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The 20th Mitsukoshi World Watch Fair: Chopard Report - L.U.C Time Traveler One, Mille Miglia 2017 Race Edition, Superfast 2017 HF....
"Mitsukoshi" is the top end department store in Japan, like the Harrod's. Many department stores nowadays do "world watch fair" every year - obviously reflecting the popularity of the mechanical watches these years - but Mitsukoshi has been doing it for the longest, I believe, and it is 20th anniversary this year.
There were more than 50 brands, as well as a few high-end watch retailers, distributors are exhibiting. Once-a-year watch nuts event over here.
So, here is the report for our long time friend, Chopard booth.
I am sorry to say that I had never seen in person this one.... L.U.C Time Traveler One. Really impressed with the design and make.
This may be the lowest "cost/performance" ratio in today's L.U.C line.
You may already know, but if you are interested....
You know, the pusher on the 2h, with L.U.C log on is for time adjustment, date, and the pusher on the 4h moves the outer dial, changing the city.
This is the 18K Rose Gold version. Again, nice color combo matching very well with the case color.
42mm, but I could manage it. No problem.
Next up is the Mille Miglia 2017 Race Edition. Presented to all the participants of this year's Mille Miglia. Color combination of silver and red/ black is very nice. Red accent seems to be trendy.
The crown has the steering wheel on top, and chronograph pushers have pattern like the pedals.
And this is this years Superfast, launched like this here:
Light weight, High Frequency (57,600). Very, very nicely made. Gosh, I wish this were a chronograph.... I might....
Nice for a weekend watch for me.
There is only one left in Japan.... Superfast is being sold superfast
And, this is the one I want to highlight today.
And, this is the one I want to highlight today.
Yup, L.U.C 96.1 Caliber watch. 96 caliber (the original with complete finishing, etc.) is the one we, the hardcore Chopard or L.U.C fans have been waiting for a long time.
Dial center guilloche pattern is very well done.
Case back is also nicely done.
Look at the top of the crown. There is a pusher. And when you push it...
The officer case back opens gently.
Please enjoy the view.
Original 96, with complete finishing.
The officer case back opens gently.
Please enjoy the view.
Original 96, with complete finishing.
Once called 1.96 is now called 96.01
The back of the back case lid has unique engraving - more later. The motif is the bee hive.
Ah, so nice.... WG case give "just" weight for a dress watch... But for casual, no problem, too.
As expected, thin enough...
A bit of super macro shots to check out the finishing.
So, the story of this "bee hive" engraving. The "bees" flying around the hive - these are different by piece or by the engravers. Interesting.
So, the story of this "bee hive" engraving. The "bees" flying around the hive - these are different by piece or by the engravers. Interesting.
Limited edition of 100. So, how many examples you can see is not a big chance, but it may be interesting to compare if there is anyone who owns the same watch...
Macro shot of the "bee" engraving.
Very nicely made dial, and 3D painting of the logo - many times painting, I assume.
L.U.C and Sports watches of Chopard are really great ones. Practical, nicely designed and executed.
Thanks for reading.
Ken
The 20th Mitsukoshi World Watch Fair: Chopard Report - L.U.C Time Traveler One, Mille Miglia 2017 Race Edition, Superfast 2017 HF....
"Mitsukoshi" is the top end department store in Japan, like the Harrod's. Many department stores nowadays do "world watch fair" every year - obviously reflecting the popularity of the mechanical watches these years - but Mitsukoshi has been doing it for t...
Wonderful Chopard report, Ken. We can always count on you!
I like the new 8Hz, since I also have one so similar, a non-racing branded chronograph model will be what will make me jump again. But this brand offers other models of interest too.
Re: The 96.1...
...please, Chopard...get rid of the date window. It is not necessary on a dress watch. Despite the beauty of the movement I could never buy this watch with a date window that disrupts the dial.
P.S...
...thanks, Ken for such beautiful photos and for your time attending these events. I was there a few years ago and it was well-executed and the vendors were very friendly. It is a fantastic department store.
Mixed feelings here.
I find the dial of the WT too busy (10 years ago I would be crazy about it) but the LUC 96.1 is really splendid, especially the movement (I agree that it doesn't need the date window). Aris
Wow
Wow, The serial of the original started at 100000, mine was 1071xx and the one in the hunter back is no. 19xxxx. So there're almost 100,000 1.96s out there, now that's really a staggering number for a Poinçon de Genève movement. And I don't recall seeing...
Are we sure that they counted continuously?
When thr calibre name was changed from 1.96 to 96.01, maybe they started using other SNs? Taking the capacity of 4'000 movements per year, even after 20 years we maybe have around 100'000 movements made, but from all calibres. Does it mean that Chopard us...
..
Not really sure to be honest, judging by the 1.96 equipped LUCs I've came across over the years in boutiques and other places , for the LUC twist series alone I've seen 119xxx and 13xxxx, 14xxxx so there's the pattern. But there's also the (rather high) p...
Memories of Ginza
Ken, Thanks for the report and memories. Although my favourite 'old school' "depato" was Matsuzakaya (closed in 2013 for major reconstruction), which was the first shop in Ginza where customers could keep their shoes on, I have been to Mitsukoshi Ginza ma...
Highlights for your visit
It seems that you have met with some of the latest highlights from the Chopard collection. Talking about the wishlist: 1) LUC XPS1860, just fantastic movement, like the quilloche on the dial, officer case back - elegant variation indeed. 2) LUC Time Trave...
