Chopard L.U.C XP Esprit de Fleurier Peony Rose Gold Boutique Edition (Ref. 131944-5003)
Paying tribute to the magnificent peony flower, the L.U.C. Esprit de Fleurier Peony perpetuates the line of Chopard L.U.C Esprit de Fleurier watches presented since 2015.
Unveiled at Baselworld 2018, this year’s edition incorporates two ancient techniques – the Fleurisanne engraving and the art of paper-cutting – in addition to the watch making expertise of the Chopard Manufacture.
In this new model, Chopard has chosen to depict the delicate peony flower through the art of paper-cutting, which originated in the East and has been practiced by many civilisations through the ages.
The new Chopard L.U.C XP Esprit de Fleurier Peony watch is adorned with a stylised peony providing a remarkable demonstration of the art of using solids and voids. Crafted in black paper, the motif stands out beautifully against the majestic setting of the Grand Feu enamelled white dial. Framing the depiction and running along the bezel, lugs and case middle, the diamond setting accentuates this delicate and graceful cutting.
The peony also appears at the beating heart of the watch in the form of engravings on the 18-carat rose gold movement bridges. The technique used is Fleurisanne engraving, a traditional artistic craft belongs to the Fleurier region of Switzerland.
The singularity of this relief engraving technique consists of “sparing” the motif that one wishes to stand out. The surface thus preserved is then engraved with dainty volutes of peony petals and leaves. The background is individually dotted to create a grained appearance. Once the engraving is complete, the movement is rhodium-plated in order to give rise to a supremely elegant two-tone movement.
Each of the production stages of L.U.C watches is entirely conducted in the Maison’ssites in Geneva and Fleurier. Movement development, design, gold smelting, case stamping and machining, production of movement components and metal bracelets, as well as polishing, assembly, gem-setting, adjustments and quality control: the entire range of operations are performed in-house.
Dressed in a rose gold case, the new Chopard L.U.C XP Esprit de Fleurier Peony watch houses the L.U.C 96.23-L self-winding movement equipped with patented Twin technology involving two coaxial stacked barrels ensuring a 65-hour power reserve.
Housing such a self-winding movement in an ultra-thin 7.50 mm case is a real feat in itself. It was made possible by an ingenious construction featuring a micro-rotor, visible through the exhibition back.
The watch is issued in an eight-piece limited edition.
Technical details
Model: Chopard L.U.C XP Esprit de Fleurier Peony
Ref. 131944-5003 –in 18-carat rose gold
8-piece limited boutique exclusive edition
Case
18-carat rose gold
Total diameter: 35 mm
Thickness: 7.70 mm
Water resistance: 30 metres
18-carat rose gold crown with L.U.C logo: 5.00 mm
Upper crystal with anti-glare and anti-UV treatment
Diamond-set bezel, sides, lugs and case middle
Polished exhibition back with glareproofed sapphire crystal
Hand-engraved case-back surround
Movement
Mechanical self-winding: L.U.C 96.23-L
Winding by a 22-carat gold micro-rotor
Number of parts: 168
Total diameter: 27.40 mm
Thickness: 3.50 mm
Number of jewels: 29
Frequency: 28,800 vph(4 Hz)
Power reserve: approx. 65 hours
Two-tone 18-carat rose gold movement – rhodium-plated after engraving
Hand-crafted Fleurisanne engravings – peony motif
Two barrels – Twin technology
Balance spring with flat terminal curve
Dial
Gold dial coated with Grand Feu enamel featuring a black peony motif crafted using the paper-cutting technique typical of the Pays d’Enhaut
Gilded Dauphine fusee-type hours and minutes hands
Functions
Central display of the hours and minutes
Strap
Brushed black canvas strap
Diamond-set polished 18-carat rose gold pin buckle
