Chopard from the classic brands of jewelry and luxury watches is the guest of our Hands-On corner with the Chopard L.U.C All-In-One 18K Pink Gold model from the highly acclaimed L.U.C Collection which is known with outstanding timepieces that push the boundaries of hi-end watchmaking.
The new All-In-One series, one of the brand’s Baselworld 2018 novelties, consists of two versions that are limited to a total of 10 units per each. In addition to the 18K pink gold model that we have here for review, there is also a Platinum version in the newly introduced series.
Presenting a totally opposite structure to the simply designed Chopard L.U.C Quattro that has been the guest of our pages over the past few weeks, Chopard L.U.C All-In-One is one of the rare models collecting the most popular complications of high-end watchmaking under the same roof.
The new model is offered in an 18K pink gold case measuring 46mm in diameter and 18.50mm in height. I am particularly pleased to note that, despite the large dimensions and considerable weight of the 18K pink gold, the timepiece is very comfortable on the wrist. The case is equipped with anti-glare coated scratch resistant sapphire crystals on both sides and it is water resistant to 30 meters, which is a reasonable value for the model’s segment. There is the large L.U.C signed winding crown and 4 different recessed pushers on sides and even between the lugs of the case to adjust the functions of the model.
The dial of the model is relatively simple, contrary to what is expected from a Grand Complication-oriented watch. The Tourbillon cage is visible though the hole at 6 o’clock. The sub-dial at 3 o’clock combines the leap year and month indicators while the one at 9 o’clock features the 12/24 indicator and day display. The date display is located at 12 o’clock with the Grande Date style window. An interesting color tone was chosen, "Verdigris" in the brand terminology, for the dial which is inspired by the color of the patina that grows over metals like bronze or brass upon oxidation. The dial, which features no kinds of phosphor treatment, is decorated with hand-applied “Guilloché“ motifs and accompanied with 18K pink gold hands and indices.
One of the most important features of the new model is its movement which easily deserves to be called an art piece in both visual and technical terms. The hand-wound Tourbillon Caliber L.U.C 05.01-L is known as one of the most complicated movements Chopard has designed up to now. The 42-jewels movement that we are familiar with from the special edition model which has been introduced to commemorate the brand’s 150th anniversary back in 2010, beats at a frequency of 4Hz (28.800vph) and offers an impressive 7 days power reserve when fully wound. Functions such as time, date, day, leap year and 12/24 display of the movement are monitored through the dial while the other features like of Equation of Time, day/night indicator, sunrise/sunset indicator and orbital moon phase disc are read from the rear of the movement thanks to the sapphire crystal display case back. The caliber has earned both the Poinçon de Genève quality mark and a C.O.S.C. chronometer certification, which means that it is as beautifully adorned as it is technically precise in its accuracy.
Chopard L.U.C All-In-One 18K Pink Gold is equipped with a semi-gloss hand-sewn brown alligator strap that is secured with a L.U.C signed 18K pink gold folding clasp and is limited to a span of 10 units only.
