KMII
[Montblanc Moderator]
51276
LUC XPS 1860 - first impressions
I had a couple of minutes the other day and dropped into the Chopard Boutique to try out the new 2016 Edition of the MM series. Unfortunately someone was much faster than me and the specimen they had got sold before I had the chance to see it. Still, another one is on the way...
On the other hand, they did have some new arrivals, and the LUC XPS 1860 in rose gold was what I tried instead.
I have to say I am a bit torn, when it comes to the watch. It is very comfortable on the wrist, appropriately sized, the dial is exquisite (especially the guilloche part) and the movement beautiful. But the date truly ruins it for me. In that sense I hope there will be a non-date version out at some point, otherwise the regular XPS will remain the preferable version for me.
I understand the design choice and trying to stay true to the 20 year old original but for this type of watch (as evidenced by the regular XPS, which surely must be selling adequately well) I really do not think it was essential. As said, I hope Chopard listens and a no-date version appears at some point 
Anyone else tried it on? Your opinions?
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LUC XPS 1860 - first impressions
I had a couple of minutes the other day and dropped into the Chopard Boutique to try out the new 2016 Edition of the MM series. Unfortunately someone was much faster than me and the specimen they had got sold before I had the chance to see it. Still, anot...
A desnecessary date window
is also a deal breaker for me! And in this case, it really is desnecessary.
Also agree it was not essential :)
Even though I understand the 20th anniversary connection...
The date at 6 o'clock is better than at 3, looks more balanced...how about the movement?
by the way, did you get my recent PM? Rgds Raymond
The date also bridges the smallish seconds and the markers
Here I can see it has a useful styling function, as the grounding point of the inner dial. In that respect, it does bring together the various elements. Of course it also adds the utility of indicating the sequential day of the month (which many of us don...
That it does :)
And that\'s the reason I can understand it. But still not something I fully like...
L.U.C movement 1.96 or 96.01-L photo
Akiro1, The movement is the old L.U.C 1.96 renamed 96.01-L as seen through the case back and naked: L.U.C 1860 XPS steel case L.U.C cal. 96.01-L or L.U.C 1.96 L.U.C 1860 XPS rose gold case Regards, MTF ...
Thank you MTF for these pictures
In fact, for me, the "main" problem with this Chopard is the increase of the case size but the use of an "old" caliber (from 1996 so 20 years old if I am right) which keeps the same size even if I really love it with its wonderful micro rotor. I think it ...
Not quite correct
Akiro1, All L.U.C x.96 movements where x=1 or 3 or 4 (i.e. 1.96, 3.96 or 4.96) and the renamed 96.xx series of movements (automatic winding from micro-rotor) are 27.4 mm diameter. They have been that size for 20 years, WHATEVER the size of the watch case ...
Hard to spot...
The size increase from the regular XPS. And their lug design ensures that it wears very nicely, even at 40mm
Well said, Melvyn!
IMO, Chopard did a very good job with their new L.U.C 1860 XPS by striking a balance in movement sustainability, aesthetics rejuvenation, and tradition upkeep.
Whats conflicting is they say its 100 pieces ltd edition...
...while the stock pics say 250 unless the rose gold are 100/250. '....The L.U.C XPS 1860 comes in a version with an 18-carat rose gold case, produced in a 100-piece limited series featuring a gold dial.' Regardless, I liked the 36mm and bound to like the...
The 1st draft of pre-Baselworld press release stated "100-piece limited series" in rose gold but was CORRECTED
.I spotted that and informed Chopard PR department. The correct specifications are: Ref. 161946-5001 – In 18 ct rose gold 250-piece limited edition Oops! The reason may be that the launch edition of L.U.C limited editions are usually 100-pieces when they ...
Okay, I am biased toward CHOPARD, but that date window is not at all distracting to me. If anything, there is a symmetrical balance with the Arabic 12 on the other side of the dial.
And the guilloché is very nice. I cannot wait to see this one. Thanks for the wrist shot! Best,