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

Proclaimed a “Living National Treasure” by the Japanese authorities, artist Kiichiro Masumura has created this unique dial for Chopard based on the time-honoured lacquering techniques of Urushi and Maki-e. Marrying ancestral craftsmanship with the highest degree of Swiss watchmaking, this majestic work of art portrays the Chinese astrological sign of the goat. Magnificently showcased within the understated lines of the ultra-thin L.U.C XP in 18K gold, this exceptional timepiece is equipped with the mechanical self-winding L.U.C Calibre 96.17-L.

Exceptional watchmaking expertise

A work of art such this dial is matched by the refinement of the L.U.C XP, a superlative and elegant ultra-thin timepiece measuring 39.5 mm in diameter and only 6.8 mm thick. It is an emphatic illustration of Chopard’s horological mastery. Chopard Manufacture is one of the rare movement makers capable of producing a mechanical self-winding calibre equipped with twin barrels ensuring a 65-hour power reserve. The watchmakers of the Manufacture in Fleurier achieved this feat using an off-centred micro-rotor. The micro-rotor is integrated into the overall thickness so as to keep the movement slim and ensure smooth and practical winding.

Entirely hand-decorated by the artisans of the Manufacture Chopard in accordance with the craftsmanship traditions of fine watchmaking, L.U.C Calibre 96.17-L may be admired through the transparent sapphire case-back. The case comes in a choice of 18-carat rose gold or white gold.

Fitted with a black alligator leather strap, the L.U.C XP Urushi “Year of the Goat” is delivered in a special presentation box, also decorated according to Urushi techniques. Black on the outside and adorned with Maki-e on the inside, it is shaped like an octagon, the oriental symbol of joyfulness.

Art and serenity
The dial of this new Zodiac watch is entirely crafted by hand. A traditional Japanese lacquer technique - Urushi - is used to depict a serene goat, viewed from the side. Portrayed on a bed of flowers beneath colourful stylised clouds, it inspires a sense of merriment and tranquility. As traditionally represented in the Chinese zodiac, the goat is a peaceful creature, intolerant of injustice, which it is always keen to oppose. Endowed with a creative rather than a belligerent personality, it draws upon art to assert its point of view. Easy-going and generous by nature, it is the bearer of soothing virtues and heralds a sense of harmony associated with values relating to the land and to family.

A time-honoured pictorial art
Urushi is a long-established lacquering art. The varnish is derived from the sap of the Urushi tree, also called the “lacquer tree” or “Japanese varnish tree”, mainly found in Japan and China. The resin can only be harvested once a year, in very small quantities. Three to five years after it is collected, the resin is treated to transform it into an extremely resistant, honey-textured lacquer. It is applied in very thin successive layers, traditionally on everyday objects such as bowls or boxes.

Maki-e, a technique derived from the art of Urushi, consists of sprinkling the lacquered coating with metal powder – gold or silver – in order to accentuate its outlines. The gold dust is applied using bamboo tubes and small natural-hair brushes in order to trace extremely fine lines. This art requires a degree of skill and meticulous care that only a few experienced Urushi specialists possess.

Technical details
 L.U.C XP Urushi – Year of the Goat

Case:
 In 18K gold
 Total diameter: 39.50 mm
 Thickness: 6.80 mm
 Water resistance: 30 metres
 18K gold crown with L.U.C logo: 4.00 mm
 Glareproofed sapphire crystal
 Transparent back

Movement:
 Mechanical self-winding: L.U.C 96.17-L
 Oscillating weight: 22K gold
 Balance wheel: 3-spokes
 Balance spring: flat
 Total diameter: 27.40 mm
 Thickness: 3.30 mm
 Number of jewels: 29
 Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
 Power reserve: 65 hours
 Two barrels, Twin® technology
 Bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève, circular-grained mainplate
 Components: 172

Dial and hands:
 Dial crafted according to the Urushi technique with a Goat décor
 Gilt Dauphine-type hour and minute hands

Functions and displays:
 Central display of the hours and minutes

Strap and buckle:
 Hand-sewn black alligator leather strap with Alsavel lining
 18K gold pin buckle

In the Chinese Zodiac, the Sheep and Goat are synonyms.

2015 A.D. is the 4712^th Chinese Year. The first day of the Wooden Goat cycle is on February 4, 2015. Chinese New Year Day is on 19^th February 2015. Goat is the 8^th animal in 12 zodiac signs. Goat is after Snake (6^th) and Horse (7^th).

Snake, Horse and Goat are in the Fire cycle based on the theory of Five Elements (Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth) astrology system.

Goat is one of Chinese favorite animals. Goat's Chinese character is  Yang, not  Wei. The Chinese character of Luck  contains the character . The pronunciation of  is Xiang, which is close to Yang . Therefore, the Goat becomes a lucky animal. The sound of Yang is the same as Yang of Yin Yang.   Yang means the positive energy of the universe.

During the Chinese New Year festival of the Goat Year, Chinese like to say “san-yang-kai-tai” , which means many (three) Yang energy bring up auspicious, cordial and tranquil atmosphere. But Chinese like to replace with as  in the Goat year.  "Three Lucky Goats bring Auspicious Cordial Tranquil Atmosphere upon you".

......Chopard and the Three Lucky Goats. 

Actually, is from I-Ching Hexagrams . Three bars in the bottom are three Yang, which represents Heaven (Sky). Three broken bars on the top are three Yin, which represents Earth (Ground). Strong Yang energy is going up from the ground. This natural phenomenon is connected to the timing of the beginning Spring.