The new L.U.C. Full Strike Revelation ref. 161947-0002 is distinguished by its innovative design, exceptional acoustic qualities, and natural elegance, the L.U.C Full Strike timepiece now appears in a new limited edition of just 20 pieces with a sapphire crystal dial that reveals the intricate mechanics within the manual wound calibre powering this watch.
This exclusive version features a case crafted from 18K ethical yellow gold measuring 42.5 mm in diameter and 11.55 mm in thickness.
Sapphire crystal dials in minute repeaters represent a significant innovation in horological acoustics. Unlike traditional metal dials that can dampen sound transmission, sapphire crystal offers exceptional acoustic properties that enhance the minute repeater's auditory experience. The primary acoustic advantage of sapphire crystal dials lies in their hardness and rigidity. Sapphire has a Mohs hardness of 9, second only to diamond among natural materials. This exceptional hardness creates an ideal medium for sound propagation, allowing vibrations from the gongs to travel through the material with minimal energy loss or distortion.
In cases like Chopard's L.U.C Full Strike where the sapphire crystal gongs are physically integrated with the sapphire dial, the results are particularly impressive. This integration creates what acousticians call a "coupled oscillator"—where components vibrate in harmony rather than competing with each other. This produces several acoustic benefits:
Enhanced amplitude – The larger surface area of the integrated structure helps project sound more efficiently into the surrounding air.
Improved tonal purity – Sapphire's crystalline structure allows for cleaner, more harmonically consistent tones without the metallic overtones sometimes present in traditional repeaters.
Greater sound consistency – Traditional minute repeaters can experience sound variation as the power reserve depletes; sapphire crystal systems tend to maintain more consistent acoustic properties throughout the power reserve.
Superior resonance – The homogeneity of the material creates a resonance chamber effect that amplifies the strike without unwanted frequency coloration.
The transparency of sapphire crystal dials offers an added visual dimension to the minute repeater experience, allowing wearers to observe the hammers striking the gongs while simultaneously enjoying the enhanced acoustics—creating a multi-sensory horological experience that engages both eyes and ears.
The piece harmoniously combines the sophisticated L.U.C 08.01-L minute repeater movement with the warmth of precious gold and exquisite Haute Horlogerie finishes that have earned it the prestigious 'Poinçon de Genève' quality hallmark. This collector's watch offers chronometer-certified precision alongside patented innovations. Chopard Manufacture has created an extraordinary minute repeater in which the sapphire crystal and gongs form a single, integrated entity. This revolutionary design generates a sound that is uniquely rich, crystal-clear, consistent, and powerful—characteristics unmatched in the horological world.
The 533-part manual wound movement calibre L.U.C 08.01L features a small seconds indicator at 6 o’clock and a power reserve indicator at 2 o’clock providing separate indications for the mainspring powering the watch and the minute repeater mechanism. This movement provides a power reserve of 60 hours while beating at a frequency of 28,800 vph.
Sticker Price Upon Request. More info on Chopard here.
