Kong introduces the Chopard L.U.C Lunar Twin from BaselWorld 2012, highlighting its blend of scientific precision and poetic design. This article delves into the watch's highly accurate moon-phase display and its Manufacture-made L.U.C Calibre 96.21-L. For collectors, it offers an in-depth look at a significant release that showcases Chopard's commitment to fine watchmaking and aesthetic refinement.
The new L.U.C Lunar Twin offers a perfect blend of science and dreams. Its highly poetic moon-phase display echoes its extremely technical Manufacture-made calibre: it is so precise that the discrepancy between the mechanism and the actual lunar cycle amounts to only one day in 122 years.
Owning a tiny piece of the sky on the wrist has rarely been as poetic as on the new L.U.C Lunar Twin by Chopard. The moon-phase display indicating the two hemispheres is elegantly off-centred at 1 o’clock, and associated on this model with central hour and minute functions, small seconds at 6 o’clock, as well as a date through a window at 4 o’clock.
This understated model featuring traditional fine watchmaking finishes is equipped with proprietary self-winding L.U.C Calibre 96.21-L. The latter is equipped with Chopard’s patented Twin® technology – two sets of two stacked barrels – and has a 65-hour power reserve. Certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) and beating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, this movement is visible through the transparent case-back. Only one day in 122 yearsThe view of the moon as seen from earth changes in accordance with its revolution: its visible face may be completely lit up by the sun (full moon), entirely plunged into darkness (new moon) or partially lit up (various moon phases). The interval between two identical phases of the moon, called a month or a synodic revolution, amounts to 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes and 2.8 seconds.Achieving such a degree of precision on a wristwatch is an extremely complex task, a feat brilliantly accomplished by Chopard Manufacture. The L.U.C Lunar Twin model is equipped with an ultra-precise device in which the wheel driving the moon-bearing disc comprises 135 teeth. Its indication is so precise that the difference between the mechanism and the actual lunar cycle amounts to just one day every 122 years. The various moon phases are visible for both Northern and Southern hemispheres through a particularly large aperture ensuring smooth read-off.Optimal readabilityThe L.U.C Lunar Twin adopts the new aesthetic identity codes of the L.U.C collection, with a voluptuously curving 40 mm-diameter case in 18-carat white gold. The polished and satin-brushed lugs are entirely redesigned to ensure enhanced comfort and perfect aesthetic equilibrium. The crown engraved with the L.U.C logo appears in a slimmer version while remaining equally user-friendly. To accentuate the exceptional technical qualities of this authentic precision instrument, the dial also reveals a number of original refined touches that greatly improve readability: a sunburst satin-brushed dial catches and holds the light, providing a beautiful frame for the rhodium personalised Dauphine-type hands sweeping over delicate tone-on-tone applied Roman numerals.The new L.U.C Lunar Twin is water-resistant to 30 metres and fitted with a hand-sewn matt black alligator strap lined with cognac-coloured alligator leather and fastened by an 18-carat white gold pin buckle.Technical characteristics
Case• 18-carat white gold• Total diameter: 40.00 mm• Thickness: 9.97 mm• Water resistance: 30 m• 18-carat white gold crown with L.U.C logo: 6.50 mm• Glareproofed sapphire crystal • Exhibition case-backMovement• Mechanical self-winding: L.U.C 96.21-L• Diameter: 33.00 mm• Thickness: 5.10 mm• Number of jewels: 33• Frequency: 28,800 vph (4Hz)• Power reserve: 65 hours• Two barrels, Twin® technology• Bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève motif• Chronometer-certified by the COSCDial and hands• Sunburst satin-brushed silver-toned dial • Rhodiumed hour, minute, small seconds hands and hour-markersFunctions and displays• Central hour and minute display• Small seconds at 6 o’clock• Date window at 4 o’clock• Moon phases at 1 o’clockStrap and buckle• Hand-sewn matt black alligator leather strap with cognac-coloured alligator lining• 18-carat white gold pin buckleRef. 161934-1001 – in 18-carat white goldPress Release
