CaliforniaJed introduces the Chopard L.U.C Regulator, a reinterpretation of a classic from the brand's Haute Horlogerie collection, ahead of Baselworld 2015. He highlights its redesigned aesthetics, optimal readability, and the prestigious COSC and Poinçon de Genève certifications, inviting community insights on this new release.

L.U.C Regulator

Aesthetic balance and historical precision

Chopard is reinterpreting this year a classic from its L.U.C Haute Horlogerie collections: the L.U.C Regulator model. It now appears in a version combining the elegance of the new L.U.C case with the horological prestige of the Chopard regulator movement. In keeping with the grand tradition of precision clocks, the six indications on the L.U.C Regulator are separated to ensure optimal readability. The COSC certification as well as the Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark awarded to this new L.U.C watch testify to its high rating precision and fine craftsmanship. In addition, the L.U.C Regulator features subtle symmetrical effects representing a noteworthy aesthetic accomplishment.

Both a high-precision watch and an off-centred display mode, the regulator is a watch industry classic that Chopard approaches in an extremely modern way in this model. Entirely redesigned to ensure optimal readability and formal elegance, it admirably embodies the founding principles of the L.U.C collections. Its historical roots, its rating precision as well as its harmonious proportions make it an authentic Haute Horlogerie watch.

Finely balanced proportions

After a first model in 2006, Chopard once again distinguishes itself by miniaturising a regulator-type mechanism to wristwatch size. Regulators are watches whose hour hand is not fitted in the centre of the dial. The steel case gives way to a timeless version in 18-carat rose gold. Contrary to almost all available regulators, which place the hours at noon, those of the L.U.C Regulator appear at 3 o’clock. This means they peek out beyond a shirt cuff and are thus legible in all circumstances. The avant-garde design of the indications appearing on the 2006 L.U.C Regulator is replaced by new indications characterised by a refined dial font. But the unique nature of the L.U.C Regulator also lies in its other atypical indications. Its dial features exquisite symmetry, with its four cardinal points each occupied by an indication. At noon, the power-reserve indication proudly indicates the autonomy of L.U.C Calibre 98.02-L on a graduated scale. The hours are placed at 3 o’clock, while the small seconds beat steadily at 6 o’clock.

The fourth of these strategically placed items of information is a dual-time display appearing at 9 o’clock. This GMT function is controlled by a corrector-pusher discreetly recessed into the side of the L.U.C Regulator. The date, which is visible through a window between 4 and 5 o’clock, provides just the right degree of asymmetry required to highlight the rigorous composition of the sunburst satin-brushed dial. The innovative dial font used for the Arabic numerals, featuring a wealth of subtle details, sets the perfect finishing touch to the extremely elegant overall impression. The same quest for visual harmony continues on the case. At 9.78 mm thick and 43 mm in diameter, the L.U.C Regulator is perfectly proportioned.

A history of precision

From the late 19^th century onwards, the extremely high-precision regulator clocks were used for a prestigious purpose: providing the reference time in watchmaking workshops. So as to be clearly visible by the precision timers who were responsible for adjusting other clocks and watches, the hours,minutes and seconds hands were separate and placed on different parts of the dial. This display principle has been known ever since as the regulator type.

The L.U.CEUM, the Chopard Museum located in Fleurier, houses three major regulators bearing the signature of great names such as Berthoud and Blondeau. They are the source of inspiration for the development of Chopard’s L.U.C watches. Their precision, their reliability, their benchmark value, as well as their ability to make their way unscathed across the ages, form a set of valuable guiding principles. The L.U.C Regulator clearly belongs to this lineage in terms of its performances as well as its unique nature.

 Each L.U.C 98.02-L movement of the L.U.C Regulator has successfully undergone the tests conducted by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute, thereby guaranteeing its chronometric precision. The watch is thus authorised to bear the inscription “Chronometer” on its dial. Moreover, its case and its movement have passed the stern tests performed by the Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark, which certifies the fine technical and aesthetic craftsmanship of the watch, and in particular the high level of finishing on its mechanical parts.

In addition to these quality testimonials, the L.U.C Regulator also provides an exceptional 216-hour power reserve equivalent to 9 days. This performance has become a signature of the L.U.C movements featuring Quattro® technology. L.U.C Calibre 98.02-L measures just 4.90 mm thick, despite being equipped with the four barrels enabling this autonomy. These modest dimensions in turn make it possible to have a fairly slim case.

From its movement right the way through to the smallest details of its operation and its appearance, this model demonstrates the considerable importance devoted to the quality of its feel and look on the wrist, along with user friendliness and elegance.

Technical details

Case:

·    18ct rose gold

·    Total diameter                                                 43 mm

·    Thickness                                                      9.78 mm

·    Water resistance                                              50 metres

·    18ct rose gold crown with L.U.C logo                 6.50 mm

·    Polished bezel

·    Glareproofed sapphire crystal

·    Exhibition back

Movement:

·    Mechanical hand-wound  movement                  L.U.C 98.02-L

·    Total diameter                       30.40 mm

·    Thickness                                                       4.90 mm

·    Number of jewels                                            39

·    Frequency                                                      28,800 vph

·    Power reserve                                                216 hours

·    4 barrels - Quattro® technology

·    Bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève

·    Chronometer-certified (COSC)

·    Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark

Dial and hands:

·    Sunburst satin-brushed silver-toned dial with black transfers

·    Gilt dauphine-type hours and minutes hands

·    Black triangular hand for small seconds, GMT and power-reserve indicator

Functions and displays:

·    Central minutes display

·    Hours display at 3 o’clock

·    Small seconds display at 6 o‘clock, GMT function at 9 o’clock and power reserve at 12 o’clock

·    Date window between 4 and 5 o’clock

Strap and buckle:

·    Hand-sewn brown alligator leather with alligator leather lining

·    18ct rose gold pin buckle

Ref. 161971-5001 – In 18ct rose gold – sunburst satin-brushed silver-toned dial