Chopard L.U.C Lunar Big Date New White Gold Model Ref. 161969-1001
Swiss luxury watch brand Chopard unveils a new L.U.C Lunar Big Date timepiece crafted in 18-carat white gold.
First launched in 2009 in an 18-carat rose gold version, the Chopard L.U.C Lunar Big Date watch boasts a poetic moon phase, which is so accurate that the difference between the true lunar cycle and the indication given by the timepiece amounts to just one day every 122 years.
With its portion of the night sky visible on the dial, the moon phase is associated here with the central hour and minute hands, a large date display at 12 o’clock and a small second’s indication between 4 and 5 o’clock.
The Fleurier Manufacture’s self-winding L.U.C Calibre 96.20-L is housed in a generous 42 mm-diameter case in polished 18-carat white gold with a satin-brushed case-band.
A silver-toned sunburst satin-brushed dial, elegantly studded with Roman numerals and swept over by Dauphine hands featuring the L.U.C design, sets the perfect finishing touch to this pleasingly balanced visual effect.
The vision of the Moon seen from Earth changes in time with its rotation: its visible side may be completely lit up by the Sun (full Moon), entirely plunged into darkness (new Moon) or only partially illuminated (various moon phases). The interval between two identical moon phases – called a month or a synodical revolution – is equivalent to 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes and 2.8 seconds.
Achieving such accuracy in a wristwatch is an extremely complex feat to which Chopard Manufacture has risen with significant talent. The L.U.C Lunar Big Date is endowed with an extremely precise device in which the wheel driving the moon-bearing disc comprises 135 teeth.
The indication is so precise that the discrepancy between the mechanism and the real lunar cycle amounts to just one day in 122 years. The various moon phases are visible for both Northern and Southern hemispheres through a particularly large aperture ensuring easy readability. In addition, the Northern part of the disc features the Big Dipper constellation, while the Southern part displays the Southern Cross.
Two stacked co-axial barrels ensures a 65-hour supply of energy to the movement with its balance oscillating at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour.
Chronometer-certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC), the movement is visible through the exhibition case-back.
Fitted with a black hand-sewn alligator leather strap secured by a pin buckle, the L.U.C Lunar Big Date is an exceptional watch in terms of both precision and elegance.
Technical details
Model: Chopard L.U.C Lunar Big Date in White Gold
Case
18-carat white gold case
Total diameter: 42.00 mm
Thickness: 11.04 mm
Water-resistant to 50 metres
Crown in 18-carat white gold
Correctors at 4 o’clock for the moon phase, between 1 and 2 o’clock for the date
Glare-proofed sapphire crystal
Exhibition back
Movement
Mechanical self-winding L.U.C 96.20-L
Total diameter: 33.00 mm
Thickness: 5.25 mm
Number of jewels: 33
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4Hz)
Power reserve: 65 hours
Bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève motif
Chronometer-certified (COSC)
Dial and hands
Silver-toned sunburst satin-brushed dial
Dauphine hands for the hours, minutes and small second
Functions and indications
Central hour and minute hands
Big date at 12 o’clock
Small seconds between 4 and 5 o’clock
Orbital moon phase at 7 o’clock
Stop seconds
Strap and buckle
Hand-sewn black alligator leather strap
Folding clasp in 18-carat white gold
