Comments:
To make more interesting extra-plate series , this year, L.U.C up the ante with their fourth generation (4G) of extra-plate - L.U.C XP Skeletec .
A quick recap ....
The commemorative piece, chocolate sunburst satin-brushed dial with “Poinçon de Genève” logo.
And the 2012 version, the L.U.C XP Skeletec (Ref. 161936-5001) ...
The 18K rose gold case is of diameter 39.50 mm and a thickness 7.13 mm, limited to 288 pieces.
Sapphire crystal is both sides anti-reflective coated providing superb clarity.
Logo was printed on the second surface of the sapphire crystal.
4mm signed gold crown.
View from the caseback of the skeletonised bridges. The LE serial number is also engraved on.
A couple of 'see-through' pictures of the L.U.C Skeletec against the backlighting ...
Related Reads :
1) Press release of L.U.C Skeletec:
chopard.watchprosite.com
2) Real pictures of XP & XPS :
chopard.watchprosite.com
The 4G of L.U.C Extra-plate - L.U.C XP Skeletec
Ever since L.U.C
"Extra-plate" which also known as L.U.C XP was launched in 2006, and
proudly won the first prize in the ultra-thin watch category in the
Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix the same year, it has evolved too.
Beginning with straight-forward minute-hour version and solid caseback, it progresses to a newer version (XPS) with small-second added so it can be a COSC certified to realise the full potential of the in-house movement. In between, the L.U.C XP has a small collection of exquisite Urushi dial series, handpainted by a Japanese Urushi Master. Last year, to commemorate the Poinçon de Genève 125th Anniversary, L.U.C issued a limited production model of 125 pieces with a date added.
Beginning with straight-forward minute-hour version and solid caseback, it progresses to a newer version (XPS) with small-second added so it can be a COSC certified to realise the full potential of the in-house movement. In between, the L.U.C XP has a small collection of exquisite Urushi dial series, handpainted by a Japanese Urushi Master. Last year, to commemorate the Poinçon de Genève 125th Anniversary, L.U.C issued a limited production model of 125 pieces with a date added.
To make more interesting extra-plate series , this year, L.U.C up the ante with their fourth generation (4G) of extra-plate - L.U.C XP Skeletec .
A quick recap ....
From top left, 2006
- the origin of XP with the L.U.C 96HM movement. 2009, a version with
small-second and sapphire crystal caseback with movement L.U.C 12.96.
One of the beautiful Urushi series and the Geneva Seal XPS with date and
small-second.
The commemorative piece, chocolate sunburst satin-brushed dial with “Poinçon de Genève” logo.
And the 2012 version, the L.U.C XP Skeletec (Ref. 161936-5001) ...
The
L.U.C XP Skeletec featuring open dial-work and skeletonising of the
parts of the main-plate and bridges. I guess there would be other colour
scheme later. This initial version seems to match the exterior facia
with the internal components.
The gears, barrels and balance wheel are in gold hue, it is logical to have a warm rose gold version with rose gold dauphine-hands and indexes, blending well with a slate hour-chapter-ring and Rhodium-plated black the platine and bridges.
The gears, barrels and balance wheel are in gold hue, it is logical to have a warm rose gold version with rose gold dauphine-hands and indexes, blending well with a slate hour-chapter-ring and Rhodium-plated black the platine and bridges.
The 18K rose gold case is of diameter 39.50 mm and a thickness 7.13 mm, limited to 288 pieces.
The irregular cut-out at area between 3H and 4H exposing
the setting lever disturbs the harmony of the dial. Perhaps, L.U.C
would like to owner to see some animation while adjusting and winding
the watch (for inital power, as it is an automatic).
Sapphire crystal is both sides anti-reflective coated providing superb clarity.
Logo was printed on the second surface of the sapphire crystal.
4mm signed gold crown.
View from the caseback of the skeletonised bridges. The LE serial number is also engraved on.
This skeletonised
version of the 96HM is named as L.U.C 96.17-S, exposing the one of the
barrels and part of the gear-train. Many would think, it is an easy
decision just to skeletonise the movement. For ultra-thin movement of
height at 3.30mm, it needs time to study and verify the structural
strength of the skeletonised platine and bridges to ensure the
reliability is not compromised.
Both main-plate and bridges were decorated with Côtes de Genève waves and then rhodium-plated black.
Per the 96HM, the L.U.C Extra-plates are all powered by two barrels (Twin® technology) giving a power reserve 65 hours at 28,800 vph.
A picture of the 96HM for comparison ...
