Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi 'Jungle' Dial Acquisition

This piece has been haunting me for over three years, and it is finally on my wrist. Hence, this post is long, so please bear with me.

For this catch, several acknowledgements are needed: Many thanks to MTF for explaining the background of this wonderful artistic dial and answering all my (many) questions. Thanks to Singapore based Purist Stefan who nudged me over the edge without knowing it (more on this below). Thanks to Hong Kong based Purist Conkers for alerting me to see the auction preview and advising me at the auction. Apologies to Nicolas because I forgot about his bad experience at this auction house which I bought the Jungle from.

When I went to the auction preview, serendipity happened. Walking in I had in mind other watches which I needed to review because I was helping my friend to sell some rare Pateks. However, the Jungle immediately captivated my eyes over Pateks. Afterwards, I was still a bit hesitant and needed to think more because my budget had been blown earlier this year with a pair of Patek China 10th anniversary watches. However, that night I read Stefan’s post about other urushi pieces and that did me in. Hence, I have Stefan to thank or blame. LOL !

With no budget left, I resourceful remembered that previously I had asked my wife to buy me the Jungle as an anniversary present for me at full retail price and she had refused immediately. Now at the suggested auction price range, representing (after 25% commission) 37% to 57% off retail, I asked again and she agreed because I said I could probably get it at around 50% discount to retail at the auction.

With an approved budget in my pocket (so of speak), I went to the auction with Conkers who acted as a valuable advisor and Keks from Sweden as a moral supporter. When it came to the Jungle lot, auctioneer said he had three absentee bids, with the third one being the highest amount I was willing to pay. Darn! Auctioneer called out for more bids but nobody answered from the floor, internet or phones, and then auctioneer yelled out “no regrets, going once, going twice… ”. My paddle miraculously went up without me thinking because my heart knew that I needed to make just one bid. Thereafter the Jungle bidding war was over! I became Tarzan and got to do so with a 45% discount from retail price for a practical new watch with plastic protector still on its case back!

Wearing the Jungle for work and pleasure is a big distraction because I must check the time very often! The color is really vibrant and the details are amazing ! The dial has a 3D effect in many areas, such as the blue and green vegetation. I think the master must have kept painting on various spots to get the 3D effects. As you can see below, even the small head of the monkey has eyes and mouth. The pebbles that the lion stands on are so small and bright. The lacquer box is very lovely. The micro motor and the movement are nicely decorated. Interestingly this rose gold case is matched with a black instead of brown strap. Reason is probably to match the black at the top of the dial where the monkey is located. IMO, a brown strap would be better. The watch is thin and is very comfortable to wear.

What are your thoughts on this watch and urushi dials ?

Now me Tarzan must sleep next to my Jane who bought me my grail urushi dial!!!

Cheers,

Gordon

Customary wrist shot


Details on the monkey