Insider: Chopard L.U.C XPS Twist. Hands-on with a Very Elegant Timepiece with a Gorgeous Galvanized Dial.

Nothing beats the elegance of a 'time-only' watch in 18K rose gold. The new Chopard L.U.C XPS Twist is an exceptional timepiece made of Fairmined gold that as far as elegance goes, it is one of the most classic and elegant watches out there with a very unique and great looking dial. For those of you that don't know what is defined as 'Fairmined gold', here we go. Fairmined gold originates from community-based artisanal and small-scale mining organizations developed under the Alliance for Responsible Mining. Featuring an exquisitely finished case with capricious lines and understated elegance measuring 40 mm in diameter, the new Chopard L.U.C XPS Twist ref. 161945-5001 could easily be one of our all-time favorite time-only watches ever released by this manufacture.


The Dial

The new Chopard L.U.C XPS Twist features a slate-grey color dial that gets its unique appearance from its curved galvanized finish that is inspired by gold nuggets. Available in a 250-piece limited edition this time only watch is simply gorgeous. Its unique texture, snailed off-centered seconds subdial in matching slate-grey and the unique shape of its hands, make for a watch that will for sure catch the attention of anyone near you.


The Case & Buckle

With a relatively slender case in 18K rose gold, the Chopard L.U.C XPS Twist features a satin-brushed finish on its case band and a highly polished bezel and lugs. Unlike most watches with this type of look and feel, the L.U.C XPS Twist comes with its winding crown located at 4 o'clock instead of the traditional 3 o'clock position. Yet another nice touch that adds to the refinement and classy design of this timepiece.

Equipped with a hand-stitched black alligator strap, the watch is fastened by a satin-brushed finished pin buckle in matching 'fairmined' 18K rose gold. The buckle features the L.U.C engraved logo. While the watch is water resistant to 30 meters, we wouldn't dare to go in the water with it and ruin the beautiful strap.


The Movement

Fully visible via its display case back, the beating heart inside the new Chopard L.U.C XPS Twist is the COSC automatic L.U.C Caliber 96.09-L with 29 jewels and which beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph with a 65-hour power reserve thanks to its Twin technology —a Chopard-patented system combining two coaxial barrels. This super slender movement measures only 3.3 mm thick and is beautifully finished with a 22K white gold micro rotor. The movement bears the Fleurier Quality Foundation hallmark.


On the Wrist & Price

On the wrist, the new Chopard L.U.C XPS Twist wears true to its size and extremely elegant. This is one of those watches perfectly suited for formal wear whether you are attending a symphony concert at the Meyerson or a night gala at the Nasher Sculpture Center. If you are a fan of 'time-only' watches with unique looking dials, this new Chopard checks all the boxes as far as looks, design and wearability. However, like we've said it before the price tag is quite steep for Chopard's gold pieces when compared to other solid gold watches out there. Available in a limited edition of 250 pieces.

Sticker Price $18,850 USD. For more info on Chopard click here.