Chopard L.U.C Louis-Ulysse – The Tribute Limited Edition
The Geneva Watchmaking School and Chopard Manufacture collaborated to develop the L.U.C EHG movement, a new pocket-watch calibre aimed for the students of the Geneva Watchmaking School and which brings to life the anniversary model L.U.C Louis-Ulysse – The Tribute.
The L.U.C EGH movement was created in conjunction with the Geneva Watchmaking School and Chopard Manufacture. The EHG no longer had some of the required components for the calibre allowing the apprentices to finish their school project, and it was difficult to acquire them considering the small amounts needed.
On the other hand, Chopard Manufacture wanted to develop a pocket-watch movement in order to create a new piece. It is in this way that the idea of a partnership was born which allowed the apprentices to study and realise a school project, an inalterable landmark in the life of any watchmaker. Through this collaboration, Chopard confirmed its support for training and apprentice watchmakers and pays tribute to Geneva, the city that has welcomed Chopard since 1937.
This new movement is beautifully highlighted in the L.U.C Louis-Ulysse –The Tribute, a pocket-watch created by Chopard to celebrate its 150th Anniversary this year.
It is a bridge between tradition and modern times, a tribute to time-honoured know-how expressed in a distinctly contemporary manner. To celebrate its one and a half centuries of existence, Chopard is presenting the L.U.C Louis-Ulysse – The Tribute model, a historically inspired timepiece enriched with undeniably modern accents.
The L.U.C Louis-Ulysse – The Tribute model is a pocket-watch which can be transformed into a wristwatch in homage to Louis-Ulysse Chopard, who founded Chopard in 1860. It is also a reinterpretation of an invention of Karl Scheufele I: the founder of Eszeha, the Scheufele family company, who is today the owner of Chopard developed in 1912 an ingenious system allowing a pocket-watch to be worn on the wrist. This innovative watch is available in limited edition.
Inspired by a pocket-watch, but reinterpreted as a contemporary object, the L.U.C Louis-Ulysse – The Tribute model enshrines a century and a half of Chopard’s horological heritage. This exceptional timepiece that is both a pocket-watch and a wristwatch features a blend of identity codes and draws inspiration from modern times while evoking some of Chopard’s finest hours.
Watchmaking literature mentions a patent filed by Karl Scheufele I for special lugs designed to fasten a pocket-watch and transform it into a wristwatch. Based on this idea, the designers and watchmakers at Chopard Manufacture have developed the L.U.C Louis Ulysse – The Tribute model that can be transformed from pocket-watch to wristwatch in one swift move, and vice-versa.
The original system based on “adjustable lugs” alone has now been replaced by an extremely reliable cradle system that considerably facilitates handling. The case is placed inside it and firmly clasped between the adjustable lugs by a simple quarter-turn of the cradle base. Switching back from wristwatch to pocket-watch is equally as simple.
Crafted in white gold and featuring satin-brushed and polished finishes, the generously sized 49.6 mm-diameter case is water-resistant to 30 metres.
Distinguished by its bow and its crown at 12 o’clock, it houses the new L.U.C EHG Pocket Watch movement. This mechanical hand-wound movement oscillates at a cadence of 21,600 vibrations per hour and is endowed with an over 80-hour power reserve. Driving the hour and minute hands as well as small seconds at 6 o’clock, this movement is chronometer-certified by the COSC and also stamped with the prestigious Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark.
Protected by a cambered sapphire crystal, the “lacquered ceramic” dial inspired by a historical model bears the legend “L.U.Chopard 1860” at 12 o’clock, in accordance with the practice of brand founder Louis-Ulysse Chopard, as well as the red L.U.C logo at 6 o’clock.
It carries the signature features of the new L.U.C watch DNA: Dauphine fusée-type hour and minute minutes, as well as Roman typography for the letters and numerals evoking a classic Chopard dial and reflecting the style prevalent in the 1940s and 1950s, while appearing in a more square-cut, modern interpretation.
The hand-sewn matt black alligator leather strap is fastened by a pin buckle adorned with the Chopard logo. The L.U.C Louis-Ulysse – The Tribute model comes with a chain allowing it to be worn as a pocket-watch.
This contemporary homage to the art of watchmaking represented by the L.U.C Louis-Ulysse – The Tribute model is issued in a limited edition of 150 to mark Chopard’s 150th birthday.
Technical details
The L.U.C Louis-Ulysse – The Tribute model
Ref. 161923-1001, Limited edition: 150
Case
18-carat white gold
Total diameter: 49.60 mm
Thickness without fastening system: 11.27 mm
Thickness including fastening system: 14.50 mm
Water-resistant to 30 metres
18-carat white gold crown with L.U.C logo: 7.20 mm
Glare-resistant cambered sapphire crystal
Exhibition back
Movement
Pocket movement
Mechanical hand-wound movement L.U.C EHG (Geneva Watchmaking School)
Total diameter: 43.20 mm
Thickness: 5.50 mm
Number of jewels: 20
Frequency: 21,600 vph
Power reserve: 80 hours
Bridges adorned with “Côtes de Genève” motif
Chronometer-certified (COSC)
Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark
Dial and hands
White dial in “lacquered ceramic”
Black Dauphine fusée-type hour and minute hands
Functions and displays
Central hour and minute hands
Small seconds at 6 o’clock
Strap and buckle
Hand-sewn black alligator leather lined with brown alligator leather
18-carat white gold pin buckle
