Baselworld 2019: Chopard L.U.C XP (Specifications and Price)
Elementary without being basic, devoid of artifice and yet brimming with contrasts, the new Chopard L.U.C XP timepiece embodies the purity of design that characterises the L.U.C. collection. Its natural, casual elegance lies in the details. The texture of its dial, the virgin wool of its strap, the brilliance of its hour-markers, along with its slender shape, all reflect the tradition of Savile Row tailors. For the contemporary gentleman, Chopard L.U.C XP is like a blue cashmere flannel suit, worn with a Sea Island cotton shirt and an Ancient Madder tie: a modern classic for men of taste.
Two hands, no seconds, no date, just the essentials. L.U.C XP is the quintessence of Chopard Haute Horlogerie. Attired in steel and enhanced by a satin blue dial with rose gold accents, this ultra-thin, ultra-chic timepiece is much more sophisticated than one might think at first glance.
Meticulous
L.U.C. watchmaking is the sum of details, all of which must be perfectly thought out and executed, without the work involved being felt. This is how the natural elegance of L.U.C XP is expressed, and this timepiece takes its place on the wrist as if it had been made to measure. An extension of the Savile Row spirit that underlies L.U.C. creations, the search for perfect proportions and a perfect fit are conveyed through the lines of the Chopard L.U.C XP steel case. With its 40 mm frame, it suits all wrist sizes. At only 7.2 mm thick, it is an ideal match for every well-dressed man’s wardrobe: a cotton poplin or linen shirt, whether lightweight or 8-thread knit, as well as short or long-sleeved polo shirt.
Style
The Chopard L.U.C XP also expresses itself through its assertive character. There is something nonchalant about this intense blue dial, whose depth is enhanced by the texture of its surface. Deeply satin-brushed, it adopts a modern matt finish, while the applied hour-markers, two hands and Arabic numerals shine with a delightfully warm glow. Thus, apparently stripped down yet endowed with a wealth of substance, the L.U.C XP dial both deceives and delights the eye, like a semi-plain fabric, a miniature houndstooth motif, a tone-on-tone Prince of Wales check.
For the third consecutive year, Chopard is presenting a timepiece from its couture capsule collections. L.U.C XP comes fitted with a merino wool strap, made from a breed of sheep renowned for the finesse of the yarn it produces. In addition, a cognac alligator leather strap with brown alligator lining is included. Dyed in deep blue, the braided fabric is a natural follow-on from the blue cashmere strap launched in 2017 on a previous L.U.C XP model and the embossed leather one introduced in 2018 with the L.U.C Quattro (read more about here).
Excellence
With L.U.C XP, Chopard has created a rare watch, without making it a limited edition. The necessarily modern quantities of L.U.C collections are dictated by the rhythm of their introduction, as well as the care lavished on crafting them. This natural exclusivity, free of any deliberate effects or artifice, is rooted in the philosophy of Chopard Haute Horlogerie and its artisan-driven approach.
L.U.C XP is equipped with an ultra-thin L.U.C Calibre 96.53-L, a movement finished in accordance with the high standards upheld by Chopard Manufacture. Its automatic winding is carried out by an engraved tungsten micro rotor, the substantial weight of which optimises the winding power. It feeds two superposed barrels, based on Chopard's patented Twin architecture. Together, they guarantee the L.U.C XP a generous 58 hours of autonomy.
Chopard L.U.C XP
Technical specifications:
Ref. 168592-3002 – in stainless steel
Case:
Stainless steel
Total diameter : 40.00 mm
Thickness: 7.20 mm
Water resistance: 30 metres
Stainless steel crown with L.U.C logo: 5.00 mm
Vertical satin-brushed flanks and interhorn spaces, polished bezel and caseback
Glare-proofed sapphire crystal
Transparent sapphire exhibition back
Movement:
Self-winding movement: L.U.C 96.53-L
Number of components: 172
Total diameter: 27.4 mm
Thickness: 3.30 mm
Number of jewels: 27
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 58 hours
Two barrels –Twin technology
Bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève motif
Black engravings
Dial and hands:
Navy blue dial, vertical satin-brushed finishes
Applied rose gold-plated numerals and hour-markers
Applied rose gold-plated Dauphine-fusée hands
Functions and displays:
Central display of the hours and minutes
Strap and buckle:
Stainless steel pin buckle
Blue merino wool strap with brown alligator leather lining, hand-sewn
Second strap included, in cognac-coloured alligator leather with brown alligator leather lining, hand-sewn
The price for the Chopard L.U.C XP Ref. 168592-3002 is CHF 8,550/ $8,810/ Euro 8,100.
