New
Timekeepers Club / October 3, 2017

Chopard - L.U.C XPS Collection

With new dials and a case featuring finely reworked details, the L.U.C XPS collection by Chopard is more refined than ever.

The first L.U.C XP model was launched by the Manufacture in 2006. It already displayed all the distinctive features of the L.U.C XPS: an ultra-slim case, a movement with automatic winding via a micro-rotor and a generous power reserve, as well as an elegant dial.

The modern gentleman looking for a timepiece characterized by an understated elegance will now be able to choose its ideal model from a number of variations on material and colours.

The stainless steel version frames a grained white dial while the precious rose or white gold cases are matched to silver-toned or black dials respectively.

Finally, the L.U.C XPS in 950 platinum features a blue dial and bears the “Poinçon de Genève” quality hallmark.

The new L.U.C XPS models adopt the L.U.C signature finishing for the first time, while their dial takes on new textures: finely grained for the stainless steel version, and sunburst for the gold variations. The slender rays of light are centred on the logo appearing beneath the two applied Arabic numerals expressing the cardinal-point status of the 12 o’clock indication.

Classic Dauphine-type hands are replaced here by the fusée Dauphine-type hands that are an integral part of the L.U.C collection design codes. The hour-markers are shaped like raised and faceted arrows. Finally, the inscription “Chronometer” appears under the logo in order to affirm both the rank and the vocation of Chopard Manufacture movements.

The L.U.C XPS maintains its beautiful proportions with a diameter of 40 mm and a thickness of 7.2 mm. The lugs have been slightly trimmed down to ensure an even more comfortable feel, enabling it to sit more naturally on the wrist. Its sapphire crystal has been gently domed to accentuate the softness of its lines.

The case finishing is now satin-brushed, striking a pleasing contrast with a rounded polished bezel.

The L.U.C XPS models are powered by 4 Hz (28,800 vph) movements that are automatically wound by a micro-rotor, which guarantees between 58 and 65 hours of operation depending on the model. The L.U.C XPS stainless steel models are equipped with the 96.50-L variation, while the 18-carat gold versions feature Calibre 96.12-L with an engraved 22-carat solid gold rotor.

Platinum L.U.C XPS watches are driven by Calibre 96.01-L, also equipped with a gold rotor, and above all bearing the prestigious “Poinçon de Genève” quality hallmark certifying the excellence of its finishing, as well as that of the watch as a whole.

Within the XPS letters composing its name, the “S” refers to the small seconds at 6 o’clock. The latter is required by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) and enables it to read off the precision of the movements submitted for certification.

Combined to hand-stitched alligator leather with alligator leather lining, the new Chopard L.U.C XPS have retail prices of Euro 7,790 / US$ 8,890 in stainless steel (ref. 168591-3001), Euro 15,160 / US$ 17,320 in rose gold (ref. 161948-5001), Euro 15,160 / US$ 17,320 in white gold (ref. 161948-1001) and Euro 24,630 / US$ 28,130 in platinum (ref. 161946-9001). chopard.com

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