. All issued in limited editions, the movements powering these watches come to life at Chopard Manufacture in Fleurier, an historical haven of the time-honoured art of Haute Horlogerie.


Expressing the best of 18th century watchmaking in a decidedly modern way: simply put, such is the remarkable challenge to which the L.U.C Tech line has risen with considerable panache. Just as contemporary music draws inspiration from its classical heritage, the Tech concept is a contemporary expression of the exceptional L.U.C collection, offering a modern take on the fundamental principles and the tried and tested expertise of Chopard’s flagship line. Transparency, performance, design and mechanical revelations are the watchwords of these exceptional models produced in limited issues, which also proclaim their natural ties with the grand watchmaking traditions.

 
A contemporary revelation of tradition

Reserved for passionate devotees of fine mechanisms, the models in the L.U.C Tech line offer an opportunity to plunge into the heart of the movement. Through a subtle transparent interplay between the dial and the case-back, the otherwise well-guarded secrets of horology unveiled by these exceptional timepieces afford spectacular visual delights. Tourbillons, bridges, springs, gear wheels and hammers appear in a breathtaking stage-setting, like a cast of actors in the passing of time all playing their role to perfection. An entire world revealed within two cm3, and which is bound to delight not only seasoned collectors, but also all those with a penchant for excellence.
 

To date, five calibres from the L.U.C collection have been incorporated within this resolutely contemporary Tech line. The L.U.C Tech Regulator, L.U.C Tech Twist and L.U.C Tech Strike One stem from an ideal combination of classic curves and avant-garde design. Meanwhile, on the L.U.C Tourbillon Tech Steel Wings and L.U.C Tourbillon Tech Twist, one of the most spectacular complications of traditional Haute Horlogerie, the tourbillon, appears to literally leap out of the dial. As time goes by, all the models in the L.U.C collection will be matched with their “Tech” counterpart.


Like all models in the L.U.C collection by Chopard, L.U.C Tech watches are endowed with the kind of meticulous finishes (Côtes de Genève, circular graining, bevelling, etc.) that are the signature features of Haute Horlogerie watches. All the movements powering the L.U.C Tech models are chronometer-certified by the COSC.

 




This message has been edited by Kong on 2008-08-16 00:16:33

Chopard merges technology, design and aesthetics in the new18-carat rose gold L.U.C Tech Twist equipped with proprietary Calibre L.U.C 96 T. The distinctive features of this model that partially reveals its sophisticated mechanism are an off-centred crown at 4 o’clock, small seconds and a date display placed at 7 o’clock.

 
There are some watches that immediately catch the eye and the new L.U.C Tech Twist, cutting a distinctive figure and endowed with off-centred indications, is definitely one of them.  This newcomer to the L.U.C collection is distinguished by its off-centred display and its crown cleverly placed at 4 o’clock. Whereas the hours and minutes are shown by central blued steel Dauphine hands coated with Superluminova for night-time visibility, the small seconds and the date pointer appear in a subdial at 7 o’clock, opening on to the heart of the movement. The beautifully finished mechanism of the new L.U.C 96 T movement – adorned with a straight “Côtes de Genève” motif and grey engravings – may also be admired through an opening in the dial centre. The multi-level dial, featuring a small screw-down seconds-date subdial and applied hour-markers against a silver-coloured dial base, further reinforces the technical appearance of this model. Fitted with a sapphire crystal pane on the back, the steel case measuring 41 mm in diameter is water-resistant to 30 metres. At the heart of this timepiece combining technical and aesthetic appeal beats the new Calibre L.U.C 96 T, characterised by it two stacked barrels (L.U.C “Twin”® technology) providing a power reserve of around 65 hours. In keeping with the spirit of Chopard Manufacture, this mechanical self-winding movement has successfully passed the precision and reliability tests imposed by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). Thanks to its mechanism, its technical appearance and its original display, the new in 18-carat rose gold L.U.C Tech Twist will doubtless be turning heads among genuine connoisseurs.



