Chopard movement question - 1.96 vs 96.01-L

Jun 20, 2021,12:25 PM
 

Chopard used the wonderful calibre 1.96 for references 16/1860/1 and 16/1860/2 starting from 1996. The newer limited edition models, starting with the red gold L.U.C XPS 1860 from 2016, use calibre 96.01-L.


From what I gather, it is generally understood that 96.01-L is simply a renamed 1.96 - and indeed, the movements appear identical upon visual inspection. However, the 96.01-L in the current production models has 29 jewels, while all of the examples of 1.96 I have seen have had 32 jewels. Below is just one example of each (pictures taken from the internet).

My question is two-fold: Does anyone know the reason for the apparent change? And beside the jewel count, are there other differences between the calibres (however subtle)?








To further add to potential confusion, I did come across the two pictures below, where both have "Calibre 1.96" engraved on the bridge, but the first one says 32 jewels while the latter says 29 jewels. To be clear, I have not seen an actual production example of a 1.96 stating 29 jewels, nor did a Google search find such (so this latter picture could be just a prototype/rendering supplied by Chopard around the transition).









Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.


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Fantastic movements

 
 By: rgabrielsoto : June 23rd, 2021-13:55
I'm definitely aiming to add a Chopard watch specifically with the 1.96 movement or it's updated brother so i'm hoping we get an answer to your question soon! It does seem odd there's a reduction to jewel count. Worth nothing on Chopard's site they list t... 

Thank you very much for pointing that thread out!

 
 By: countzero : June 24th, 2021-03:56
According to the old thread, member Kong had asked Chopard about the jewel count. Regarding the answer, to quote, "Actually only 29 jewels are used. The additional was 'decoration'! The Cal 1.96 after 2003 (from the COSC cert) should have the actual 29 je... 

Indeed it seems odd to have "decorative" jewels hidden.....

 
 By: W72 : June 24th, 2021-05:10
I have not seen any photograph of a 1.96 taken apart other than those shown in Walt Odet’s article about this Cal. Obviously, Chopard deemed the three jewels redundant (and not impacting the Geneva Seal certification) that they are eventually removed.

Hi Robert, that's interesting, I did not know that.

 
 By: countzero : September 1st, 2021-23:01
Do you happen to know whether 96.01 also has an instantaneous date change? 1.96 has a 'creeping' change, where the date does not snap over around midnight but changes gradually over several hours.

I suppose 96.01 is an upgrade with hacking second and quick change date mechanism

 
 By: Robert : September 19th, 2021-00:53
yes it has a quick change date. just exactly at midnight the date jumps instantaneously