Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Rooster

MTF introduces Chopard's L.U.C XP Urushi – Year of the Rooster, a limited edition timepiece for 2017. This article delves into the watch's unique Japanese Urushi lacquered dial, celebrating the Chinese Zodiac with exceptional craftsmanship. MTF highlights the blend of Swiss watchmaking, Japanese artistry, and Chinese cultural symbolism that defines this annual series.

Its that time of year again.....nearly at the end of one and almost at the beginning of another.

It is particularly exciting for PuristS who are either 'Roosters' in the Chinese Zodiac Cycle or just love chickens!

I belong to neither group but I think the Japanese lacquered dial of the new watch is one of the better ones with a strong representation of Gallus gallus domesticus 

Check it out.....

L.U.C XP Urushi Rooster Year

Chopard introduces a new limited series of L.U.C XP Urushi watch to their Chinese Zodiac Collection for Chinese New Year.
When New Year begins on 28th January 2017, the Yin Metal Rooster is proudly depicted as the theme on a masterly Japanese Urushi lacquered dial. Hand-crafted in Japan by Master Koizumi under the auspice of Grandmaster Kiichiro Masumura, acknowledged as the finest exponent of his art. Raised to the rank of “living human treasure”, the grandmaster's cocky rooster interpretation adorns an ultra-thin and eminently refined L.U.C watch.

Master Koizumi of Yamada Heiando Studio

Each year, Chopard dedicates an annual limited series of L.U.C XP watches to the Chinese Zodiac, which unifies Swiss, Chinese and Japanese traditions within those timepieces. Switzerland is represented by Chopard Manufacture and L.U.C XP model featuring an ultra-thin movement and prestigious finishing. Japan expresses its expertise in the field of precious lacquer, enriched with mother-of-pearl in 'raden' work. China represents its culture through the rooster symbolism denoted on the dial of the new L.U.C XP Urushi – Year of the Rooster.

Rooster Design

For all you 'Chickens' out there:

The rooster is a divine messenger, heralding the dawn and crowing to chase away demons. It is considered honest and frank, two qualities that those born under this Earth sign are believed to share. These resourceful and quick-witted individuals naturally tend to work in fields which involve making diagnoses and maintaining order. Full of energy and naturally pugnacious, the rooster adopts an active and perseverant attitude. He is endowed with excellent oratory skills and loves to give advice… to the point of not listening to that given by others, whom he instinctively distrusts.

Steps of urushi lacquer dial

Preserving an ancestral skill
In Japanese tradition, the sap of the “lacquer” or “Japanese varnish” tree is skilfully harvested, aged and treated to become a lacquer. This extremely hard material is applied in a number of extremely thin layers. The Urushi master uses it to imprison tiny purpose-cut mother-of-pearl fragments, which further enhance the dial of the L.U.C XP – Year of the Rooster with their iridescence and radiance. The animal is depicted in all its majestic splendour, head held high and feathers puffed out, against a glowing sunset backdrop. Alongside it are eight gladioli symbolising good luck.

Japanese urushi lacquer technique

Read previous articles about the urushi technique by CLICKING the links below:

Interview with Yamada Heinando Studio President

Urushi Japanese Lacquer Technique

To create this precious dial, as with all previous L.U.C XP Urushi editions, Chopard has worked with its loyal partner: the Yamada Heiando firm which is an official purveyor to the Japanese imperial family. Together, they have called upon the services of Grandmaster Kiichiro Masumura, acknowledged as the finest exponent of his art. Raised to the rank of “living human treasure” in Japan, he designed and supervised the creation of all the dials, which were personally executed by the highly skilled Urushi master Minori Koizumi.

L.U.C XP Urushi Rooster Year

An exceptional mechanism stemming from Swiss watchmaking tradition
This Far Eastern nobility is matched by the Swiss nobility of L.U.C watchmaking as practiced by Chopard. This exceptional dial is housed in a L.U.C XP case. Its dainty bezel, its slimness and its restrained diameter make it a finely wrought receptacle admirably highlighting the artistic accomplishment of the Japanese craft masters. It is also complemented by the excellence of the L.U.C 96.17-L movement.

This Haute Horlogerie self-winding movement is extremely thin thanks to the use of a micro-rotor. The latter is made of 22-carat gold and incorporated into the overall thickness of the movement so as to combine slenderness with practicality. Equipped with two barrels ensuring a substantial 65-hour power reserve, this calibre is finished according to the highest aesthetic quality standards. With its bevelled and polished chamfers, polished screws, bridges adorned with a Côtes de Genève motif, it too stems from a demanding approach firmly geared towards the long term. The very attitude that governs Chopard Manufacture in its dedication to creating the very best on both aesthetic and symbolic levels. A hand-sewn black alligator leather strap adds the hint of elegance inherent in each watch of the L.U.C collection, intended for modern gentlemen who love to distinguish themselves by means of watchmaking works of art endowed with unique details.

Technical details

L.U.C XP case back

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

L.U.C Caliber 96.17-L

Movement:
  Mechanical self-winding     L.U.C 96.17-L
  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
  22-carat bevelled, engraved and guilloché oscillating weight
  Bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève, circular-grained mainplate, bevelled components

Dial and hands:
  Dial hand-crafted in Japan using the Urushi lacquer technique and mother-of-pearl marquetry, with a special “Year of the Rooster” 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
 18ct rose gold pin buckle

Ref. 161902-5064 – in 18-carat rose gold 88-piece limited edition with special “Year of the Rooster” dial .