Kong
[Moderator]
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L.U.C Qualité Fleurier - Version 4
A long friend of L.U.C started with
some interesting acronym for 'QF' - Quite Fantastic, Quintessential Fun,
Quest Fulfilled in a recent post. Indeed relevant.
What other descriptors to describe the QF (Qualité Fleurier) ?
After wearing for several years, I would surmise in three words - Precise, Predictable and Practical.
As most of L.U.C friends know, being certified FQF (Fondation Qualité Fleurier) is not a simple matter. It takes a longer development time, several iterations of fine tuning for a watch to pass the arduous tests. The last test is extremely challenging and dynamic, the full watch, will be placed in a specially constructed machine with real time monitoring, to simulate the watch as if being worn by an active owner for 24 hours (the profile is attached at the end of this post). The watch is considered pass and certified FQF if it maintains precision rate 0 to +5 seconds per day. It is half the allowable tolerance of the COSC ( -4 to +6 seconds/day) in the positive, right-side of the specifications. A very important and thoughtful point, the consistent daily positive gain will keep the timekeeping runs faster, thus ensuring the wearer always be earlier for appointments - extremely relevant if living or traveling in countries with accurate train system. That's for precise and predictable part.
For the practical perspective, the main one is no date. As I progress in age, my eye-sight tends to slowly deteriorate and unable to read the date. The date is of no use, the consolation is fast adjustment without having to bother about the date-adjustment, and also a prettier dial without a puncture hole
What other descriptors to describe the QF (Qualité Fleurier) ?
After wearing for several years, I would surmise in three words - Precise, Predictable and Practical.
As most of L.U.C friends know, being certified FQF (Fondation Qualité Fleurier) is not a simple matter. It takes a longer development time, several iterations of fine tuning for a watch to pass the arduous tests. The last test is extremely challenging and dynamic, the full watch, will be placed in a specially constructed machine with real time monitoring, to simulate the watch as if being worn by an active owner for 24 hours (the profile is attached at the end of this post). The watch is considered pass and certified FQF if it maintains precision rate 0 to +5 seconds per day. It is half the allowable tolerance of the COSC ( -4 to +6 seconds/day) in the positive, right-side of the specifications. A very important and thoughtful point, the consistent daily positive gain will keep the timekeeping runs faster, thus ensuring the wearer always be earlier for appointments - extremely relevant if living or traveling in countries with accurate train system. That's for precise and predictable part.
For the practical perspective, the main one is no date. As I progress in age, my eye-sight tends to slowly deteriorate and unable to read the date. The date is of no use, the consolation is fast adjustment without having to bother about the date-adjustment, and also a prettier dial without a puncture hole
This post also consists of the latest version of the L.U.C QF model, and some details of the FQF Fleuritest.
To start off, the first version ...
Version 1 of L.U.C QF Model
Version 2 of L.U.C QF Model
(Credit : CaliforniaJed)
Version 3 of L.U.C QF Model, more avant-garde design with cut-out dial.
The 4th version of the L.U.C QF launched last year, back to classical design yet contemporary ...
18K 5N Rose gold case remains at 39mm diameter. Thickness 8.92mm.
Clearly marked 'QF' on the dial, which previously not. New logo, 'L.U. CHOPARD' is printed to differentiate the L.U.C Series among the Chopard range of watches. A good move.
Hour-chapter ring was removed. Somehow the dial now looks cleaner, uncluttered.
The signature soldered lugs retained.
At this angle, could observe the subtle finishing on the dial with graining radiating out from the L.U. CHOPARD logo.
Sapphire caseback with QF logo engraved displaying the well-decorated Calibre L.U.C 9.96 ( renamed to L.U.C 96.09-L).
QF logo is also stamped on one of the bridges.
Limited production unit number has raised from 250 to 300 pieces ( as shown in the caseback engraving).
Solid 18K ardillion buckle with brown alligator strap.
Past & Present ...
After seeing four versions, which dial design appeal to you?
Kong
For reference ...
FQF Video, some part shows the testings process ...
