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Chopard L.U.C All-in-One
Last June, I was able to handle an example of the very rare L.U.C All-in-One from Chopard.
The front dial of this two-sided watch is 'verdigris' and hand-guilloché. It features a Perpetual Calendar with a Big Date and a Tourbillon.
The back dial features five indicators (equation of time, day/night, sunset, sunrise & 7-day power reserve) and an astronomical orbital moon phase.
The complications are displayed in an elegant, clear and attractive way. But, when you turn the 46 mm case on its side, the monstrous 18,5 mm thickness appears and, unfortunately, these gargantuan dimensions ruin the watch, imho.
The L.U.C All-in-One was first introduced in 2010 to celebrate the brand's 150th anniversary. The aim was, of course, to demonstrate the breadth and level of excellence of the Manufacture's expertise.
This first iteration, limited to 15 pcs in total, came in three variants:
- A white gold variant, ref. 161925-1001 :
credit: watchesmiles
- A gem-set bezel white gold variant, of which Kong posted some great photos here:
credit: acashbuyeroc.com
- And a rose gold variant, ref. 161925-5001 :
credit: watch collectors
Here's an explanatory sketch of the original dial design:
credit: Chopard
In 2018, the L.U.C All-in-One's dial was redesigned and two new references were introduced, each limited to 10 pcs:
- Ref. 161925-5002 in rose gold: it's the reference of the particular example I was able to handle which was no. 10 of 10. Below are some additional photos taken by Monochrome:
credit: monochrome
- Ref. 161925-9003 in platinum:
credit: @nickameijer, about_timepieces, @yohann_artintime & chronocash
The movement powering this beast of a watch was first referenced as calibre L.U.C 4TQE (probably for '4 barrels', 'Tourbillon', 'Quantième' and 'Equation') and later became L.U.C 05.01-L.
Its specifications are: 33 x 11,75 mm - hand-wound - 516 components - 42 jewels - 28,000vph (4Hz) - four barrels (Quattro technology) - 7-day power reserve - COSC certified - Hallmark of Geneva
Front
Back
credit: Chopard
All in all (pun intended), the All-in-One is a frustrating watch, whose attractive and beautiful elements are spoiled by excessive dimensions (Patek Philippe's Sky Moon Tourbillon ref. 6002, another beast which, unlike the All-in-One, includes a Minute Repeater, is 'only' 44 x 17,35 mm)...
Thanks for reading.
Best, Emmanuel
Chopard L.U.C All-in-One
Last June, I was able to handle an example of the very rare L.U.C All-in-One from Chopard . The front dial of this two-sided watch is ' verdigris ' and hand-guilloché . It features a Perpetual Calendar with a Big Date and a Tourbillon . The back dial feat...
I absolutely love the rose gold variant, ref. 161925-5001
Size, as in too big, is never an issue for me when it comes to watches. Some of us like knowing that we have something substantial on the wrist. 18mm thickness? 46mm case? Bring it on! Ha ha. Thanks for sharing such lovely pics too.
I’m glad you like it, Ron!
It’s definitely substantial and, if one has the adequate wrist and body size and enjoys a big watch, it’s a piece to consider. Aesthetically, I like the second gen dial very much, especially the verdigris with a rose gold case. Best, Emmanuel
I couldn't agree more with you on this one....
What a marvelous showcase of technical prowess, only to be deduced to something akin to a decorative item as a result of its unforgiving proportions.... Thank you very much for the excellent pictorial, cheers, Filip
Thank you Filip!
Too bad, indeed. Especially as I like the verdigris dial of the watch I was able to handle. These past two years, Chopard has started reducing the size of its watches. Hopefully the All-in-One will be put on a diet someday… Best, Emmanuel
Impressive, but not beautiful.
Imagine a car that can do 0-100 kph in 3 seconds, has all of the superlative statistics. But! It isn't beautiful. That's this watch... It isn't beautiful. It checks all the boxes when it comes to complications, but it isn't aesthetically well done. The da...
I agree on the Tesla, Patrick (not ugly, but completely uninteresting design),
but not on the All-in-One: I personally like the second gen dial… But regret the monstrous proportions… Best, Emmanuel
Thank you so much, I'm glad you enjoyed the post!
Even if I personally found this watch frustrating, I thought it deserved a dedicated thread. Best, Emmanuel
Incredible
And once you’re hitting 17mm thickness what’s another mm between friends! The second generation dials are exquisite.
I find the second gen dial exquisite too, especially the verdigris one.
And I would agree that, once you've accepted the idea of a BIG watch, 1 mm doesn't make a lot of difference. But if I ever considered acquiring such a beast, I would probably go for a completely unusual and 'wilder' piece like the bespoke 5011T: hidden to...