Chopard L.U.C XP Skeletec Calibre 96.17-S

MTF presents the Chopard L.U.C XP Skeletec as a distinctive Christmas gift idea, highlighting its blend of dress watch elegance with a contemporary, robust design. This article delves into the technical mastery behind its ultra-thin skeletonized Calibre 96.17-S movement, showcasing Chopard Manufacture's in-house capabilities and innovative approach to traditional horology.

As soon as Trick or Treating is over, it will be Christmas Time again.  Santa Claus will be making his List and checking it twice for all the boys and girls, naughty or nice.

To this end, we present a series of 'Christmas 2015 Chopard Gift Ideas' for PuristS.

For Gents part 2: L.U.C XP Skeletec

Any L.U.C XP is a good entry into the L.U.C Collection because every gentleman needs a dress watch.

The Skeletec is slim enough to fulfil that role but also distinctive enough with its contemporary and robust 'Tech' design to be a daily timepiece.

At the time of its launch in 2012, the ultra-thin Calibre 96.17-S movement equipped with two barrels was the first skeletonised calibre produced by Chopard Manufacture.

This latest addition to the XP line is the contemporary and elegant L.U.C XP Skeletec showcasing the philosophy of essentials. The slate-grey sunburst satin-brushed dial frames the heart of the skeletonised mechanical self-winding movement, resulting from the art of meticulous workmanship.

This self-winding calibre beating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), boasts a 65-hour power reserve thanks to the Twin® technology, a Chopard-patented system combining two coaxial barrels and representing a remarkable technical feat, considering the extreme slenderness of the 3.3 mm-thick movement.

Its mainplate adorned with Côtes de Genève on the dial side, and bridges, are meticulously openworked to reveal the details of the movement beneath.

Chopard even smelt their own precious metal on site, stamping and machining of cases, movement parts and bracelets; traditional hand-crafted decorations; surface treatments; polishing; assembly; adjustment and quality control: this entire range of watch production operations is fully mastered in-house by Chopard and applied to the creation of each L.U.C watch.

Technical characteristics

Case:
• 18-carat rose gold
• Total diameter   39.50 mm
• Thickness        7.13 mm
• Water resistance 30 metres
• 18-carat rose gold crown with L.U.C logo 4 mm
• Glareproofed sapphire crystal with white L.U. Chopard inscription
• Exhibition back with glareproofed sapphire crystal

Movement:
• Mechanical self-winding skeletonised movement L.U.C 96.17-S
• Total diameter   27.40 mm
• Thickness        3.30 mm
• Number of jewels 29
• Frequency        28,800 vph (4Hz)
• Power reserve    65 hours
• Bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève motif
• Two barrels, Twin® technology

Dial and hands:
• Slate-grey sunburst satin-brushed dial
• Gilded hour-markers
• Gilded Dauphine hour and minute hands

Functions and displays:
• Central hour and minute display

Strap and buckle:
• Hand-sewn matt brown alligator leather
• 18-carat rose gold pin buckle

Ref. 161936-5003 – In 18-carat rose gold – 288-piece limited edition

I already have a L.U.C XP in my collection but would not be too disappointed to find this XP Skeletec under my Christmas tree on 25th December...

Happy Christmas Wishes, Chopard fans!

MTF

For Ladies part 1:
www.watchprosite.com

For Ladies part 2:
www.watchprosite.com =

For Ladies part 3:
www.watchprosite.com =

For Gents part 1:
www.watchprosite.com

For Gents part 3:
www.watchprosite.com