The Fleuritest Machine test profile
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L.U.C Qualité Fleurier - Version 4
A long friend of L.U.C started with some interesting acronym for 'QF' - Quite Fantastic, Quintessential Fun, Quest Fulfilled in a recent post. Indeed relevant. What other descriptors to describe the QF (Qualité Fleurier) ? After wearing for several years,...
Two words for Version 4: Instant Classic.
Honestly, I find it stunning in every respect, and utterly irresistible. Of course i love the movement, and the case/lugs. These markers on the dial are favorites of mine and remind me of similar markers from Patek, JLC, and Vacheron. I like that there ar...
Well said!
For practicality, SuperLuminova coated indices and hands are great for low-light reading. However, for classic and perhaps longevity, I feel the SuperLuminova should not be there. What are your thoughts? Oh! Jed... the wrist with Version 3 is yours :-P (I...
I like the presence of superluminova for practical purposes,
particularly when subtly integrated into markers the way they are in the QF. I don't think that presence is a logevity issue the way Tritium is, but I haven't given that much thought. No need for a photo credit, Kong! I was simply making fun of my own hai...
I have a soft spot for the two tone dial, and for the open dial, too.
Nice post, Kong! If I had to chose only one, the open dial would be the one. It has something original I like a lot. Best, Nicolas
This classic dial is, IMO...
.. the best version ever. I would instantly move my finger to grab it to handle.... Wow.... I can't wait to meet it in person. Very, very nice. One for many people who like classic look and super engineered inside. NIce. Ken
Hope you see it soon ....
This piece looks good. Congratulations for Japan winning the 2020 Summer Olympics! Kong
I like it way more than other classics,
like the PP Calatrava and even the nice VC Patrimony (hand wound). Gorgeous! ;) Marcelo
LUC QF Version 4 is closest to the ideal
Thanks for the chronological review. On balance, I think version 4 is the best so far for the following reasons. 1) As the ultimate certification, the QF should be represented by at least one version that is classic, elegant, timeless and refined. Until n...
My vote gets ...
number 4, the lattest one. It is a very classical watch, but because of the details shown it is far from being boring. Well done! Will try to see one in the metal, sometime soon. Kong, thanks for showing them and it was great to see them all together. Oli...
Aesthetics aside.. the best thing about LUC QF is
Aesthetics aside.. the best thing about LUC QF model is.. the 65 hour power reserve.
It is intentional for all L.U.Cs ...
Hi MervC From the first piece of L.U.C 1.96, very thoughtful of the L.U.C Team, that a watch after being removed from the wrist on Friday evening and not worn over the weekend, it should continue to run on Monday morning, no adjustment, just put on the wr...
Beautiful beautiful design
Chopard did an awesome job with this QF 4. I think it's a perfect choice for one who is bored of the conservative Caltrava or Patrimony and looking for a slightly more upbeat and daring design, yet still keeping the conservative lines. It's like a high-te...
yes, this is the best compared with other 3 versions
... cleaner, more elegant and classic, and the lugs are sexy! thanks, Kong. stefan
Lovely new iteration, Kong!
My favorite is still the first, but this 4th one has a lot of charm and character, and will surely become a classic for any L.U.C. fan. Thanks for sharing, and hope all is well, Alex
Great to hear from you!
Hi Alex Thanks for the note. Hope all is well with you too. To me, the first is always special. Somehow, current market appeals to something more exciting avant garde or at least contemporary, but the so-called 'boring classic' is evergreen. See you aroun...
My preferred Version 4
There is no doubt the dial is clean but not clean enough. No many words. I would prefer the words "Qualite Fleurier" be replaced with QF logo on the dial. Regards Ling
Likewise ...
Understand where you are coming from, I would like the logo instead of words. Not sure if it is not allowed... anyway, there's one L.U.C with the Geneva Seal logo on the dial, and not the QF. Kong ...
Version 4. Even nicer in person.
I think they really nailed it on this version. Simply gorgeous. Version 3 is very interesting and unique as well. Thank you for excellent photos and information.