For 20 years, Chopard Manufacture has been creating the watches in the L.U.C collection. This year at Baselworld 2016, Chopard is once again shaking up the classic codes of complicated Haute Horlogerie by introducing the new L.U.C Perpetual Twin, an all steel chronometer-certified perpetual calendar. The L.U.C Perpetual Twin is endowed with the mechanical excellence of Chopard complications while housing its perpetual calendar movement within a stainless steel 43 mm case.
The L.U.C Perpetual Twin offers a new approach to the perpetual calendar ensuring maximum readability. A large twin-aperture date display, a flagship complication of the L.U.C collection, is positioned at 12 o’clock, while the days and months each have their own dedicated outsized subdial. Finally, the year indication has been miniaturized and offset to the months dial. Therefore, the February indication location reveals whether or not the year is a leap year. Large polished and raised Roman numerals run around the rim of the silver-toned dial. Alternating matte and polished finishes create a delightful shimmering effect on this new and original timepiece.
With its incomparable style and its hand-sewn black alligator leather strap with pin buckle, the L.U.C Perpetual Twin asserts itself at first glance through a strong aesthetic picking up the key characteristics of the L.U.C collection.
A calendar is said to be perpetual if it displays the exact date in all circumstances. It mechanically calculates and shows the duration of months variously lasting 28, 29, 30 and 31 days. Its mode of operation calls for extremely sophisticated construction and adjustment so as to remain consistently accurate. Based on the micro-rotor technique coupled with two barrels —patented Twin technology—, this calibre supplies the watch with a comfortable 58-hour power reserve. In keeping with the quality demands of the manufacture, the movement is finished in accordance with the highest aesthetic standards. Its components are all hand-bevelled and their surface is either circular-grained or adorned with a Côtes de Genève motif, depending on their position within this distinguished mechanism. Finally, its chronometric rating precision is certified by the COSC, reflecting the determination of Chopard Co-President, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, who devotes great importance to independent certification of the timekeeping precision achieved by L.U.C watches.
On the wrist, the watch wears true to its size and extremely elegantly. This is a watch that brings all sorts of unexpected elements to the table, especially coming from such a young manufacture. All we know, is that after reviewing this watch in person, we can attest that the craftsmanship, quality and design are present all the way in this timepiece, especially considering its affordable price tag.
Sticker Price $25,760 USD. For more info on Chopard click here.
