Chopard has created the unique L.U.C 1860 timepiece exclusively for the Only Watch 2023 charity auction. This special model takes inspiration from the first timepiece in the L.U.C collection presented in 1997.
This unique interpretation of the historic L.U.C watch combines the sophistication of an Ice Green-toned solid white gold guilloché dial with a 36.5 mm case made of Chopard’s exclusive Lucent Steel™ alloy, as well as a finely crafted chronometer-certified movement.
Lucent Steel™ is a specially developed alloy with properties comparable to those of surgical steel. Sustainably produced, it entered the watchmaking world with the 2019 launch of the Alpine Eagle collection. As of 2023, Chopard has pledged to roll out 80% recycled steel for all its steel watches, a further demonstration of its ongoing commitment to responsible luxury.
Made of solid white gold, the elegant Ice Green-toned dial evokes the beauty of green icebergs, which are found exclusively in the Antarctic. The Ice Green color of the dial strikes a contrast with the herringbone-shaped white gold hour-markers that echo the slender, facetted Dauphine-type hands.
The dial centre boasts a hand-guilloched radiating pattern surrounding the historical Chopard logo housed in a cartouche at 12 o’clock. The chapter ring is satin-brushed. The snailed small seconds counter is positioned at 6 o’clock in a beautiful balance of symmetry and proportions, further accentuated by the absence of a date aperture which also contributes to the pared-down design.
This unique piece carries the prestigious Poinçon de Genève certification, which guarantees the quality and smooth functioning of watches assembled in the Canton.
The L.U.C 1860 Only Watch Edition timepiece houses the L.U.C 96.40-L movement. It is a variation on the very first L.U.C calibre, which marked the creation of the Chopard Manufacture watchmaking workshops in 1996.
Measuring just 3.3mm in thickness, this self-winding mechanical calibre comes with an off-centre micro-rotor in 22-carat gold, whose high inertia enables the efficient winding of two barrels. Stacked in accordance with Chopard Twin technology, these barrels store the energy required for a total 65-hour power reserve.
The L.U.C 96.40-L movement drives a small seconds indication, a prerequisite for chronometer certification by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute. It is also equipped with a stop-second function and a swan’s-neck index assembly. Finally, all the bridges are carefully chamfered and adorned with a Côtes de Genève motif.
The L.U.C 1860 Only Watch Edition comes with anthracite grey grained calfskin leather strap.
Technical details
Model: Chopard L.U.C 1860 Only Watch Edition in Lucent Steel™, Unique Piece for Only Watch 2023, Reference 168860-3004
Case
Lucent Steel™
Total diameter 36.50 mm
Thickness 8.20 mm
Water resistance 30 metres
Notched crown in steel with engraved L.U.C logo 5 mm
Vertical satin-brushed flanks and inter-horn space
Polished bezel and case-back surround
Sapphire crystal glare-proofed on both sides
Exhibition sapphire crystal pane fitted on the case-back
Movement
Mechanical self-winding L.U.C 96.40-L
Number of components 176
Total diameter 27.40 mm
Thickness 3.30 mm
Number of jewels 29
Frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve 65 hours
Two barrels – Chopard Twin technology
Winding via a micro-rotor in engraved ethical 22-carat gold
Bridges adorned with a Côtes de Genève motif
Annular balance
Swan’s-neck index-assembly
Balance-spring with Phillips terminal curve
Chronometer-certified by the COSC
Poinçon de Genève quality label
Dial
Ice Green-toned white gold dial with hand-guilloché central medallion and satin-brushed chapter ring
Snailed small seconds counter
White gold chevron-type hour-markers
White gold Dauphine-type hours and minutes hands
Baton-type small seconds hand in white gold
Functions and displays
Central display of the hours and minutes
Small seconds at 6 o’clock
Stop-seconds function
Strap
Anthracite grey calfskin leather strap with tone-on-tone stitching
Lucent Steel™ pin buckle with L.U.C engraving
Estimate
CHF 25,000 – 35,000
