1963 was the year when the Scheufele family became the owners of Chopard. A discreet tribute to the family tradition, L.U.C 1963 watches directly evoke the aesthetic of the pocket watches made by the company at that time. Introducing the Chopard 1963 L.U.C Tourbillon.
The watch is 40mm and has a 18ct rose gold case. It features two noticeable features. The first is the dial. It is crafted in accordance with the traditional Grand Feu enamelling technique and composed of a plate dusted with enamel powder and then fired at high temperature (900°C), hence the French term Grand Feu (literally ‘great fire’). The manual, artisan-style operation is repeated several times and always implies the risk of damaging the dial.
The latter is then hand-polished to erase the micro-bubbles formed on its surface. Finally, a last firing of a transparent enamel coating called fondant or glazing gives a unique brilliance.
The Chopard 1963 L.U.C Tourbillon with grand feu enamel dial
The second feature of the watch is the tourbillon. The tourbillon bridge features only two attachment points compared with the usual four. Delicately open worked and pared down to essentials, it is also meticulously chamfered and satin-brushed to set the crowning touch to the movement finishing.
The L.U.C Calibre 02.19-L1 is an evolved and 0.6 mm slimmer version of the 02.01-L movement. It is slimmer because of the enamel dial been slightly thicker than a normal dial. This exceptional calibre powers a tourbillon at 6 o’clock as well as a nine-day power reserve.
The L.U.C Calibre 02.19-L1
The power-reserve display at 12 o’clock has an eight-day graduated scale, serving as a reminder that the L.U.C Calibre 02.19-L1 is endowed with the patented Quattro® technology supplying the movement with 216 hours of operating autonomy.
In accordance with the wish expressed by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, co-president of Chopard and founder of Chopard Manufacture, the rating precision of the L.U.C 1963 Tourbillon is certified by the COSC, as are all L.U.C watches with a seconds indication. This model also bears the Poinçon de Genève, guaranteeing the extremely high level of finishing on its components. They are chamfered, straight-grained, circular-grained and/or polished, depending on their position and function within the movement. This certification has recently been enriched and now encompasses the entire watch, its parts, its rating regularity, as well as its case.
We think this watch has been tastefully done, and we especially love the grand feu enamel dial. Our man in Basel, had the watch on his wrist, while this release was being prepared. Thanks to the quickness of technology, here is a live shot of the watch on the wrist.
Live shot of the watch from Basel!
It is a limited edition of 100 pieces.
For more information visit Chopard.com/baselworld
Technical details
Case:
18ct rose gold
Total diameter 40 mm
Thickness 10.60 mm
Water resistance 50 metres
18ct rose gold crown with L.U.C logo 7.50 mm
Vertical satin-brushed case middle
Polished bezel and case-back
Exhibition back
Glareproofed sapphire crystal
Movement:
Hand-wound movement L.U.C 02.19-L1
Total diameter 29.70 mm
Thickness 5.50 mm
Number of jewels 33
Frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve 216 hours
Four barrels – Quattro® technology
Mainplate and bridges in rhodiumed brass
Côtes de Genève adorned bridges
“Chronometer” certified (COSC)
Poinçon de Genève
Dial and hands:
White Grand Feu enamel dial with black transfers
Gilt Dauphine hour and minute hands
Gilt small seconds hand and power-reserve pointer
Railtrack chapter ring
Functions and displays:
Tourbillon at 6 o’clock
Central display of the hours and minutes
Small seconds displayed at 6 o’clock on the tourbillon carriage and power-reserve
Strap and buckle:
Hand-sewn brown alligator leather strap with alligator lining
18ct rose gold pin buckle
Ref. 161970-5001 – in 18ct rose gold
Limited edition of 100 pieces
