Chopard L.U.C 1963 Chrono PuristS Edition 168556-3001

MTF · 2016-06-30T02:24:15Z

MTF reviews the Chopard L.U.C 1963 Chrono PuristS Edition (Ref. 168556-3001), a steel manual-wind flyback chronograph with Geneva Seal. Discover its unique design and collector value.

MTF

WPS member · Chopard forum

36 replies8495 views2 photos

MTF's reflection on the Chopard L.U.C 1963 Chrono PuristS Edition transcends a typical watch review, framing it as a symbol of friendship and shared passion within the collecting community. This article delves into the unique attributes of this limited-edition chronograph and the emotional value it holds for its owners.

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Dear friends,

I need your help and support with the L.U.C Chrono PuristS Edition watch.

Life is a constant roller coaster of ups and downs. In a recent bout of downhill contemplation, I felt the need to lift my mood with a session of looking through "my Precious little things", to whit, my watch collection.

L.U.C 1963 Chrono PuristS Edition right wrist

I considered carefully if that could be considered uncouth and unbecoming of a gentleman. Was it simply a case of shallow avarice to gloat over material goods? Yet, it did not feel like that. I did not see them as trophies of personal triumphs nor evidence of a modicum of career success.

No. I was seeking comfort in reminders of friendships and shared passions. These splendid memories are not correlated with monies nor gold. My heart skips a beat for timepieces that are not the most expensive nor the most complicated mechanical marvels.

The plastic Citizen quartz watch from 1988 that the current Mrs MTF spent two month's wages to give me as an engagement gift; that is priceless on the precious scale. Even more so when you know it is not practical anymore because the programmers gave it a 20-year life span and the "perpetual calendar" year reset to 1985 on New Year's Day of 2005!

This brings me to the Chopard L.U.C 1963 Chrono PuristS Edition watch. It is an elegant manual-wind chronograph in a steel case.

Aficionados of mechanical movements may rave about its column wheel actuated flyback chronograph calibre of German Silver and with Geneva Seal.

Chronograph connoisseurs may enthuse about the silky smooth yet crisp, Stop-Start-Reset pushers being amongst the best in the world today.

Erudite purists may appreciate the frugality and practicality of stainless steel as the choice of case material.

For me, it is a symbol of our PuristS community and friendship with Chopard. Our opinions were sought and incorporated into the purest chronograph available today: Without winding rotor to obscure the view of a superlative movement and without date display to unbalance the dial. Unparalled legibility of white markers on matt black dial and red highlights for the chronograph displays. There is no other watch that expresses the passion for haute horlogerie than this. Most importantly, all those design features were suggested or approved by my greatest watch-buddy: the current Mrs MTF.

Being PuristS, we are often too reticent and shy to draw attention.

That may be the wrong attitude for this little gem. Were we not commanded to shout good news from the mountain tops?

With due regard for privacy, I can only say a fair number of hardcore PuristS are in possession of this watch. Additionally, I have witnessed Middle Eastern potentates and royalty ordering it at various occasions. But the world is a big place and we always like to hear from global enthusiasts.

Here is where I need your help.

1) I need you to check your nearest Chopard boutique for any remaining watches from the 50-piece series. They move around the world as there are hundreds of boutiques.

2) I need you to check if any of your friends has one. (Keep names anonymous)

3) Buy the watch or tell your watch-buddy where to find one to make YOU a gift!

Apart from passion and friendship, neither PuristS nor I benefit from the sales of this watch.

Passion and Friendship: That is our gift to you; my friends, please pass it on..........

L.U.C 1963 Chrono PuristS Edition left wrist

Regards,

MTF

CLICK HERE for a peek at Chopard Diary Blog and website.

This message has been edited by MTF on 2016-07-01 03:14:36

Key Points from the Discussion

The L.U.C 1963 Chrono PuristS Edition is praised for its elegant manual-wind chronograph movement, featuring a column wheel actuated flyback caliber with Geneva Seal and exceptionally smooth pusher action.
The watch's design is noted for its clean dial, lacking extraneous words like 'Flyback' or 'Chronometer,' and its distinction as one of the only modern Chopard chronographs in steel without a date display.
The emotional connection to watches, particularly those associated with friendships and shared passions, is highlighted as a core aspect of collecting, transcending monetary value.
The limited availability of the PuristS Edition (25 pieces globally) and the rarity of seeing multiple owners together underscore its exclusivity.
Collectors emphasize the importance of personal preference in watch acquisition, advising against buying based solely on others' opinions, even for highly regarded pieces.
The price point of the steel PuristS Edition is discussed as a potential barrier for some collectors, despite the movement's quality and pusher action being considered sublime.

The Discussion

andrewluff

Jun 30, 2016

One of my favourite LUC's

I thought I might have had one last year but got pipped to the post by someone else buying it! Good things come to those who wait I guess... Cheers Andrew

MTF

Jun 30, 2016

Don't wait; I just had lunch today with the man who sends this watch to the Chopard boutiques

He can send one anywhere you name....GVA, PAR, LONDON.... Seriously, they have to move them around because not enough for each boutique to get one. Let me know by private e-mail.... Regards, MTF

andrewluff

Jun 30, 2016

The chance sort of came and went...

Plus of course it is red not orange I also sort of have a thing for the blue dial/plat Quattro LUC, a beautiful piece indeed. Hope you had a great lunch in the big smoke! Cheers Andrew

MTF

Jul 1, 2016

Maybe first time THREE L.U.C 1963 Chrono PuristS Edition on owner's wrists in one city

Yesterday, I saw three L.U.C 1963 Chrono PuristS Edition watches on owner's wrists in London and one for sale at the Bond Street boutique. It may be the first time that so many owners were in one city but they travelled in from Switzerland, Wales and Africa. It may also be the first time 4 watches were within a 2 mile radius, apart from at the factory! Don't take just my word or pictures about it. The true value is not just about the movement or the dial or colours. It is about the shared friend

andrewluff

Jul 1, 2016

It sounds like the start of a joke MTF....

There was a Swissman, Welshman and an African all in Bond Street.... Seriously, I remember trying them on when they originally came out and was impressed with it (apart from the red/lack of orange), as you correctly say its a friends watch and more than just something to tell the time. Just expensive friends Sometimes opportunities come up that you miss but who knows what is around the corner and another opportunity. I don't also really have an attachment to Chopard as maybe with most of the oth

MTF

Jul 1, 2016

You can blame the French air traffic controllers...who else?

Last year, the French air traffic controllers went on strike on the day before our London dinner. More than one foreign guest must not be blamed for not being able to fly into the country. I made the announcement before the dinner but you may have missed it if you sat down later. This year, we all got stuck in Basel after the trade show because of the French air traffic controllers again. It's a recurrent theme..... MTF