Chopard

MTF
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Baselworld 2017: Chopard L.U.C XP

Less is More.

L.U.C XP ref.168592-3001

One watch from Chopard may have escaped notice at Baselworld 2017 because (ironically) it is the simplest L.U.C model in the Collection.

The new L.U.C XP model is just on the right side of cool and casual elegance with its 40mm diameter steel case, a silver-toned vertical satin-brushed Dacron-finish dial with large blued numerals and a blue cashmere strap.

L.U.C XP ref.168592-3001

L.U.C XP case

L.U.C XP ref.168592-3001

A cool new timepiece needs a new engine and so they created the ultra-thin self-winding Calibre 96.53-L.

The new movement has a tungsten micro-rotor to generate power and dual-barrel Twin® technology to store it.

Modern, reliable, precision timekeeping entirely developed and produced in the Chopard Manufacture workshops in Fleurier, this cool bit of kit is an affordable entry into haute horlogerie for the young gentleman.

L.U.C XP ref.168592-3001

L.U.C XP ref.168592-3001

L.U.C XP design

Getting away from the traditional House of Leather or Country Club style usually associated with the highest echelon of horology, this pure and contemporary ultra-thin timepiece from Chopard displays a stylish vibe and sartorial awareness like a breath of fresh air.

I can see the influence of Chopard Porto Cervo in the way it plays with codes and styles of casual beach life.

Chopard Porto Cervo, Sardinia

The dial shimmers with finely vertical satin-brushed silver-tones and the slender applied hour-markers seem to "pop" out.

The polished curves of the broad blued numerals are swept over by blue dauphine fusée hands.

L.U.C XP numerals

How can so little do so much to the visual field?

The contrarian blue cashmere woven strap lined with brown alligator leather is a first for the L.U.C collection. The strap feels just like any L.U.C strap on-the-wrist because of the alligator leather lining but the cashmere outer feels soft and luxurious to the touch.

 For the more conservative men or on formal occasions, the L.U.C XP may also be paired with a blue alligator leather strap.

The really cool guys would probably just stick with the cashmere strap.

New L.U.C 96.53-L movement

The L.U.C XP watches contain a new L.U.C 96.53-L movement with double stacked mainspring barrels (patented Twin® technology) guaranteeing a 58-hour power reserve.

As there is not much space in an ultra-thin 7.20 mm case, the self-winding movement uses an ingenious micro-rotor that hides within the movement. The rotor is made of dense tungsten for efficient winding.

Despite the extra flat case, you can admire your new movement through the exhibition case back.

Dress Down or Up

CONCLUSIONS

The L.U.C XP is suited to all occasions and can be either an entry into Haute Horlogerie...

OR

...a spare accessory for experienced collectors to complement any masculine wardrobe.

Technical details

L.U.C XP ref.168592-3001

Case:
Stainless steel
Total diameter      40.00 mm
Thickness       7.20 mm
Water resistance     30 metres
Stainless steel crown with L.U.C logo   5.00 mm
Vertical satin-brushed flanks and space between lugs, polished bezel and case-back
Glareproofed sapphire crystal
Exhibition case-back

L.U.C 96.53-L movement

Movement:

Self-winding movement    L.U.C 96.53-L
Number of components:    172
Total diameter:      27.4 mm
Thickness:       3.30 mm
Number of jewels:      27
Frequency:      28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve       58 hours
Two barrels – Twin® technology
Bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève motif

Black engravings

L.U.C XP compared with L.U.C XPS

Dial and hands:
Silver-toned dial with vertical satin-brushed vertical finish
Applied blued numerals
Applied blued Dauphine-type hour-markers
Blued Dauphine fusée-type hours and minutes hands

Functions and displays:
Central display of the hours and minutes

Strap and buckle:
Blue cashmere strap with hand-sewn brown alligator leather lining OR blue alligator leather strap with hand-sewn brown alligator leather lining
Stainless steel pin buckle

Ref. 168592-3001 – in stainless steel

What do you think?

For beginners or experienced gentlemen? 

Regards,

MTF