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MTF's post recounts a special Chopard event in London, three years after an initial attempt, where the first three L.U.C 1963 Chrono PuristS Edition watches were finally united for a photo opportunity. Hosted by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, the gathering celebrated Chopard's haute horlogerie and offered a relaxed atmosphere for watch enthusiasts.
Dear forumners,
Three years ago, we had planned a Chopard GTG in London where the world's first three examples of the L.U.C 1963 Chrono PuristS Edition were to make their world debut.
Due to the inevitable French air traffic controller "industrial action" (strike), one of our PuristS members could not fly from Geneva.
We had two examples of the watch in a photo-opportunity one very hot Summer's day in 2015.
L.U.C 1963 Chrono PuristS Edition owners with J-B Maillard of Chopard in 2015
11th July 2018, London
Last week, we had a chance to rectify the omission when Mr Karl-Friedrich Scheufele (KFS), co-President of Chopard hosted 'cocktails & canapes' at the George Club in Mayfair, London.
PuristS and other Chopard aficionados spent a pleasant time meeting and talking about watches and jewellery in amicable surroundings.
We were glad of the respite from the hottest July week in London for decades.
Mr Scheufele brought three wines from his Château Monestier La Tour in Bergerac. After more than 5 years of re-modelling, the vineyard is finally about to be certified 'Biodynamique' or 'Organic'. We could sample...er….imbibe copious quantities of the rouge, rose and blanc varieties. Having tasted the wines from before, during and after the transformation, I'm a convert. As a cynic, I never bought anything "organic", whether bananas, carrots or wines because I did not believe the eco-warrior hippies.
The 2017 Château Monestier La Tour Rose is a case, in point, of fresh floral fruitiness...….
Château Monestier La Tour wines on the bar top
The 'three amigos' were finally able to have a photo-opportunity with their first three production PuristS Edition watches....
L.U.C 1963 Chrono PuristS Edition x 3 pieces
K-F Scheufele and J Nassar
L.U.C Full Strike and L.U.C 1963 Chrono PuristS Edition x 2
Also on show were the rare pieces from Chronometrie Ferdinand Berthoud as seen here with a couple of PuristS….
V Lapaire from Chronometrie Ferdinand Berthoud
Chopard high-end on show
L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru
The Chopard timepieces with serious bling were also on show and for try-out.
Apart from the usual suspects like the L.U.C Perpetual Chrono and Heritage Grand Cru, the pieces that attracted most attention were the L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer (ref 161242-1001) and the sold-out L.U.C Full Strike in rose gold.
L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer
L.U.C Full Strike rose gold
There was no marketing speech nor formal presentation.
We just mingled with friends and talked watches.
Nice friendly people from four Chopard Boutiques in London were on hand if you had any questions or wanted to try the watches....
A pleasant and -- as the invitation card stated -- "Elegant" evening was had by all.
Regards,
MTF
The L.U.C 1860 reference is a notable offering within the L.U.C collection, distinguished by its focus on classical watchmaking principles and refined aesthetics. This particular model, introduced at Watches and Wonders 2023, represents a continuation of Chopard's commitment to high horology, emphasizing traditional craftsmanship and a discreet presentation. It is recognized for its balanced proportions and the integration of a finely finished movement, reflecting the brand's in-house manufacturing capabilities.
This reference features a case crafted from Lucent Steel, a proprietary alloy, measuring 36.5 mm in diameter. The watch is powered by the L.U.C 96.01-L automatic movement, which is visible through a sapphire crystal case back. This movement is equipped with a micro-rotor and offers a power reserve of approximately 65 hours. The dial is presented in a salmon color, complemented by a sapphire crystal on the front.
Appealing to collectors who value understated design and mechanical integrity, the L.U.C 1860 fits into the brand's lineup as a dress watch with significant horological merit. Its limited production and specific material choices contribute to its appeal among enthusiasts seeking a watch that combines traditional watchmaking with contemporary material science. The model is a testament to Chopard's ongoing development in its L.U.C range.
... I missed Mr. KFS for a few years in a row in Japan and what near-misses I have had! Once in a while, I would like to be in London when something this important event happens..... Damn..... Ken
So good things come to those that wait after all The Officer is such an appealing watch, as is the amazing Full Strike. And the 1963 Puristspro Edition needs no introduction Thanks for this great report, MTF!
Great to see they are still being enjoyed, albeit rarer in recent times. S
go with pink gold then again may be not
SalmanQ8, It was a Chopard event open to all watch enthusiasts and I only recognised a handful of PuristS. I wanted to clarify that it was not a 100% PuristS GTG in case people were wondering why they were not invited Regards, MTF
Ken, Unfortunately, this was an impromptu event as we only had 6 days notice. Mr KFS was in town on other business and the Chopard GB people took advantage to catch him for the cocktail hour. Most hotels were full for Wimbledon tennis so it was a struggle for non-London residents to make it. It was amazing that all three watch owners of the PuristS Chronograph were in one room at the same time because one came from Switzerland and another has main business in Africa. Regards, MTF
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