Chopard

When comparing the LUC 1.96 to the LUC 3.96, what is the difference in the level of finishing between the two movements? I know that the 1.96 has the Seal of Geneva which qualifies it as one of the best finished movements in the world, how close is the 3.96 to the Seal of Geneva? How is the reliability and accuracy of the 3.96? Also, is the beveling of the edges applied by hand on the 3.96?

Best Regards,

Mike

Hi Mike

The L.U.C Calibre 1.96 is the basic movement and 3.96 is the variant but by no mean a second class calibre.

Since both are COSC certified chronometer, accuracy will be within the COSC specifications. 
The L.U.C Calibre 1.96 with the Breguet over-coiled hairspring and fine adjustment regulator would have a slight edge in term of accuracy over the flat hairspring of the 3.96.

The efforts put into finishing for both the Calibres are about the same.  The Calibre 3.96 could also almost get the Geneva Seal if it meets some of the criterias.
Included also two diagrams to further illustrate the differences between the L.U.C Calibre 1.96 and the 3.96.

The beveling of the edges (anglage) is done by hand under magnifying lenses  with the help of the tools similar to those use by dentist.

Hope that helps.

Kong

OK, I admit I have not been on the forum in awhile so forgive my ignorance, but my 1.96 movement has 32 jewels, while the one in your picture, Kong, has only 29.   Also the micro-rotor in mine says Chopard in script, while the micro-rotor in yours says LUC.   So Chopard has changed the 1.96 since issuing my 1860/1 hunter back?   Where were the missing 3 jewels removed from? 

Hi Robert

No issue, feel free to ask any question.

I've asked this question before to Chopard.

Actually only 29 jewels are used.  The  additional was 'decoration'!

The  Cal 1.96 after 2003 (from the COSC cert) should have the actual 29 jewels marked.

Merry Christmas!

Kong

Thanks for the answer, but it was one I did not expect! 

Merry Christmas Kong, and thanks for facilitating this site. 

Well, I would like to have  the 32 jewels...it is more 'original' though not functional.

Kong

...on my 1.96 1860/2. The movement no. is 1.001.555, caseback no. 911333, is older & indeed marked "32 jewels." The COSC cert. no. is 8940241, dated 13NOV00, and the Chopard Certificate of Origin (original sale) is dated 2.9.2002. Oh, and I count 43 bees around the hive on the solid back. (;

for these wonderful pictures!!

Fantastic clarity!

What prompted you to select this salmon or copper-tone dial?

Kong

I never owned another watch with a salmon dial and really liked the look of this particular model, especially because the date wheel background color matches the dial color. I think all variations of the 1.96 look really attractive, though -- not an easy choice.

nt