Chopard

The six models of L.U.C XP with Urushi dials, specially created in Japan with the theme of the five-element philopsophy that our universe is made up of by five basic elements : Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth.  This collection was launched in Japan last August.  ( Please click here to view the earlier posting with the press pictures).

The Five models in rose-gold cases, are with dial-arts consisting of five heavenly animals in golden maki-e representing each of the 5 elements,  and  One white-gold piece representing the Universe.

The dials are the collaborative efforts of Japan's  top master craftsmen.
Each dial is uniquely hand-painted by the top Urushi Master, Mr. Minori Koizumi, and then applied gold maki-e by Yamada Heiando, a top purveyor of tableware to the Japanese Imperial Household.

Below is the translation of the brochure for the L.U.C XP with Urushi collection by Chopard Japan.  Following will be the real pictures of the complete set taken at the Flagship Boutique of Chopard Singapore.

Seeing the pieces in steel is a totally different experience, as it is a challenge to capture the beauty and details with photographs as the dial changes at different viewing angles.  For friends who could visit the Boutiques in Singapore and Japan, do hop in to check out  these stunning pieces, otherwise I hope the pictures help.










The 6 Models






Now for the Real Picture  ....


The Ultimate Universe , the only piece in white gold case and hands.




Kylin In The Moonlight  representing the 'Earth' element.


The colours change when viewed at different angle.




Phoenix - Day & Night representing the 'Fire' element.






Treasured Turtle and Snake representing the 'Water' element.






Crouching Tiger representing the 'Metal' element.






Horn Dragon representing the 'Wood' element.






The caseback with the name of the craftsmen engraved, and a view of the L.U.C 96HM housed in all the Extra-plate L.U.C XP.




Hope you enjoy the pieces.

Kong








This message has been edited by Kong on 2010-06-18 03:28:25 This message has been edited by Kong on 2011-08-01 04:55:13

art is everywhere in those timepieces, seeing the live pics make me think thats the watches owner would never wear them or look to them aiming to know the time.

 

 Faisal

protected by the case and sapphire crystal.

Could even share with best friends without asking him/her to your home

They look totally different under different lighting too.

Kong

and loved the idea of sharing the art without asking them to come over.

 

 Faisal

Painstaking would be the word for those dials....

As someone with a severe allergy to poison ivy (Toxicodendron sp.) I've been fascinated by this technique for a while.  Urushi is the Japanese word for a species of lacquer tree (Toxicodendron again) whose sap is processed into the material used in finishing wood (and these dials).  In its liquid form, the sap (active component=urushiol) causes severe weeping rashes (even the vapors must be avoided).  However, slowly upon exposure to air, the sap dries to a very hard, clear, waterproof coating that can be polished to a high gloss, and which is no longer allergenic.  With multiple coats and slow drying, a truly beautiful finish is obtained.

Master artists are able to handle the sap safely, and to apply it and finish it in ways that give depth, gloss, and durability.  The quality of the finish is at least partially tied to the conditions under which the wet lacquer is dried.  I've read that in past times, certain master artists would put their wet lacquered items into a small boat and moor it out in the middle of a foggy body of water.  There, under cool, high humidity conditions, the piece would dry slowly over a period of weeks, leading to an ultra-smooth, ultra-dense finish.

Tom

 

 

Thanks Tom for the educational passage.

Painstaking is indeed THE descriptor.

Someone told me the same thing too, most of these Urushi Masters live in remote areas where the air is clean, and the drying process is as per what you described.  So need no clean room

How do you discover your allergy to Toxicodendron spp?  You tried to do Urushi?

Kong

Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is endemic to the east coast US.  I have to be careful walking in the woods in the summer, as repeated exposure has made my reaction increasing severe over time.  Brushing up against the leaves of the plant with bare skin is enough to cause a reaction.  (I get large red rashes that blister over and weep, and take about 2 weeks to resolve - not attractive!)

I once, years ago, traveled to Europe soon after being exposed to poison ivy, and I had a particularly bad reaction while I was over there.  Since poison ivy doesn't occur in Europe, my explanations of my affliction were met with blank stares and slow edging away.  Probably though I had leprosy or something.....

Tom

 

nasty Tom.

Hope you carry some prednisolone, and summer is soon approaching.

Kong

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Pure art Pure craftsmanship...

Something I can only admire and adore, but cannot never afford!

in Ngee Ann Boutique.

Eyes-opener!

The price is reasonable.

Kong

these are really works of art.  I always love these kind of miniature artworkon watch dials. So small but so detailed.  Looking closely at the photos, they show the increadible skills and not to mention the patience it take for the master artisan to produce it .   Whoever owns it will be a very happy and lucky person.  By the way,  is this set for worldwide release or it is aimed mostly for the Asian market? 

Thanks for this post - an eye opener.  

/W72 

you will like these type of artisan work.

This '5 Element' 2009 collection was launched last year for the Japan market, and of course news spread (we are one of the sources )

But I hope more people will get to know about it.  Should appeal to fountain pen collectors who like Urushi and Maki-e.

Which one is your favourite?

Kong

Thanks for sharing.

can have a look, Roxas ;-)

Kong

I'm still trying to decide which is my favorite!

Best,

Jed

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 Those watches are very special and  beautiful !  I was noted during the last gathering a month ago and found that each piece are unique and only available in certain boutique. Must see it in person in order not to regret, to own one will be perfect !

Thanks Kong to initial the spark of showing  us the great pictures (watch)

Hi Steven

These model should be easily understood and appreciate by you since you like the work of Japanese fountain pens

Kong

Yes,  I  likes Japanese artwork,  it is very unique and different from the China art. There have alot of details and the methods to present the artwork is skillful and  difficult to copy and it takes a master artist  many years to master the skill and craft just likes the watchmaking.   In particular,  my favourite  2 Chopard  art-pieces--- the Moonlight and Day and Night.

Breath taking pieces Kong!

I was just thinking about your original post that you made in the past. It's good to see these photos again of the live pieces.

My favorite is still strangely the Ultimate Universe piece.

Which one looked best to you in person?

However the Treasured Turtle and Snake, not much of a contrast.

My favourite is the Kylin and also the Ultimate Universe too


Kong

Hey buddy,

Thanks for sharing the photos...any chance of us getting to see them in person? In Singapore or Malaysia?

 

 

 

Regards

Ling saw them

Kong

 

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Having the opportunity to view the real pieces in Singapore, I was genuinely astonished to see the fine and very high standard of maki-e art work by the Japanese master.  I have seen a few Peter Speake Marin's unique pieces with maki-e dial.  Chopard's pieces are as good if not better.

Is maki-e dial the current trend?

Regards

Ling