In the world of haute horlogerie, Chopard's LUC collection represents the pinnacle of watchmaking craftsmanship and technical prowess. More than just timekeeping instruments, Chopard's LUC watches are wearable works of art that embody the passion, skill and innovation of the artisans at Chopard's Geneva and Fleurier watchmaking manufactories. From the meticulous finishing of movement components to the hand-crafted enamel dials, every detail of these watches reflects a deep respect for horological tradition and a forward-thinking approach to watchmaking.
We discover three extraordinary timepieces in the LUC collection: the LUC Qualité Fleurier, the LUC XPS Forest Green and the LUC Quattro Spirit 25. All of them embody Chopard's savoir-faire in craftsmanship, precision and aesthetic refinement.
LUC Qualité Fleurier: a symphony of precision and elegance The LUC Qualité Fleurier epitomizes Chopard's watchmaking expertise, combining exceptional craftsmanship with rigorous certification standards.
At the heart of the LUC Qualité Fleurier watch lies its innovative use of materials. The case of this watch is 39mm in diameter and only 8.92mm thick, and is crafted from Chopard’s proprietary Lucent Steel. This extraordinary alloy is at least 80% recycled, offering a superior shine and durability compared to traditional stainless steel.
The case design itself reflects Chopard’s attention to detail. The slender welded lugs seamlessly merge with the case, creating an elegant shape that is comfortable to wear. The crown emblazoned with the LUC logo adds a touch of sophistication to the overall design.
The dial of the LUC Qualité Fleurier is the epitome of understated elegance. The silver-toned sector dial features a sunburst satin-finished center surrounded by a circular satin-finished chapter ring. This design is reminiscent of the original LUC Qualité Fleurier model from 2005, paying homage to the brand’s heritage while maintaining a modern appeal.
The small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock is embellished with a delicate snailed pattern, adding depth and texture to the dial. The use of luminous indices and syringe-type hands ensure excellent readability in all lighting conditions, while retaining the classic aesthetics of the LUC Qualité Fleurier.
The Qualité Fleurier is equipped with the LUC 96.09-L movement, an evolution of the first movement from the Chopard Manufacture. This ultra-thin movement is a marvel of engineering at just 3.30 mm thick. It features Chopard Twin technology, which combines two stacked barrels wound by a 22-carat gold bidirectional micro-rotor. This innovative design gives the watch an impressive 65-hour power reserve.
The meticulous finishing, including the Côtes de Genève decoration on the bridges, reflects the high level of craftsmanship that Chopard’s artisans uphold. This attention to detail is not limited to aesthetics; the movement’s precision is rigorously tested and certified over a 15-day period by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).
The LUC Qualité Fleurier’s exceptional quality is not just a claim, but is confirmed through one of the most comprehensive certification processes in the watchmaking industry. The Qualité Fleurier certification covers five rigorous criteria, evaluating everything from the aesthetic appeal of the watch to its technical performance and reliability.
In addition to being certified by the COSC Observatory, the watch must also pass the Chronofiable protocol, a rigorous three-week durability test. This process subjects the watch to a variety of environmental stresses, including temperature fluctuations, humidity and magnetic fields. In addition, the watch must withstand simulated wearing conditions, including repeated operation of the crown and shock tests.
The final hurdle in the certification process is the Fleuritest, a sophisticated simulator that simulates 24 hours of wrist wear. To receive the Qualité Fleurier seal, the watch must maintain a rate variation of between 0 and +5 seconds per day during the test, demonstrating its exceptional precision and stability.
Philippe Dufour once famously said: “The Fleurier Seal is the most logical seal of quality, testing not only the movement but also the watch.”