Chopard announced the release of the L.U.C Full Strike minute repeater in 2016, bringing an innovative approach with a sapphire gong mounted to the crystal and a crystal-clear sound. This was a big breakthrough for Chopard, as it was different from the traditional metal section gongs that vibrate around the movement to make tunes.
In addition to its unique sound system, the L.U.C Full Strike had a sophisticated design and a number of noteworthy features. The Chopard L.U.C Strike One, a somewhat more straightforward but nonetheless stunning timepiece from the company, deserves to be recognised as well. The model is now available in white gold with a green dial exclusively for Dubai Watch Week.
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The watch has a modest 40mm diameter and a 9.86mm thickness. It is encased in ethical 18-carat white gold as part of Chopard’s commitment to responsible sourcing. The caseback and bezel are polished, while the caseband is satin-brushed. These details are reminiscent of the 1997 L.U.C. XPS 1860 model and represent Chopard’s continuous design language. As seen by the preceding reference, the fluted crown with an incorporated pusher at 3 o’clock, despite its size (7.8mm), does not affect wearer comfort.
The green-grey dial that’s achieved by galvanic treatment on ethical white gold looks basic at first sight. But a closer look reveals minute features that beg to be explored. Hour and minute hands in the style of a dauphine fusée, plated in rhodium, appear to float above a hand-guilloché “central medallion” with a honeycomb design.
The snailed circle between the medallion and the railway minutes track engraved on the sapphire crystal is embellished with rhodium-plated herringbone-style hour markings. A small seconds hand with rhodium plating is housed in a snailed subdial at six o’clock to show the state of the watch’s operation.
An aperture located below the 12 o’clock position displays whether the mechanism is ready to chime or remain silent. The switch is operated by the integrated crown pusher. Meanwhile, at one o’clock, a highly polished hammer that is visible via a hammer-shaped hole against a perlage backdrop announces every hour when it hits the monobloc sapphire crystal gong.
This timepiece is powered by a self-winding calibre L.U.C 96.32-L. This movement has a 65-hour power reserve thanks to a gold micro-rotor that powers two mainsprings. Better chronometry is produced by this arrangement, which supplies the escapement and regulating organ with a steady torque supply.
The balancing spring has a Phillips terminal curve for improved isochronism, which increases its accuracy. The COSC has certified calibre L.U.C 96.32-L as a chronometer, and it is perfectly executed to the highest standards without any evidence of machining.
With a hand-sewn grey alligator leather strap and matching lining, the new white gold edition of the Chopard L.U.C. Strike One will gracefully adorn your wrist. Discover the Chopard timepiece collections online or locate The Time Place boutique near you for a visit.