Case

·      18-carat rose gold case

·      Total diameter                                                   41.00 mm

·      Thickness                                                           10.00 mm

·      Water-resistant to                                               30 metres

·      18-carat rose gold crown at 4 o’clock                     6.5 mm

·      Sapphire crystal, glare-proofed on both sides

·      Open case-back


Movement

·      Self-winding                                                      L.U.C 96 T

·      Diameter                                                            27.40 mm

·      Thickness                                                           3.30 mm

·      Number of jewels                                              29 jewels

·      Number of parts                                                177

·      Frequency                                                           28,800 vph

·      Power reserve                                                   approx. 65 hours

·      Two stacked (co-axial) barrels,  L.U.C "Twin"® technology

·      Bridges adorned with straight “Côtes de Genève” motif, grey engravings

·      Chronometer-certified (COSC)


Dial and hands

·      Metal technical-style dial revealing the movement

·      Blued steel Dauphine hour, minute and seconds hands coated with Superluminova for enhanced night-time readability

·      Applied hour-markers against silver-coloured base


Functions / Indications

·      Central hour and minute hands

·      Small seconds offset at 7 o’clock

·      Arrow-type date pointer at 7 o’clock


Strap and buckle

·      Black alligator leather strap (20.00 mm x 18.00 mm)

·      18-carat rose gold pin buckle (18.00 mm)


A limited, numbered edition of 250 pieces in rose gold, Ref. 161888-5003

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I also  prefer their first 1860 series model with LUC 1.96 movement, featured Geneva seal, swanneck regulator and breguet hairspring. Plus the solid gold dial and classic design, it is really a great bargain for what you pay! All these features are found only in very high-grade movement at a much higher price level. Even the earlier Twist model use 1.96 movement and gold dial. It is a pity that Chopard drop this in the new Twist model. This may imply the production of 1.96 movement is indeed very costly, and I suspect it won't be found in any simply model anymore! 

At the crossroads between technical accomplishment and aesthetic boldness, Chopard introduces the L.U.C Tourbillon Tech Twist with a “Winding Assistance System”. This unprecedented winding system specially developed for this new timepiece is a world-first invention. With its unusually oriented movement and its four barrels, this model naturally commands respect, both for its technical qualities and for the originality of this unusual layout. Chopard is thereby enriching the Twist line with a premium complication: the tourbillon. The L.U.C Tourbillon Tech Twist is issued in a limited edition of 100.


The L.U.C Tourbillon Tech Twist was designed around a skilfully mastered reinterpretation of the way displays are traditionally oriented – along one vertical axis and another horizontal one. It thus embodies the contemporary essence of the Twist concept, which Chopard Manufacture incorporates in this case into the Tech line – best known for its focus on technical elements. The L.U.C Tourbillon Tech Twist thereby boasts a perfect blend of originality and horological creativity.

With its aluminium carriage, an exclusive Chopard signature feature, the tourbillon elegantly positioned at 7 o’clock sets the pace and displays the seconds by means of an arrow-shaped blued steel hand. The ethereal appearance of this tourbillon is further accentuated by its bridge hollowed to form the arc of a circle. Just opposite at 1 o’clock, the power-reserve indication echoes this spectacular complication by showing the remaining energy available on another arc of a circle. Two horizontal wave-shaped lines complete this geometrical arrangement, creating an overall harmoniously gentle visual effect. The latter is further accentuated by the Arabic numerals appearing only the upper part of the dial so as to leave more scope for the tourbillon in the lower part. The extensively unveiled bridges of the exclusive L.U.C 4TBST movement are adorned with slender “Côtes de Genève”.

Endowed with the exclusive L.U.C “Quattro”® technology based on two sets of two stacked barrels, the proprietary hand-wound L.U.C 4TBST movement guarantees an almost 9-day power reserve. Chronometer-certified by the COSC, a reliable token of precision, this calibre is equipped with a Chopard-patented Variner® balance enabling fine adjustment.
It is housed within an 18-carat white gold case measuring 42 mm in diameter and fitted with a sapphire crystal and case-back featuring a glare-resistant treatment on both sides.





The 18-carat white gold crown at 4 o’clock bears the L.U.C logo characterising the collection and is equipped with the W.A.S. device – the main element in the winding assistance system specially developed for this model. The L.U.C logo on the crown is depressed to enable the user to apply the tiny “crank handle” serving to wind the movement. The latter, together with the crank handle, comprises 24 separate parts, including some in gold. Finally, the “twisted” movement of the L.U.C Tourbillon Tech Twist places the crown at 4 o’clock, ensuring ideal comfort on the wrist. The hand-sewn crocodile leather strap is fitted with an 18-carat white gold folding clasp. This eminent example of Haute Horlogerie is crafted in a limited series of 100.


