Chopard L.U.C 1937 Rose Gold Bracelet vs. Strap

Kong · 2013-11-25T00:45:21Z

Explore the Chopard L.U.C 1937 in 18K rose gold, comparing its integrated bracelet and alligator strap. See detailed photos and collector insights.

Kong

WPS member · Chopard forum

17 replies3936 views10 photos

Kong's insightful post from 2013 explores the Chopard L.U.C 1937 in its 18K rose gold iteration, focusing on the aesthetic and practical differences between a matching rose gold bracelet and a hand-stitched alligator strap. This comparison remains highly relevant for collectors considering the versatility and perceived luxury of different strap options for a dress watch. Kong's detailed photography highlights the craftsmanship of both configurations, prompting a lively community discussion on personal preferences and evolving tastes.

The L.U.C 1937 was launched in year 2010 with the new L.U.C stainless steel case and movement by Ebauches Fleurier, the L.U.C Calibre 01.01-L. This elegant model is also a good entry into the L.U.C world, value for money and versatile to be worn for both casual and formal setting.

For 2013, L.U.C 1937 is introduced with the nobel metall - 18K rose gold case, with an added option for a full rose-gold bracelets for the people who prefer simplicity and a more luxurious feel.

Let's have a look of the new L.U.C 1937 with bracelets and hand-stitched alligator straps.

L.U.C 1937 with 42mm 18K rose gold case and matching 18K rose gold bracelets.

Gold bracelet is also with dual polishing surface on the front side - alternate gloss and brushed polishing giving interesting contrast and light-play.

At the back of the bracelets, is just brush-finished.

18K gold screw-down polished crown. The sides of the caseband and the bracelets are brush-polished.

Open gold caseback displaying the decorated and chronometer certified automatic L.U.C Calibre 01.01-L, beats at 4Hz and has a power reserve of 60 hours.

Gold crown is 6mm in diameter, a good size for easy winding to start up the movement and for both time and date adjustment.

Close up look of the links, which are beveled to prevent any sharp edges.

Note the interesting light-play on the front of the bracelets ...

Sapphire crystal is anti-reflective coated for good clarity .

Dial is sunray satin-brushed finish, with 'rays' radiating out from the centre of the L.U.C logo.

Both the hour and minute dauphine styled hands are coated with Super-Luminova for low light readout.

With black hand-stitched alligator straps ...

For my wrist, with the alligator straps is more classier and at the same time understated.

Which option would you prefer?

Kong

PS : For friends interested in the steel case, it does come with the steel-bracelets option.

This message has been edited by Kong on 2013-11-25 00:47:15

Key Points from the Discussion

The rose gold bracelet, despite initial reservations about being 'gawdy,' is appreciated for its heft and luxurious feel, with its dual-polished surface creating interesting light play.
The hand-stitched alligator strap is generally preferred for its sophisticated, understated look, which allows the watch itself to remain the primary focus.
Personal preference for bracelets versus straps can evolve with age and climate, with metal bracelets becoming more acceptable in tropical environments due to their practicality.
The L.U.C 1937's rose gold bracelet features beveled links to prevent sharp edges, and the caseback is open to display the chronometer-certified L.U.C Calibre 01.01-L.
Concerns were raised about potential scratching of the case and lugs by the end links of the bracelet, and a preference for a gold clasp was noted.
Some collectors find Chopard's hand-stitched alligator straps too thin and prefer the substantial feel and visual impact of a full rose gold bracelet.

The Discussion

AnthonyTsai

Nov 25, 2013

The Chopard hand stitched gator straps have always been too thin for my liking, so my vote goes for the rose gold bracelet. The heft of all the rose gold must be a joy to wear! Cheers, Anthony

KIH

Nov 25, 2013

... it is so hard to decide! I normally would love the straps, but sometimes precious metal bracelet is so tempting. And good news (?) is that my "allergy" to non-white metal watches seems to be going away (thanks to my aging?), so while I can live with both, but I would like to try all metal (bracelet version) of this wonderful model..... Thank you, Kong! A very nice model and a very nice variation. Ken

Kong

Nov 26, 2013

from the pics, are of the 'double alligator leather' straps. It is thicker than previous version. Thanks for viewing. Kong

Kong

Nov 26, 2013

the more vintage YG (perceived 'older hue' of gold) :-) Have a feel in the boutique, and see if you like it. Thanks for viewing, Ken. Kong

masterspiece

Nov 27, 2013

Hi, Kong, I'm sure I would like the "heaviness" of the bracelet. I like to be able to 'feel" the timepiece. However, I really like the gator band. It sure gives this piece a totally different look. With the bracelet, it looks (and I apologize) a little gawdy, although I do like the brushed links interspersed between the polish. The band just gives it a more sophisticated and understated look, (IMHO) which I prefer. :-) To me, the bracelet takes some focus away from the watch itself. Thanks, for

MTF

Dec 1, 2013

Years ago, I would say leather strap immediately for elegance. As I grow older and after more than a decade in tropical climate, the metal bracelet seems acceptable. On this rose gold LUC watch, the two-tone finishing rose gold bracelet is particularly fetching.....it does look different from the leather strap variety...more luxurious. Regards, MTF

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