Chopard

1937 was one of the most important years for Chopard.  Paul André Chopard, founder Louis-Ulysse Chopard's grandson moved out of the Jura region to set up his business and workshop in Geneva, the canton which the brand still operates till today.

Thus the steel automatic L.U.C 1937 series, is a tribute to the historical landmark.  The inaugural model was launched in 2010 to commemorate Chopard's 150th anniversary.  This year 2011, two more variations are added with a slight modification - the crown relocated to 3'o clock position.



Above anniversary model (limited to 1937 pieces) is the first of the L.U.C 1937 which was issued last year with newly designed case, typefaces and hands.
For more pictures, please click here. 


The 2011 models, two variations were made -  white lacquer dial or satin-brushed silver dial.

More to a monochromatic theme.

Firstly, a look at the white lacquer dial L.U.C 1937.


The stainless steel case is of diameter 42mm a decent size and a good compromise for a contemporary and yet
a classical watch.




The lacquer dial made this piece very appealing and some thought it is enamel dial too







A closer look at the well-made dial ... the hour markers and the minute track were printed and not applied on.

Similarly with the new identity/ brand-name and the word " Chronometer" were printed in sort of  san-Serif typeface.




Solidly printed and the inks produced a glossy surface giving the hour-indexes an embossed effect. 
The date window was very well chamfered!


Exceptional clarity as the sapphire is double ant-reflective coated.




The combination of brush-finishing on the side of the cases and gloss-finish on the top surface brings out the profile of the case.



The blacken Dauphine fusée hands for hours and minutes were redesigned since last year 150th anniversary collection. If the counter-weight of the moving centre-second Dauphine could be redesigned smaller, it would be perfect and less cluttered in the central area. Superluminova was coated onto both the hour and minute hands.



Alternating polishing lugs.  Would be more balanced to have a slightly wider lug to lug gap to fit a 22mm wide strap.


Interesting line created by the polished chamfers on the lugs ...





Polished signed diameter 6mm crown. 






Sapphire caseback  displaying the L.U.C 1.010 the first movement manufactured by the new facility, the
Fleurier Ebauche.

The COSC certified L.U.C 1.010 beats at 4Hz and has a power reserve of 60 hours to last over the weekend should you leave it unworn since Friday evening and ready to wear on Monday morning.  The sweeping of the second-hand could be improved to be smoother.

Bridges decorated with Cotes de Geneve pattern. 



The case is rated to 100m for water resistance.

The 1937 is matched with a set of beautiful hand-stitched alligator strap with brown alligator lining on Ardillon buckle.






The second model of the 2011 L.U.C 1937 ...



Stainless steel case with a satin-brushed silver dial.  Rhodium-plated applied Roman hour markers . Hands
are rhodium-plated too.  Superluminova is coated on both the hour and minute hands.








Several wrist-shots  ...















The L.U.C 1937 Series is well-built and paired with an pretty value for money (retailing about USD9K) which could be appealing to people who like to explore L.U.C and enthusiasts who are waiting for a more contemporary design from L.U.C.  Luxury 'Time-only' watches should be popular in North Asia, however, unsure if he L.U.C 1937 would be well-received.  Reducing the diameter slightly to 40mm may be better suited for smaller Asian wrists.

So which model do you prefer?

Thanks for viewing.


Kong







This message has been edited by Kong on 2011-12-17 12:14:19

time and again, chopard produces on beautiful watch after another.  these are really pretty.  it surprises me that their values in the after and grey market at so low compared to retail.  from a consumer's side, this suggests to me that great values are to be had.

but i wonder if the real experts on this list have any insight?  is the quality there with chopard, say, in the luc series?  it seems to me that it is, but  i don't own one (yet!) so i can't comment.  is there a prejudice that chopard is jewelry operating here?  i think i'm safe in saying that chopard has been making manufacture watches for a long time: they aren't new to watch production.

anyway, thoughts?

chris

have been sick!

Imran

I love its dial!



Thanks Kong for the post!

Fx

This was taken in Geneva, shared it before but in honor of Foversta, just could not resist.

Best to all, Tim

I have one with a white dial.It is subtle and laid back,quietly beautiful. The accuracy is extraordinary; it gained 12 seconds in 10 days. Outstanding design, engineering and value for money. Thanks again for such an interesting posting with fab pictures.

... very well made, it seems.  Looks like the good old model. 
Having said that, I wouldn't mind wearing the applied index one on more formal occasion.  Well done!

Ken

... i fully agree with you Ken, i saw the lacquered dial a couple of weeks ago ... what a beauty.
And the size at 42 is just perfect.

Filip

this is a fine and beautiful watch, the movement, as usual, is extremely fine looking. I'd love to own the Chrono One when they come out with a design that is a bit more understated than the current offerings. I wonder if Chopard will ever get its due? It may take decades for collectors to really appreciate this brand.

see white lacquer dial L.U.C 1937 without seconds hand

A beautiful dress watch, well decorated chonometer movement, nice size and affordable price.

If Chopard were to have one with enamel dial (personal preference) instead of white lacquered dial and with white gold case (more weight), it would be irresistable to me. And I don't mind the retail price is USD18k.

Regards

Ling