CaliforniaJed
[Purist]
5145
1937 Reasons to admire the L.U.C 1937
Well, no, not really, but MTF's Valentine's day post made me realize I hadn't taken a good look at my own 1937 lately. So I put it in the light tent to see what I could see.
Yup, there's the handsome dial side I have grown to love. Simple, bold Romans, and a very legible minute track. Hands are familiar and unique design cues from Chopard.
The case and crown are beautifully finished stainless steel.
The buckle is sturdy. I wouldn't call it elegant, but I am quite fond of the historic L.U.C logo.
And next, to the backside.
Ah, there's the familiar L.U.C Caliber 01.01-L. It's designed to be a workhorse movement for Chopard. From a distance, that's exactly what it appears to be.
And it was born in the Fleurier Ebauches facility.
With state of the art machinery capable of producing movements in larger quantities than in the Chopard Manufacture next door.
But of course, this is Chopard, where steady hands play a role in maintaining consistent excellence -- quality.
And when you take a closer look:
My goodness does that quality show! Take a look at the Geneva Stripes, and at the anglage on those plates and on the balance cock. This is the point of entry for Chopard, and it exceeds what are sold as much higher end movements from many manufactures.
This is why I keep coming back to Chopard, and I smile, and I expect more and more from them each year. With Basel right around the corner, I cannot wait to see what comes next!
This message has been edited by CaliforniaJed on 2016-02-03 21:44:38
1937 Reasons to admire the L.U.C 1937
Well, no, not really, but MTF's Valentine's day post made me realize I hadn't taken a good look at my own 1937 lately. So I put it in the light tent to see what I could see. Yup, there's the handsome dial side I have grown to love. Simple, bold Romans, an...
1937, 1963... There are many reasons to love Chopard :)
And your report and pictures show some of them. If I may add, the quick service turnaround and generally good service experience is important for a brand playing in the major league and here Chopard excels, too. And they have launched more in house moveme...
I guess it rarely plays a role with the first watch from a brand
But definitely heightens your brand loyalty when it comes to subsequent purchases. It is an investment into a customer relationship long term - in itself a signal that the brand is committed and serious
Coming back to 1937 from time to time to think about it.
I well remember the appeal when I handled this reference. Difficult to believe that this is barely an entrance model. It\'s because of the accessibility that I\'m thinking about the different references of the 1937 repeatedly from time to time. My summary...
More thoughts
Kolosstt, Chopard calls these hands "Dauphine-fusée." They're multi-faceted and I am a fan. I like your characterization of the movement finishing, with which I wholeheartedly agree. Agree, too, that from a distance, there is not much to draw one to this ...
Wow thanks for the pics Jed!
An entry level Chopard LUC movement?? That is absolutely gorgeous and nothing like entry level to me! I am impressed I must say Cheers Robin
Great write-up and photos!
"This is the point of entry for Chopard, and it exceeds what are sold as much higher end movements from many manufactures" Your above statement when referring to the fine movement finishing hits the nail on the head; I couldn't have said it better myself....
