Complications
MTF introduces the Chopard L.U.C Perpetual T Spirit of 'La Santa Muerte,' a unique timepiece unveiled at SIAR 2018 that pays tribute to Mexican culture. This post delves into the intricate hand-engraved details of the watch, celebrating the Dia de Los Muertos, and explores the sophisticated perpetual calendar tourbillon movement within. It highlights Chopard's artisanal capabilities and its engagement with diverse cultural themes.
Chopard's artisans celebrate Santa Muerte (the patron saint of death) through a one-of-a-kind timepiece.
Launched today at SIAR (Salon Internacional Alta Relojeria 16-18th October 2018) watch exhibition in Mexico is the piece unique L.U.C Perpetual T Spirit of 'La Santa Muerte'.
L.U.C Perpetual T Spirit of La Santa Muerte 161941-5005
Skulls, flowers, suns, guitars: Santa Muerte is admirably reflected through several fascinating motifs. In tribute to the culture of Mexico, Chopard introduces an exceptional new timepiece named the L.U.C Perpetual T Spirit of 'La Santa Muerte'.
L.U.C Perpetual T Spirit of La Santa Muerte 161941-5005 engraving
Entirely hand-engraved by the artisans of Chopard Manufacture, its 43mm diameter gold case and dial are adorned with motifs typical of the Dia de Los Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), which is generally celebrated as this saint's feast day.
Dial engraving
Inside it, beneath the death mask, beats a supremely sophisticated calibre: a perpetual calendar tourbillon with a nine-day power reserve.
This one-of-a-kind model will be presented to collectors at the SIAR.
L.U.C 02.15-L movement
Confirming its credentials as an
accomplished, expert and versatile Manufacture, Chopard presents a
one-of-a-kind highly complicated watch entirely hand-engraved in-house. After
paying tribute to the cultural symbolism of the Chinese zodiac in 2016, Chopard is
turning to Mexico and the syncretic traditions surrounding Santa Muerte.
L.U.C Perpetual T Spirit of La Santa Muerte 161941-5005
Stemming from the Aztec civilisation and tinged with Spanish Catholicism, the
Día de Los Muertos - Day of the Dead - is a joyful celebration of the cycle
of life, an occasion for renewed awareness of the possibility of death, which
in turn gives full meaning to life. A day of remembrance, the Día de Los
Muertos also provides an opportunity for gifts, offerings and libations to
the deceased, and to cultivate the ties that bind families on either side of
the final frontier. 
L.U.C Perpetual T Spirit of La Santa Muerte 161941-5005 engraving
L.U.C Perpetual T Spirit of La Santa Muerte 161941-5005 engraving
Sunny Eyes, Moustache and Grimace
The tourbillon bridge forms the moustache above a grimace.
The sunny eyes are a parody of death motifs.
L.U.C Perpetual T Spirit of La Santa Muerte 161941-5005 back
The 9-day power reserve indicator can be seen through the sapphire crystal case back, which also reveals the chronometer COSC and Geneva Seal markings.
After the 2016 tribute to the Chinese Zodiac, Chopard turns to Mexico this year with a one-of-a-kind ribute to local culture and celebrating their involvement with SIAR.
2016 tribute: L.U.C Perpetual T Spirit of the Chinese Zodiac ref. 161941-5002
Regards,
MTF
I'm not a big fan of the whole Muerte concept but wow! What a watch!
and some fabulous craftsmanship. Love the engraving.
Cpt. Scarlet, Yes. I like this Day of the Dead L.U.C more that the Chinese Zodiac version. That's saying something when I'm Chinese.... 😉 Regards, MTF
yet it is not easy to admire forever.
I appreciate the thought behind the watch but see the Day of the Dead a bit differently, as a remembering of of loved ones, friends and neighbors no longer with us It's a time to recall those who have died during the past year - families and friends yes, but also those who died alone with no one to love them Thanks for taking a look, Cazalea
But I can also totally understand that it serves a purpose and appeals to a group of audiences.
This thread is active on the Chopard forum with 29 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.
Join the Discussion →
