Comments:
Big Surprise - Chopard LUC Quattro (ref 161926-9001)
I have to be honest, until now I have not really found anything from Chopard that could make me part with my hard earned cash... until now (exception to the PuristS edition... if only it was in orange rather than red!)
At one our regular gatherings in London, I was lucky enough to be introduced to a new model (from the 2015 Basel novelties), the LUC Quattro in platinum with a blue/slate coloured dial. I can only say that this certainly changed my mind on the quality of the products coming from the brand but also how their designs are developing. This is not an in-depth review, but thought I would share my thoughts as I was seriously impressed.
So here it is...
It is housed in a modern sized case (43mm) but not too thick to be worn both dressed up or casual (9mm) and the weight of the platinum case makes it very comfortable sitting on the wrist without too much movement from side to side. However on the front its all about the dial... I love it! The blue with a tinge of slate colour depending on the light is stunning, matched with the white metal case and the applied roman numerals it really is to die for. Even with the inclusion of the power reserve and date on the dial do not clutter the dial but really add to the beauty in my eye.
I honestly expected to turn the watch over and be a little disappointed with the moment, but this is what greeted me....
As you can see it is a beautifully finished, manual wind movement with the Poinçon de Genève seal. The model 'Quattro' if you did not already know relates to the 4 barrels (2 stacks of 2) which gives the watch an impressive power reserve of 9 days. I love the layout/shape of the bridges and the very high level of finishing, is all very clean looking and the movement fits the size of the case really nicely.
I honestly expected to turn the watch over and be a little disappointed with the moment, but this is what greeted me....
As you can see it is a beautifully finished, manual wind movement with the Poinçon de Genève seal. The model 'Quattro' if you did not already know relates to the 4 barrels (2 stacks of 2) which gives the watch an impressive power reserve of 9 days. I love the layout/shape of the bridges and the very high level of finishing, is all very clean looking and the movement fits the size of the case really nicely.
Finally, if I could add anything further... the strap was also a perfect match for the dial and you can feel it is beautifully made and comfortable on the wrist without being over stiff. The colour of the lining too is a nice contrast too and makes it feel luxurious.
Will one end up in my collection? Its seriously tempting but maybe just missing the orange touch!
Cheers
Andrew
Looks like this Chopard is calling your name.
We can hear it in your voice/mini review.
Very beautiful watch and at 43mm it looks like it can fit in with your lifestyle.
Very cool.
Bill
Very beautiful watch and at 43mm it looks like it can fit in with your lifestyle.
Very cool.
Bill
I was not expecting such a watch...
I think its just the colour of the dial and as I wear jeans most of the time (if not shorts) then it just ticks the box. Have to decide if it would work with an orange strap.
Cheers
Andrew
Agreed. My favourite from the Chopard 2015 collection.
I was very positively impressed by this one. With just one regret: I would have loved to see more of that movement... But I have the same problem with the JLC 8 Days, too...
Best, and thanks for this post, Andrew.
Nicolas
It hit me by surprise Nico...
I think this is better than some recently releases for the movement size... I am normally one who hates smaller movements in large watches, but really this is not too bad. I think it always looks worse with automatic movements so this is one tick.
Serious contender for a new addition...
Cheers
Andrew
I totally understand you. And the dial is my taste, too, which is rare as I am...
Pretty picky...
Yes, a good surprise.
Best,
Nicolas.
Just ask to Chopard a special version Andrew!
With a little touch of orange...
A great watch.
Fx
A great watch.
Fx
It's more than the power reserve.
Actually if you have some interest in the watchmaking technology, the Quattros are much more than the stacks offering up to more tan 200h reserve.
I like that you liked it but I like it too.
Referring to one of my previous posts: I would have no idea the wear a blue watch with what??? Orange would be so much easier! :P
Cheers
Kolosstt
"Orange" Chopard dial....almost
Andrew,
I feel like I've been beating the Chopard drum for years and it's finally getting through.
They have not made an orange dial yet but this one is pretty close and with a bit of tweaking in the paint shop, can become orange.......
They have the technology.
MTF
Now that Melvyn is...
ORANGE!!! Would love to see it in the flesh.
Cheers
Andrew
Maybe I am too silly,
but please anyone can tell me, why are there two pointer-date scale at six? Or the subdial at six has another function as well? Is the little seconde also there?
Anyway, it is a great watch! The colour of the dial harmonising perfectly to the fade colour of the platin, and it is also worth for looking the movement..
Thanks for sharing it!
Yours,
Adam
I'll try to answer your question
I believe one needle is a running seconds counter and the other is the date indicator. It is an utterly odd subdial IMO, with a small circular track showing divisions every 5 seconds sandwiched between the odd and even date numbers. I really like this watch otherwise, but I don't get the strange design here.
Michael,
many thanks!
Yes, I thought that the one hand is showing the (pointer)date and the other is for the little second.
What is confusing and unusual to me, that the dates are shown in two rings, which means, that the pointer date hand is either too short or too long at once, depending on, which date has the day.
Confusing it, because this subdial-method reminds me about the perpetual calendars...
Yours,
Adam
Unusual but not confusing
once you know how to read it, is it?
This message has been edited by kolosstt on 2015-05-16 11:12:27
For the length of the date hand, which has the length accurate for the inner date circle.
The inner circle is has all the even numbers in it and markers for the odd ones. So basically every possible date can be read with the inner circle and it's hand.
The combined dial with the small seconds ensures a very clean and symmetrical overall layout that is yet functional.
In addition, having the odd numbers on the outer ring is just a play by the designer, which works considering how many comments you can already read about it.
Nice piece of work. Typical Chopard to me.
Regards
Kolosstt
Dear Kolosstt,
now I understand it! Thank you very much for your explanation!
If I have ever seen the watch in live, I wouldn't put such a question!
Cheers,
Adam
I think when you see it on the wrist...
it makes sense and wouldn't concern me... In fact I had not questioned it at all. Thanks for your explanation.
Cheers
Andrew
I'm in agreement Adam.
It would definitely be confusing to glance down to see the date and have the seconds hand nearby. You would need to do a double take to figure out which is which.
I'm all for unique design, and unique design is often polarizing. In this case, I'm on the - pole ;-)
Thank you for the quick review of this Quattro
Really love the movement and the level of finishes.
Without doubt, there are gems in Chopard LUC collection to be discovered.
/W72
