Kong presents an exclusive interview with Linda Widyarta, the first worldwide owner of the Chopard L.U.C Chrono One. This article highlights her unique perspective as a lady connoisseur and her passion for horology, offering insights into what drew her to this significant timepiece celebrating the L.U.C Manufacture's 10th anniversary.

It may surprise some people that the 1st worldwide owner of the ‘L.U.C. Chrono One’ with the L.U.C 10CF calibre movement (formerly ‘GT3’) is a lady connoisseur of fine timepieces.

Although modest and unassuming, her enthusiasm and passion for all things horological are well known amongst the PuristS’ circle. With some “pure” persuasion, we managed an exclusive interview with her.

Participants

PPro : PuristSPro         LW : Linda Widyarta

PPro : When did you hear about the Chrono One?

LW : I heard about it about two years ago. My husband told me that Chopard was planning a new chronograph to celebrate 10 years of the new Manufacture.

Linda Widyarta with her L.U.C Chrono One

PPro : What made you interested in the Chrono One? What other chronographs have you worn?

LW : I was interested because it is the first chronograph timepiece by the new L.U.C. Manufacture. Some years back, my first mechanical timepiece was a chronograph - a Mille Miglia by Chopard. I still treasure it for being my introduction into the world of never ending mechanical timepieces. Apart from that sentimental reason, I find the Chrono One extraordinary – having a sophisticated movement, beautiful design, and three Patents as well as being a celebratory piece (L.U.C. Manufacture 10th anniversary).

Different Views of Linda's L.U.C Chrono One

I have worn a number of Chopard Mille Miglia, Rolex Cosmograph, Lange Datograph, IWC St. Exupery, Tag-Heuer Monaco, Panerai Luminor Flyback 1950, Patek Philippe 5970G & 5980, Bell & Ross BR03, a few Girard-Perregaux Pour Ferrari, and a number of Cartier chronographs.

PPro : What are your feelings about the Chrono One, regarding the 'form and function'?

LW : My first feeling was 'so excited'. It has a distinctive look that I can't take my eyes off it. The dial is beautiful and design is ‘challenging’ in my view! I have never before seen any chronographs with see-through sub-dial windows that enable me to peek into the beauty of the movement inside. At the same time, I have to focus on reading the markings on the windows. There are plenty of timepieces with extraordinary looking dials but this Chrono One is the One! I don't regard it as “difficult to read” at all; I see it as a “stimulating dial”. Life is boring if a timepiece always looks the way that tradition demands. I love anything different and avant-garde. Just to add, I love timepieces with transparent case-back; I like to look into it as an added enjoyment.

As for function, chronographs are always special to me because I can really and practically use the function anytime, in daily life e.g. journey time during automotive touring or when I am in an airplane – to find out how long I managed to sleep. This may sound trite but for a person having difficulty sleeping on plane, this function is important for well-being. There are many other examples but those two should be enough to illustrate why a chronograph function is one of my favourite complications in timepieces. For travelling, the Chrono One is good because it has automatic winding and 60-hour power reserve. This One is really functional and practical.

PPro : When did you decide to purchase?

LW : From the first moment we saw it, my husband and I like it. But my husband is always full of surprises, so I only knew that he really purchased it when the global launch was in Singapore. Before that day, I had no idea we were the first.

PPro : After having the piece for 2 weeks, what are your User's Comments?

LW : The Chrono One is my favourite chronograph timepiece now. I like the 42mm case – big on the wrist and it feels solid when I’m wearing it. The look is very pleasing to my eyes, not to mention ‘challenging’! I may not be able to comment much on technicality, but I can assure you that wearing it everyday gives me immense pleasure; just by looking at the transparent windows on the dial. As the date changes daily, you will see a different dial look – “Enough said again!”

PPro : Thank you.

LW : You’re most welcomed.

PuristSPro would like to thank Linda Widyarta for taking the time to answer our questions.

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We welcome comments, suggestions, and corrections to this interview.

© November 2007 – V.L. Kong and Melvyn Teillol-Foo – all rights reserved