The Gentleman's Code: Discover Chopard’s L.U.C XP and L.U.C Perpetual Chrono

With its refined combination of form and function, the Chopard L.U.C timepieces have always struck a chord with the most discerning stylish gentleman. Two new options from the Fleurier maison, the ultra-thin L.U.C XP and the complicated L.U.C Perpetual Chrono, are poised to do the same. We break down their noble qualities.

Style with attitude: L.U.C XP

As a dress watch, the L.U.C XP from Chopard is a study in refined minimalism. Think a dial of silver finely satin-brushed for that subtle textural effect. Then there are the slender hour markers in the shape of arrows matched with blued broad numerals. Sweeping over them are Dauphine fusée-type hands, sturdy-looking and dependable; the watch only has the hour and minute hands to maintain a clean aesthetic.

Similar design consideration extends to the ultra-thin case, which is crafted in stainless steel, a fuss-free but robust material. The bezel is polished while the flanks are satin-brushed. The perfectly curved lugs are attached to a woven cashmere strap in blue.

Underneath this elegant appearance beats the L.U.C 96.53-L calibre, a high performance automatic movement with tungsten micro rotor and dual-barrel Twin technology that provides at least 58 hours of power reserve.

Must-read: The Chopard L.U.C interpretations of the perpetual calendar and minute repeater

A collector’s watch: L.U.C Perpetual Chrono

Nothing piques a man’s interest like a solidly built instrument that looks as good as it is purposeful. Throw in the ethical element, and he’s as good as sold.

Above Photo: Chopard

The Perpetual Chrono features the dual complication of a chronograph with flyback function and a perpetual calendar that requires only one adjustment in 122 years. This double operation is made possible by the new Calibre 3.10-L that boasts one of the most sophisticated constructions in haute horlogerie.

A column wheel responsible for all the chronograph functions is complemented with progressive-contact hammers that guarantee optimal precision and a vertical coupling clutch that makes certain smooth and reliable activation.

Then there is the perpetual calendar that operates the date, day, month and orbital moon-phase display. As if those weren’t enough, the engineers at Chopard have also included the day/night and leap year indicators.

Above Photo: Chopard

Despite sharing only a few square millimeters of space, the various functions have been designed with maximum legibility in mind. All displays are clear and easy to locate, complemented with gold Roman numerals and sleek Dauphine hands set against a silver-coloured gold dial that has been sun-brushed and hand-guilloched.

You also get a peace of mind with the double certification of COSC and Poincon de Genève. The former qualifies the watch as a reliable chronometer while the latter is an assurance that every part of the watch from movement to finishing meets the highest standards of Geneva watchmaking.

Also see: Haute horlogerie's strict quality standards

In addition, every piece of gold used to make the watch, including the 18k gold for the 45mm case, are ethically and directly sourced from small scale mining communities. Since July this year, Chopard became the first luxury brand to have all of its gold creations made 100% from Fairmined gold.

L.U.C Perpetual Chrono is available in rose and white gold, each limited to 20 pieces.

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Chopard L.U.C Perpetual Chrono L.U.C XPS

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The Gentleman's Code: Discover Chopard’s L.U.C XP and L.U.C Perpetual Chrono