Case

•    18-carat white gold
•    World-exclusive aluminium tourbillon carriage
•    Total diameter                        42.00 mm
•    Thickness                            13.38 mm
•    Water-resistant to                     30 metres
•    Scratch-resistant, glare proofed sapphire crystal
•    18-carat white gold crown with L.U.C logo
•    W.A.S winding with crank handle
•    Transparent case-back


Movement

•    Mechanical hand-wound, with tourbillon regulator    L.U.C 4TBST
      (Developed, engineered and assembled by Chopard Manufacture)
•    Diameter    29.70 mm
•    Thickness    6.10 mm
•    Number of jewels    33
•    Frequency     28,800 vph
•    Power reserve                        216 hours (9 days)
•    Four barrels, two sets of two stacked (coaxial) barrels, L.U.C  "Quattro"®  technology
•    Patented variable-inertia “Variner”® balance
•    Bridges adorned with “Côtes de Genève”
•    Chronometer-certified (COSC)


Dial and hands

•      Open worked dial
•      “Dauphine” style hour and minute hands


Functions

•    Central hours and minutes
•    Off-centred small seconds hand at 7 o’clock
•    Tourbillon at 7 o’clock bearing the seconds hand
•    Power-reserve display at 1 o’clock


Strap and clasp

•    Black or brown alligator leather strap (22.00 mm x 18.00 mm)
•    18-carat white gold folding clasp (18.00 mm )


Limited, numbered edition of 100 in white gold, Ref. 161917-1001

 

 

Reminds me of those old vintage cars ;-) But this is far from vintage....hehehe

 

cheers

joe

 

from the vintage cars.  Reason was the kickback when cranking could break an arm...so this crank idea is inspired from sailing boat. 
You will get the answer if you've read the KFS's interview not long ago.

Kong

Chopard is a past master in the art of revealing the very soul of watches and the L.U.C Tech Strike One is a perfect example of this talent. Alternating zones revealing the heart of the movement with others harmoniously decorative areas, this newcomer to the Chopard Manufacture collection offers a subtle auditory interpretation of “telling” the time. Equipped with a dedicated gong, it sounds the hours on a single note. The L.U.C Tech Strike One is issued in a limited edition of 100.

The pure tone of the L.U.C Tech Strike One is expressed in an entirely transparent way thanks to its sunburst guilloché dial with an open worked upper section. The aperture underscores several details of a remarkable mechanical choreography. First of all, it affords a bird’s eye view of the meticulously hand-decorated movement parts. It also highlights the sapphire disc indicating the auditory mode: a quaver for the striking function and a crotchet rest for the silence mode. Finally, it reveals the striking mechanism displayed on the dial side – a first – and the drop of the hammer on each hour. Loyal to the mechanical spirit of revealing the movement that is so typical of the Tech line, the L.U.C Tech Strike One proudly radiates a powerful identity that makes it a stunning machine dedicated to marking off the rhythms of time.

In addition to the single strike corresponding to the hours, the L.U.C Tech Strike One also shows the date, the hours and minutes, as well as small seconds on a sub dial highlighted by a metal plate bearing the “L.U.C” letters and screwed to the dial. Endowed with the "Twin"® technology (two stacked barrels) ensuring a 65-hour power reserve, the L.U.C 96 SHT self-winding calibre is also chronometer-certified by the COSC, a reliable token of its impeccable precision. Its oscillating weight is in 22ct gold, while the exclusive “Côtes de Genève” finish is visible through the transparent case-back. Water-resistant to 30 metres, the 40.5 mm-diameter case is made from titanium, a light and rugged material that reinforces the quality of the sound, as well as the technical and innovative nature of this exceptional model. The L.U.C Tech Strike One is crafted in a limited series of 100.
 

Case

•    Titanium
•    Total diameter        40.50 mm
•    Thickness         10.88 mm
•    Water-resistant to    30 metres
•    Titanium crown         6.00 mm       
•    Glare proofed, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
•    Titanium striking pushpiece
•    Transparent case-back

Movement

•    Mechanical, self-winding L.U.C 96 SHT
•    Diameter        33.00 mm
•    Thickness        5.75 mm
•    Number of jewels     33
•    Frequency         28,800 vph
•    Power reserve         65 hours
•    Two stacked (coaxial) barrels, L.U.C "Twin"®  technology
•    22ct gold oscillating weight
•    Bridges adorned with “Côtes de Genève” motif
•    Chronometer-certified by the COSC

Dial and hands

•    Open worked dial
•    “Dauphine” style hour and minute hands

Functions and displays

•    Central hours and minutes
•    Small seconds at 6 o’clock
•    Automatic or “in passing” strike with on/off function (at 12 o’clock)
•    Date display at 3 o’clock

Strap and buckle

•    Hand-sewn black alligator leather strap, (20.00 mm x 16.00 mm)
•    Steel buckle (16.00 mm)

Limited, numbered edition of 100 in titanium, Ref. 168510-3001

 

The case materials may be different.... however to have feel of the real pieces ....have a look at the pictures by K T previously at :

chopard.watchprosite.com