quattro
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Browsing 25 years of L.U.Chopard Quattro (new models included)
As Chopard is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the L.U.C. Quattro with two variants of an entirely redesigned model, the Mark IV, I thought it would be interesting to trace the whole story of this line.
The caliber 1.98, later named 98.01-L, comes with double-stacked twin mainspring barrels containing exactly 1.885 metres of springs and enabling 9 days of power reserve (216 hours). It displays a power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock and a sub-seconds dial at 6 with a date indicator. Vibrating at 28,800 vph, it features a black polished Swan neck regulator, 39 jewels, a COSC certification, the Geneva Seal, five positions adjustment, and complete hand-finishing throughout.
It was introduced in 2000 with the LU.C. Quattro ref. 16/1863, which can be considered as the Mark I. Then came:
- In 2007, the Mark II, ref. 16/1903 (or maybe even late 2006)
- In 2011, the Mark III, ref. 16/1926
- In 2025, the Mark IV, ref. 16/1954, with a new variant of the caliber (98.09-L) placing the power reserve indicator on the back instead of on the dial.
Let's have a look!
Best,
Emmanuel
A/ L.U.C. Quattro Mark I, ref. 16/1863 (introduced in 2000)
38 x 9,8 mm case, caliber 1.98. Variants presented below: blue, black and silver dial in white, yellow and rose gold.
credit: @so.frech
credit: @elprimerolove
credit: mr watchley
credit: @trail_brake
credit: s.song
B/ L.U.C. Quattro Mark II, ref. 16/1903 (introduced in 2007 or maybe late 2006)
39.5 x 9.10 mm case, caliber 1.98. Variants presented below: ref. 161903-5001 (rose gold) & ref. 161903-1001 (white gold)
credit: @umsv.watches
credit: @datimeninja
credit: touch of modern
C/ L.U.C. Quattro Mark III, ref. 16/1926 (introduced in 2011)
43 x 8.87 mm case & caliber 98.01-L (the platinum version of this model has been presented here by foversta and here by amanico)
1/ Rose gold & silver dial (ref. 161926-5001, from 2011)
credit: ablogtowatch
2/ Rose gold & brown dial (ref. 161926-5003, from 2015)
credit: personal photo (1) & European watch company
3/ Arabic numerals, ref. 161926-5004, from 2018 (limited to 50 pieces)
credit: @jayh997
4/ Arabic numerals, ref. 161926-1002, from 2019 (limited to 50 pieces)
credit: personal photo (1) & European watch company
3/ Arabic numerals, ref. 161926-5004, from 2018 (limited to 50 pieces)
credit: @jayh997
4/ Arabic numerals, ref. 161926-1002, from 2019 (limited to 50 pieces)
credit: horobox
D / L.U.C. Quattro Mark IV, ref. 16/1954 (introduced in 2025)
39 x 10.40 mm case, new caliber 98.01-L with power reserve indicator on the back and quick interchangeable strap system
1/ Ref. 161954-9001 in platinum with a dial in frosted-textured brass featuring a light blue colour
credit: @swisswatches
credit: @yohann_martinez & david_roditi_at_chopard
The bee engraved between the lugs is/will be the distinctive sign of L.U.C. platinum cases (credit: revolution)
The bee engraved between the lugs is/will be the distinctive sign of L.U.C. platinum cases (credit: revolution)
2/ Ref. 161954-5001 in rose gold with dial in frosted-textured brass featuring a deep blue colour
credit: monochrome & david_roditi_at_chopard (last photo)
credit: watchadvisor
E/ BONUSES
1/ Some images of the making of the 98 caliber in its variant (ref. 98.06-L) for the Quattro Spirit 25 Jump Hour model
2/ The 2012 L.U.C. Quattro Table Clock
credit: chopard
Browsing 25 years of L.U.Chopard Quattro (new models included)
As Chopard is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the L.U.C. Quattro with two variants of an entirely redesigned model, the Mark IV , I thought it would be interesting to trace the whole story of this line. The caliber 1.98 , later named 98.01-L , comes w...
Just above 10 mm, I personally
don’t think you would mind: for example my Laurent Ferrier Classic micro rotor is 11.10 mm thick and, to me at least, it feels very nice and sufficiently thin. Best, Emmanuel
Would have to see it...
...but from the photos, the old versions look much thinner...
It is thinner indeed,
but it wouldn’t be a problem for me. Purely personal feeling of course.
I'd have to try it on, but...
...it's a dressy watch and I value thinness in this category. Besides, why would you make a watch thicker if you don't have to? Seems like a backwards evolution...
My guess is that the increased thickness might be due to the fact that it’s a new case with a more complex design and soldered lugs
and the power reserve indicator is on the back while the seconds and date are still on the front. But of course you might still not like it: I’m just trying to understand why the case is a little thicker.
Pretty dials
I still think on the new ones the seconds is too high. Or the short side of the minute and hour hands are too bulky. Just something about the lack of space between the canon pinion and the date wheel. also, why date😂
Among your criticisms,
the only one I really share personally is the one which concerns the hands: I liked much more the original design of the Dauphine-fusée hands (the one used in my Quattro Spirit 25). I don’t warm up to this v-shaped base part of the hand: I preferred the u...
Whilst they are all beautiful.
The first one and the last one in white gold and blue dials are my favourites by a long way. Although these are far more sophisticated they do remind me of my LUC Chopard Sport 2000 LTD Edition with it's blue dial dart hour markers and dauphine hands. Mar...
Yes, I see what you mean, Marc,
and I share your preference for the Mark I and IV. Except for the white metals, which never make my heart beat very fast (but that’s purely personal). Best, Emmanuel LUC Sport 2000, ref. 16/8200 credit: rupasol collectors ...
I do find the latest iteration to be the most attractive....
I think though that the movement is it's biggest advantage over so many other options from almost any manufacturer....
I also like the Mark I
and was surprised when trying on the Mark III (rose gold, brown dial), which looked much better than I thought. The 98 caliber is great and very accurate. But Patek’s 10-Days 5100 or Parmigiani’s 8-Days Hebdomadaire caliber aren’t bad either! Cheers, Emma...
As always, a very thorough and detailed post on the history of the L.U.C Quattro, Emmanuel!👏👏👏
With the latest Mk IV, all the press coverage has been on the rose gold iteration. Yet, I’ve learned today there is this spectacular platinum iteration!!!😍😍😍 Not much attention has been paid to there quick-release system in the press coverage: Love both t...
Thanks for the kind words, Mach.
I'm really looking forward to seeing this one in the metal in the neat future! The power reserve indicator was part of the identity of this Quattro line, but I also like it better on the back. Best, Emmanuel