Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi Snake

Kong · 2013-07-12T06:08:13Z

Explore the Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi Snake, a limited edition with a stunning maki-e dial by Master Kiichiro Masumura and the ultra-thin L.U.C Calibre 96.17-L.

Kong

WPS member · Chopard forum

14 replies7940 views1 photos

Kong presents an exquisite look at the Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi Snake, a special edition created for the Year of the Snake in collaboration with Japanese Urushi Master Kiichiro Masumura. This article highlights the intricate maki-e dial work and the technical prowess of the ultra-thin L.U.C Calibre 96.17-L, offering a detailed appreciation for this fusion of haute horlogerie and traditional Japanese artistry.

2013, L.U.C issues another special XP Urushi piece with Yamada Heiando, a top purveyor of tableware to the Japanese Imperial Household and a top Urushi Master, Mr. Kiichiro Masumura, who is also a Japan's "Living National Treasure" in traditional lacquerware crafts to commemorate the year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac.

Similarly like previous series of the XP( extra-plate) Urushi Snake, the calibre is the ultra-thin automatic L.U.C Calibre 96.17-L with solid-gold micro-rotor and double-barrel to enable the XP Urushi with 65 hours of power reserve contained in the 39.50mm 18K gold case.

Words will be difficult to describe the beautiful and detailed dial-work by Master Kiichiro Masumura. Even pictures may not do justice, but the pictures below will certainly hope to try.

Please note, there is a layer of protective plastic-wrap thus the colours and tone will be a tad subdued.

L.U.C XP Urushi Snake in 39.50mm 18K rose gold case with the slimness of 6.80mm.

Top notch "raised maki-e" word.

I feel to enjoy the beauty and intricate work of maki-e, a single task light source with dim ambience is sufficient.
Moving the light source will enable the details of the master work to evolve and open up.

The volume and layering of the maki-e will appear with slight shadow details. The iridescence from the radens of three flower-motifs and the eye of the snake will change with different light angles.

The eye of the snake glows with life (in the above picture) at certain angle.

Would be nice if the white Chopard logo is less conspicuous. Perhaps, should explore other way to mark the watch like engraving on the back of the sapphire, which the logo only visible at certain viewing angle or think of another place to place the logo which could blend harmoniously with the beautiful dial.

Sapphire caseback with engraving of Master Kiichiro Masumura providing a clear view of the L.U.C Calibre 96.17-L.

Another stunning piece from the L.U.C XP Urushi Series!

Kong

Related Reads:

1) L.U.C XP with Urushi (2009 Collection)

2) Real Pictures of the revered L.U.C XP with Urushi (2010)

This message has been edited by Kong on 2013-07-16 08:35:16

Key Points from the Discussion

The L.U.C XP Urushi Snake features a dial crafted using 'raised maki-e' technique by Living National Treasure Mr. Kiichiro Masumura, showcasing incredible detail and layering.
The iridescence from the radens (mother-of-pearl inlays) in the flower motifs and the snake's eye changes with different light angles, bringing the dial to life.
The watch is powered by the ultra-thin automatic L.U.C Calibre 96.17-L, featuring a solid-gold micro-rotor and double-barrel for a 65-hour power reserve.
The 39.50mm 18K rose gold case maintains a slim profile of 6.80mm, emphasizing the 'extra-plate' (XP) designation.
A sapphire caseback reveals the L.U.C Calibre 96.17-L and includes an engraving of Master Kiichiro Masumura, honoring his contribution.
There is a discussion regarding the prominence of the white Chopard logo on the dial, with suggestions for alternative placements or colors to blend more harmoniously with the maki-e art.

The Discussion

MTF

Jul 12, 2013

Thanks for the photo report. I just noticed that each piece may be different depending on the eye and brush of the Master. The colours of the flowers can be changed at will. The Snake is an interesting Zodiac animal because It is considered both good and bad, lucky and unlucky, or a vision and a sight! Still, the Master's work is praiseworthy and truly this is "handiwork". The current Mrs MTF and I were into lacquer-work when we lived in Japan. We had objects decorated with different techniques:

masterspiece

Jul 12, 2013

for another great report. I am always amazed and pleasantly surprised of what a creative person can do on a two dimensional plane, regardless of its size. This clearly establishes that the intricacies of handcrafted design can only be done by a true Master. Aloha, my friend. Bob

mell0822

Jul 12, 2013

fine craftmanship of the Japanese masters, despite the protective layer of wrapper. But I still prefer my "five-goldfish" ;p Melvin

lien

Jul 16, 2013

i like this not too vicious almost playful snake portrait thx fot sharing kong! cheers, Ed~

Kong

Jul 16, 2013

Hi Ed Good to hear from you. I guessed the colour of the eye played an important part... imagine if the eye is red instead :-) Kong

Kong

Jul 16, 2013

for the kind words, Melvin. Glad that you've the '5-goldfish' instead of the four. Kong

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Chopard forum with 14 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

More from this Forum