Unleashing the L.U.C Tourbillon Dragon

To commemorate the year of the Dragon ( 龍 / 龙 in the Chinese zodiac or "Shēngxiào") Chopard issued 8 ausipicious pieces of the L.U.C Tourbillon Dragon (Ref : Ref. 161869-5003).

The L.U.C Tourbillon Dragon is different from most of the 'Dragon-watches' from various brands which have the dragon-motifs displayed on the dials. The L.U.C version is understated, like a hidden dragon, is very much similar to the value of the oriental. The Dragon is hand-engraved onto the bridges of the movement which is only visible from the caseback or to the owner.

The uniqueness is with the technique of the engraving on the 18K gold bridges and platine. It is not the typical hollowed engraving which the motif is formed by cutting into the metal.

The technique used for the L.U.C Tourbillon Dragon is similar to the one used previously on the L.U.C Tourbillon Esprit de Fleurier, which is almost extinct and originated from the village of Fleurier in Canton Neuchâtel - the Fleurisanne engraving (also known as fillet engraving). The motif is formed by removing the metal around it leaving a raised motif.

Though the definition is subtractive process, you could observe it is not that straight-forward. The surrounding areas have to be as flat as possible otherwise it will be like the scarred crater surface of the moon. Precise hand-control is needed to incise away the hard 18K gold evenly out followed by the pitting finish.

If nothing changed in Chopard Fleurier, this splendid gravure à filet work is only done by a Master Engraver, which should take at least two weeks to finish a set of the Dragon fillet engraving.

More details when looking at the remarkable engraving at an angle. Well-defined head, eyes and scales of dragon.

An important feature is the 5-clawed palms of the dragon. Anything less than five claws will be a serious mistake. Previously, 5-clawed dragons can only be used by the Emperor. It is the insignia of the Son of Heaven. The officials wore only four or three claws depending on their ranks.

Personally I would like to see a more majestic Dragon which resemblance one of the nine from the Nine-Dragon Wall in Beijing.

The movement L.U.C 02.02-L is a variant of the L.U.C 1.02 4TT developed in 2003, consisting of 231 components of which 62 parts formed the tourbillon. Manual winding with four barrels ( L.U.C Quattro technology) providing a power reserve of 216 hours (9 days) beating at 4Hz, 28,800 VPH.
Still continued with its tradition, this tourbillon is certified COSC and Poincon de Geneve ( I wondered where the hallmarks were stamped

)

The aesthetic is from the 2005 model - L.U.C 4T.

I like this tourbillon bridge as it resembled the L.U.C insignia and it is beveled with interior angles!

The 18K rose gold case is 39.50mm in diameter. The crown and the base material of the guilloché dial is gold too.

It is heartening to see Chopard not plunging in deep with many Dragon watches. As L.U.C is moving forward with revised contemporary design, this tourbillon piece retains the classic charm with one of the most revered Divine Creatures - 龍, done with the rare Fleurisanne engraving. An art piece with a sophisticated engine. A perfect combination of form and function which is well suited to be a heirloom for the fortunate 8.

Kong

Related Read :

Press release :
chopard.watchprosite.com

Love the engraving!

By: dxboon : May 8th, 2012-08:16

There's been a glut of dragon watches lately, so I'm a little burned out by them, but this is very attractive! Cheers, Daos

Burned :-)

By: Kong : May 8th, 2012-21:36

Hello Daos Burned is the correct word as Dragon breathes fire That's part of the reasons why I'm glad L.U.C only commissioned just 8 pieces. However it is interesting to see various work of dragon-watches from various brands. Sometimes, I wonder if they r...

MIxed feeling about the dragon.

By: ling5hk : May 8th, 2012-16:08

Kong, I always appreciate the effort shown by Chopard in trying to do something different. I like the old engraving skill. You will find the similar skill used in wood carving in China. Of course, the skill shown on the movement plate will be more challen...

My impression ...

By: Kong : May 8th, 2012-21:28

Hi Ling Thanks for your observations. My take, if the watch is seen in metal, you would see much details from far and may not even realise the eyeballs are present. It also take a few seconds to find the head of the dragon for me These shots are postiion ...

Hmmm...

By: Jacky : May 9th, 2012-08:55

Hi Kong, thanks for the photos. I think the engraving work is nice but perhaps I am a bit overwhelmed by Dragons this year, so many ( too many?) of them by almost every single big brand. Cant deny that China is a big consumer these days but looking at all...

Its difficult ...

By: Kong : May 9th, 2012-11:29

Hi Jacky Thanks for the candid inputs. Understand some may be 'jelat' due to too many dragon watches. From business perspectives, it is inevitable. It is one of the best approach to get awareness to the Chinese for brands which do not have the mind-share ...

Kees Angelbarts' dragon

By: ling5hk : May 10th, 2012-01:31

The one that done by Kees Angelbarts for PSM is very nice - alive! Regards Ling

Not every piece is nice ...

By: Kong : May 10th, 2012-11:07

the latest Immortal Dragon is best among all his dragons. It is alive, I believe he has studies the work on the Beijing Nine Dragon Wall, the essence is the eyes of the Dragon. Kong

Euro-Chinese thoughts....VERY L-O-O-N-G

By: MTF : May 10th, 2012-19:05

Jacky asked if Europeans and Americans would like dragon motif on watches. I'm not sure that I qualify but I'll give it a go. Genetically, I may be 87.5% (or 93.75%) Chinese; family tree is poorly documented with two World Wars, Invasions, Revolutions, Co...

Hi Melvyn..

By: Jacky : May 16th, 2012-08:56

Hey hows it going? Anyway I guess I understand where you coming from about the Dragon. Indeed, a matter of art is very personal and really have no right or wrong, just purely personal. What I meant was in general I think Chinese would appreciate these Dra...