Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Dog 161902-5067

MTF's 2017 post introduces the Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi 2018 Year of the Dog, a continuation of Chopard's annual ultra-thin L.U.C XP Urushi series. This article highlights the collaboration with Japanese lacquer masters Yamada Heiando and Grand Master Kiichiro Masumaro, showcasing the intricate Urushi dial art. MTF details the symbolism of the Year of the Dog and the exquisite craftsmanship involved in this limited-edition timepiece.

Chopard Celebrates 2018 Lunar New Year of the Dog

Each year since 2013, Chopard issues a new ultra-thin L.U.C XP Urushi watch.

L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Dog 161902-5067

The Japanese urushi lacquer zodiac series is an established "cult" collection with elegance, refinement, technique and aesthetic supreme.

Collaborating with the Japanese imperial purveyors of lacquerware - 'Yamada Heiando' - they draw inspiration from the repertoire of Oriental astrology to offer a fresh interpretation of its Urushi dial. Chopard worked with Grand Master Kiichiro Masumaro to oversee the creation of the L.U.C XP Urushi dials. He is recognised as a master of his art and has been raised to the status of “national human treasure” in Japan.

L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Dog 161902-5067

East meets West as Chopard places creativity at the heart of cultural ties and of its commitment to perpetuating traditions; Japanese traditional lacquer art meets Swiss watchmaking precision.

The dials were handmade by the Urushi Master Minori Koizumi.

Master Minoru Koizumi

2018 A.D. marks the celebration of the Year of the Dog.

Its iconography, its universal symbolism and its mythological strength are showcased in an 88-piece limited series: The L.U.C XP Urushi –Year of the Dog, the 11th sign of the Oriental zodiac, for a year dedicated to generosity and loyalty.

Drawing

Generosity meets Loyalty

In the Oriental zodiac, each sign is the expression of a distinctive nature.

The range of qualities associated with the dog is thus reflected in the L.U.C XP Urushi – Year of the Dog watch. Eager for justice, sensitive and faithful by nature, dogs devote all their strength to serving others, without ever impinging on others’ freedom. Their devotion withstands every trial and when they love, it is for life. They also cultivate an attitude to work based on commitment, personal involvement and a serious-minded attitude that implies making the most of individual skills, giving true meaning to their existence, and basically leading a useful, honest and consistent life.

Dogs are builders and protectors demonstrating unfailing loyalty.

Painting lacquer

Chopard decided to embody this canine through a representative of the beautiful 'Akita’ breed, depicted in a lush natural setting dotted with wild orchids and enhanced by the fluttering presence of a dragonfly, regarded as a lucky charm and a good omen.

You can read more about urushi Japanese lacquerwork and Chopard in the following articles on PuristSPro.

[CLICK to READ]

Interview: Yamada Heiando CHOPARD LUC XP Urushi Japanese Lacquer Technique

CHOPARD Urushi Dial: Japanese Lacquer by Yamada Heiando Maki-e Technique

L.U.C XP Urushi 2017 Year of the Rooster watch

L.U.C XP Urushi 2016 Year of the Monkey watch

L.U.C XP Urushi 2015 Year of the Goat

L.U.C XP Urushi 2014 Year of the Horse watch

L.U.C XP Urushi 2013 Year of the Snake watch

Sprinkling gold powder

PURISTS COMMENT

Until you own and see an urushi lacquer dial watch, you cannot imagine the subtle beauty and depth of the lacquer work. It is exquisite and intoxicating in more ways than one.

Urushi is an ancient lacquer technique using toxic tree resin patiently harvested, once a year, in very small quantities. The poisonous resin has to be matured for three to five years to become a highly resistant lacquer, applied in a number of extremely fine layers. Within the layers, the urushi master traps tiny iridescent particles of gold, silver or mother-of-pearl, that endow it with distinctive depth, luminosity, and exquisitely fine nuances.

CHF 21,590 or US$21,590

Raden mother-of-pearl inserts

Dial making Steps

L.U.C. Exceptional Manufacture

Within the Xtra-Plat, ultra-thin case measuring 39.5 mm in diameter and only 6.8 mm thick, is the superb self-winding L.U.C 96.17-L movement. The twin barrels ensure a 65-hour power reserve by means of Twin® technology and manages to fit inside the slim case because of the off-centred 22-carat gold micro-rotor. It is bevelled, engraved and guilloché, while the bridges are adorned with Côtes de Genève.

L.U.C 96.17-L

 
Technical details
L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Dog
Limited edition of 88 pieces in 18-carat rose gold

Case:
18-carat rose gold
Total diameter:      39.50 mm
Thickness:       6.80 mm
Water resistance:     30 metres
18-carat rose gold crown with L.U.C logo  4.00 mm
Glareproofed sapphire crystal
Exhibition case-back

L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Dog 161902-5067

Movement:
Mechanical self-winding     L.U.C 96.17-L
Number of components     172
Total diameter:      27.40 mm
Thickness:      3.30 mm
Number of jewels:     29
Frequency:       28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve:       approx. 65 hours
Two barrels, Twin® technology
Bevelled, engraved and guilloché 22-carat gold oscillating weight
Bridges, adorned with Côtes de Genève motif, circular-grained mainplate, bevelled components

Urushi Year of the Dog dial

Dial and hands
Dial hand-crafted in Japan using the Urushi technique with a special “Year of the dog” motif
Gilded Dauphine-type hours and minutes hands

Functions and displays:
Central display of the hours and minutes

Strap and buckle:
Hand-sewn black alligator leather strap
18ct rose gold pin buckle

Ref. 161902-5067 – in 18-carat rose gold with special “Year of the Dog” dial - 88-piece limited edition

Regards,

MTF