The 2012 skeletonised version - L.U.C 96.17-S
Both main-plate and bridges were decorated with Côtes de Genève waves and then rhodium-plated black.
Per the 96HM, the L.U.C Extra-plates are all powered by two barrels (Twin® technology) giving a power reserve 65 hours at 28,800 vph.
A picture of the 96HM for comparison ...
The 2012 skeletonised version - L.U.C 96.17-S
It
will be intriguing to view with a loupe (5X or 10X), the hidden
elaborate work on the movement, like the decorated underside of the
main-plate and bridges.
Tilting at an angle, reveal twin stacked barrels and running of the gear-train and the lever escapement.
Tilting at an angle, reveal twin stacked barrels and running of the gear-train and the lever escapement.
A couple of 'see-through' pictures of the L.U.C Skeletec against the backlighting ...
A good
effort from L.U.C for one of its first skeletonised work. I would wish
for a fully exposed version, without the hour-chapter ring/dial or
substitute with a sapphire hour-chapter ring 
What are your thoughts?
Kong
What are your thoughts?
Kong
Related Reads :
1) Press release of L.U.C Skeletec:
chopard.watchprosite.com
2) Real pictures of XP & XPS :
chopard.watchprosite.com
The back looks much better than the front.
I agree that a full skeletonised dial will look much better than the half/part skeletonised dial.
Piaget, Harry Winston, AP and of course VC can be good references.
In fact, the irreguler cut out at 3H and 4H looks like an "ear". If Chopard makes another "ear" at 8H and 9H, then, it is balance.
Regards
Ling
You made me laugh!
Very imaginative, Ling! Ear!
I can visualise it.
Thanks for note.
Kong
I can visualise it.
Thanks for note.
Kong
cool pics kong
this year seem to be the year of skeletor
i like its back alot better than the front as the half opened dial seem to interrupt the intended classy presentation.
cheers,
ed
Thanks Ed ...
Good to hear from you!
Think you are right, this year has many skeletonised watches.
Kong
Think you are right, this year has many skeletonised watches.
Kong
The logic of half skeletonised front dial
The current Mrs MTF loves skeletonised watches and wears one quite frequently when not wearing her Chopard
The main problem with skeletonisation is ......er......the lack of a dial ! So reading time is usually an approximation of angles of the hands. I guess this half-dial is a balance between readability and showing off the skeleton movement.
On the back, it is easy to have full exposure.
One of the reasons that I finally 'passed' on the 1st LUC Chrono One was the fenestrated dial showing date ring etc.
But all is not lost......I am sure Chopard LUC will have nice chronographs in future for the current Mrs MTF and me........
Hint Hint hehehe
MTF
The irregular cut...
kinda bugs me a little. But overall, I think it is a more than decent effort from Chopard. Will love to see it in the metal.
Thanks for the report and great pics as always.
Best,
Gavin
Cool Gavin!
Thanks for your input and kind words.
There should be a piece at Ngee Ann Boutique...otherwise we can view it together soon
Kong
There should be a piece at Ngee Ann Boutique...otherwise we can view it together soon
Kong
Have to agree
I think it would look nicer if it was fully exposed or have a thinner hour ring to match the thinnest of the watch.
In the photos the rhodium coating of the movement looks a nice dark grey that contrasts the hour ring nicely but I think in the metal, the movement is not so dark in color. The skeletonisation looks very nice, clean and modern/contemporary rather then too busy and intricate. So deeper contrasting colors between the skeleton and the hour ring would be more in the contemporary/modern line. Maybe they might have a 'tech' skeleton.
If I am not wrong, this is a boutique exclusive piece right?
Sc
In the photos the rhodium coating of the movement looks a nice dark grey that contrasts the hour ring nicely but I think in the metal, the movement is not so dark in color. The skeletonisation looks very nice, clean and modern/contemporary rather then too busy and intricate. So deeper contrasting colors between the skeleton and the hour ring would be more in the contemporary/modern line. Maybe they might have a 'tech' skeleton.
If I am not wrong, this is a boutique exclusive piece right?
Sc
Check it out ...
in the Ngee Ann Boutique.
There should be a piece in store. My pics were taken during the March Basel.
Should not be a boutique exclusive.
My guess this is already a tech skeleton ...the name is Skele..tec
Thanks for inputs, SC.
Kong
There should be a piece in store. My pics were taken during the March Basel.
Should not be a boutique exclusive.
My guess this is already a tech skeleton ...the name is Skele..tec
Thanks for inputs, SC.
Kong
still undecided
From some angles I think it looks good however from others I am not so sure. I need to see it in the flesh.
Thanks Kong for the report and pictures.