If you like chocolate brown dials and watches that come with a chocolate brown color scheme, then you are going to love this watch. The new Chopard L.U.C GMT One in 18K rose gold ref. 161943-5001 was just released last week at Salon QP in London and we are already bringing you our hands-on review of it. This new timepiece from the young manufacture from Fleurier who is celebrating its 20th anniversary, is a perfect addition to the L.U.C Complications collection from Chopard. Fitted with a 42 mm satin-brushed case in 18K rose gold case —also available in stainless steel with black sunburst dial— and a chocolate brown color scheme, this watch is not only beautiful but very functional at the same time, as it allows the wearer to keep track of time in two different time zones.
The Dial
Fitted with a sunburst satin-brushed brown dial and a snailed chapter ring, the watch features a rotating GMT flange with silver-toned day sector and dark brown night sector. The dial is very clean from a design standpoint and a true chameleon when it comes to its hue as it is exposed to different lighting conditions. The dial is rounded out by a convenient date aperture at 6 o'clock, dauphine hands with superluminova for the hours and minutes and an baton type hands with arrow tip for the second time zone. Without a doubt, this new Chopard L.U.C GMT One in 18K Rose Gold is dressier than its stainless steel counterpart with black dial.
The Crowns
In keeping with the fundamental spirit of the L.U.C collection, the new Chopard L.U.C GMT One in 18K rose gold is an exceptional timepiece that is easy to use and appreciate on a day to day basis. Featuring two crowns, one positioned at 2 o’clock and the other at 4 o'clock, the first one is used to adjust the date and local time, while the latter controls the second time zone hand. The crowns feature L.U.C and globe engravings respectively.
The Strap
The new Chopard L.U.C GMT One 18K Rose Gold is equipped with a dark brown alligator leather strap with alligator leather lining and an 18K rose gold pin buckle. While the strap is very nicely made and well finished, we feel that it is somewhat thick for such an elegant timepiece. We think that a much thinner rolled edges alligator strap, would've been much better.
The Movement
The beating heart powering the new L.U.C GMT One is the newly developed in-house automatic movement, calibre L.U.C 01.10-L. This new movement composed of 291 parts and 31 jewels, beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph —4 Hz— to provide a power reserve of 60 hours when fully wound. The movement, fully visible via the display case back is very nicely finished with chamfered bridges and adorned with Côtes de Genève throughout. Like all L.U.C watches equipped with a seconds indicator, the L.U.C GMT One is a certified chronometer by the COSC.
On the Wrist & Pricing
On the wrist, the new Chopard L.U.C GMT One wears slightly smaller than its actual size and more like a 40 mm timepiece. The strap is definitely very stiff and one that for sure will need a good break-in period. Other than that, this is by far one of our favorite chocolate brown themed timepieces out there. As far as pricing, we feel that the number could've been slightly lower, if you take into consideration that the new Chopard L.U.C Time Traveler One in 18K rose gold is only $22,500 USD and you're getting way more watch for just a few thousand dollars over. Regardless, the value equation is not that far off when it comes to how much watch you're getting for your money. In sum, a great looking watch that is well executed, well crafted and very functional at the same time.
Sticker Price $19,200 USD. For more info on Chopard click here.
