Chopard L.U.C Chrono One: A Decade with Chopard's First In-House Chronograph

KMII · 2024-04-08T08:14:44Z

Explore the enduring appeal of the Chopard L.U.C Chrono One, featuring its in-house movement, flyback function, and collector insights on design and wearability.

KMII

WPS member · Chopard forum

29 replies6287 views1 photos

KMII's retrospective on his Chopard L.U.C Chrono One offers a compelling look at a watch that marked a significant horological milestone for both the collector and the brand. This article delves into the enduring appeal of a timepiece that not only introduced Chopard's first in-house chronograph movement but also became a cherished companion, accumulating stories and patina over a decade of wear. KMII's personal journey highlights how a 'first fine watch' can transcend its mechanical brilliance to become an integral part of one's life narrative.

29 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

My first post on WPS here was to get a view of the members on the LUC Chrono One and based on the unanimous responses the first ‘fine’ watch I finally got.

Now almost ten years with me, the first year almost as a daily wearer, it’s lost little of its appeal. It has some signs of the time, including bite marks from my daughter but then those will forever remain part of the patina and the stories I associate with the watch.

The watch sported the first in house chronograph movement from Chopard (the GT3 project) with some cool features, a flyback operation, a - for the time - long PR, and the reset feature of the running seconds hand when setting the watch (a rare yet super useful feature).

So here goes ⏱️🐼🏁

Key Points from the Discussion

The L.U.C Chrono One is considered an 'almost perfect watch,' with a collector expressing a desire for specific aesthetic 'improvements' such as an arena caseback, silver subdials on a dark graphite dial, an orange second hand, and vertical brushed case sides.
The author, KMII, shares his extensive journey into custom straps, starting with leather and evolving into a collection of cashmere and wool straps, which he finds to be a cool complement for cooler seasons.
A fellow collector emphasizes the profound connection between a watch and the memories it accrues, highlighting this as the true essence of passion for mechanical timepieces.
KMII suggests that shorter lugs, similar to those used on subsequent Chopard watches, would significantly improve the Chrono One's wearability, particularly for smaller wrists.
The author humorously recounts his initial belief that the Chopard L.U.C Chrono One would be his final watch purchase, a notion quickly dispelled after discovering the WatchProSite community.
Another collector shares a wristshot of their Chopard L.U.C Chrono One, adding a visual dimension to the discussion.

The Discussion

Cpt Scarlet

Apr 8, 2024

Origin of the passion …

Wonderful to consider the connection between this watch and the memories that you have with it. The true meaning of our passion for mechanical watches and everything that they stand for. Keep enjoying it my dear friend ! Best regards Captain

KMII

Apr 8, 2024

Thanks for the kind words 🙏🏻

How very true 😊👍🏻

Gelato Monster

Apr 8, 2024

Beautiful piece. I love your story

KMII

Apr 8, 2024

Thanks so much 🙏🏻

Still enjoying it, meaning it was most likely a correct choice 😁👍🏻

jaspermccrea

Apr 8, 2024

I've posted a picture of mine before

but I agree that it is almost the perfect watch. It took me years to buy mine, and I have never regretted spending the money (and time!). I was to commission a watch it would be like this but with the following slight "improvements" The arena caseback, which I don't think Chopard have made in the steel versions of the Chrono One, but, oh, I love that caseback with this movement Although I like the black dial, I think these silver subdials with the vertical brushed dark graphite from the newer mo

KMII

Apr 8, 2024

Glad you like it 😁👍🏻

For me there is one thing that would really significantly improve it - namely shorter lugs, like subsequently used on most Chopard watches (would work a tad better with my chicken wrist) 😁🤞🏻🤷🏻‍♂️