Chopard L.U.C Perpetual Twin
Chopard has recently updated one of their most popular collections, but we’re not referring to the Mille Miglia. This time around we’ll take a look at the L.U.C model line, which bears the founders initials “Louis-Ulysse Chopard”. They released a pair of perpetual calendar timepieces, dubbed the “Chopard L.U.C Perpetual Twin” with varying hues and alloys.
The round 43mm case is available in either 18k rose gold or stainless-steel, both with a transparent sapphire exhibition case back that allows to view the inner workings of the mechanical movement.
Mounted to the case is polished bezel which contrastes finely with the satin-brushed finish. It comes equipped with a setting-crown and on tucked away on each opposite side of the case we can find the inset pushers, which allow to adjust the perpetual calendar features. All topped by a sapphire crystal that also assists with water-resistance reaching up to 30 meters (98 feet).
Time is exhibited in either a grey (rose gold) or blue (stainless-steel) dial, both obtained by galvanic treatment with a satin-brushed sunburst finish centered on the date. Depending on version their are gold-plated or rhodium-plated index hour markers, followed by a railroad-motif minute ring circling the periphery of the dial.
The perpetual calendar is scattered about with two contrasting sub-dials with a guilloché treatment: month at 3 o’clock and day at 9 o’clock; plus a big date two-window aperture under the 12 o’clock mark. A minuscule leap-year sub-dial can be seen protruding from the month ring, which is decorated with a unique pointer and a speck of red in the form of a “4”.
The central dauphine-style hour/minute hands have both undergone a luminescent coating, for an enhanced legibility. It is a subtle touch, but adds an Art-Deco style reminiscent of the original iterations of this collection. There is also a sub-seconds aligned with the 6 o’clock position and color match with the background hue, which allows the perpetual calendar elements to stand out.
Chopard L.U.C Perpetual Twin
The “Chopard L.U.C Perpetual Twin” (References below) is powered by the in-house self-winding mechanical movement, caliber L.U.C 96.22-L with 29 jewels and 28,800 vph. This is inspired by the original L.U.C. 1.96 caliber, developed in 1996 in a partnership with Michel Parmigiani; which was itself inspired by the legendary Patek Philippe cal.240. Power reserve on this timepiece can last up to 65-hour, when fully wound.
Mounted to the watches is a blue or brown calfskin strap with a nubuck effect and hand-sewn exposed stitchings, while secured to wrist by a buckle (matching each versions case alloy). For more up to date information visit the official Chopard website here.
