THE SOFTNESS OF CASHMERE

True to the codes of the L.U.C collection, the XP model features a simple dial housed in a steel case, rounded off by a woven cashmere strap, for unique comfort and softness on your wrist

The initials L.U.C belong to Louis-Ulysse Chopard, the founder of the watchmaking firm of the same name, which is now a prestigious international brand. These three letters alone, separated by two dots, represent mechanical skill and immense elegance. The contemporary collections bear the initials of the founder of Chopard and containinside them technical developments that have won such craftsmanship labels as the Geneva Seal and Fleurier Quality. With the new L.U.C XPmodel presented in Basel, the brand from Geneva has risen to a newchallenge: showing how a watch made of steel can be as beautiful as a piece made of gold and how simplicity can outweigh complexity.

The heart of the L.U.C XP beats at 28 800 vibrations an hour (4Hz), and its Twin® technology, consisting in superimposing two barrels,results in the calibre L.U.C 96.53-L providing a power reserve of 58 hours. This extra-flat self-winding movement features a micro-rotor made of tungsten, a very hard and resistant metal. You can admire its oscillations through the sapphire glass case back.

40mm wide and 7.20mm thick, the steel setting is crowned by a slimbezel, leaving a wider opening for the dial. The latter is coloured silver and decorated with a vertical satin effect. The hour rim is made up of triangular metal indices for the markers and large blue Arabic numerals for the cardinal points. The hours and minutes are displayed by two central hands that are also blue, and with a dauphine-style shape that has been reworked and made more slender like a rocket. The absence of a second hand or second counter means that attention is focused on the Chopard watch’s simple and timeless dial. 

The elegance of the L.U.C XP model can also be seen in its strap. For the first time, woven cashmere wool has made its appearance in the brand’s watch collections. This soft, silky fibre is blue in colour, similar to the colour of jeans. The strap is doubled with brown alligator leather and rounded off by a steel ardillon buckle.

Price: 8 220 CHF chopard.com

By Sharmila Bertin