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Photo by Andrew Daley
Photo by Andrew Daley
Photo by Andrew Daley
L.U.C 1937 On the Wrist Review
L.U.C 1937 On the Wrist Review
Several weeks ago I came across an L.U.C 1937 in stainless steel that yearned to be on my wrist. Okay, truth told, it was all our friend Daos’ fault — she made me buy it! (She has these powers — it is true!)
Mine, as I said, is in Stainless Steel, with a satin-brushed silver dial with a very nice sunburst pattern. In addition to the satin-brushed dial, in 2011 Chopard also made available a white lacquer dial as well. Kong wrote a nice summary of the two models released in 2011 here:
The 1937 can now be had in 18-karat Rose Gold as well. In either metal a bracelet is available.
Mine is on an black, large scale alligator strap that is beautifully lined with rust-brown, small scale alligator. It is both beautiful and supple, but with ample thickness. The buckle is nicely finished and bears the L.U.C mark.
DIAL: The dial is adorned with Chopard’s now familiar bold Roman numerals, no radial flip, with a somewhat “squished” VI to accommodate the date window just above. Perhaps the most polarizing feature of this (and other) Chopard watches, some dislike the squished VI, and some dislike the presence of a date complication at all. While I stand with those who believe a dial is cleanest without the interruption of a date window, I must admit that I do enjoy the utility of the complication, and I find the presence at 6:00 to be the least obtrusive.
My favorite element of the dial is the satin-brushed texture. Note how the “sunburst” seems to originate beneath the L.U. Chopard mark on the dial. That’s a nice touch. (Daos actually caught this before I did!)
HANDS: I wish I knew what to call them? I am going to refer to them as “modified dauphine” unless someone else can educate me as to a more appropriate desciptor. They may be a bit avant guard, but Chopard has been using them for sometime and it this point they are somewhat a signature element. I enjoy them, particularly the luminous material that runs in a band down the middle.
EDIT NOTE: Per MTF's post below, Chopard calls these hands "Dauphine Fusee".
CASE: The case is large, beefy in fact, at 42mm, with medium length, thick lugs. It works on this watch. The sides of the case are brushed, the balance polished.
CROWN: A nice, large crown, adorned with the L.U.C mark. Very pleasant to the touch.
CROWN: A nice, large crown, adorned with the L.U.C mark. Very pleasant to the touch.
MOVEMENT: Here is where most agree Chopard shines, and the 1937 is no exception. Inside the 1937 beats the Chopard Cal. L.U.C 01.01-L, a 4hz automatic movement, Chronometer certified. This was the first movement manufactured by the Fleurier Ebauche.The movement design, with the rotor spinning around a central axis, is a departure from the micro rotor movements that power most of the automatic L.U.C models. The power reserve is rated at 60 hours, a feature I appreciate.
The finishing is quite nice, I think, particularly given the (relatively) modest price of the 1937 in stainless steel.
So how does it wear? Very nicely! I was concerned to a degree, as my tastes have evolved toward more modest case sizes, but the 42mm case of the 1937 has not been overwhelming, and is quite comfortable, no doubt aided by the suppleness of the strap supplied with it. At 10.64mm thick, the case is by no means thin, but I have not found it at all clunky, either.
Complaints? None yet. It has been very accurate, deviating a second or two a day in my non-scientific observation. Some may have a hard time with the design of this watch. It defies placement into a familiar category; the 1937 is not a marine chronometer, nor is it a sport watch, nor a delicate thing. It not particularly historic in design, as an automatic with a date window at 6, nor is it modern, with rather traditional Roman numerals. Then again, those hands have a bit of a modern flare. (Funny enough, I just checked the Chopard website to see how they describe the design. In their words, “Passion, tradition and innovation combine in the L.U.C 1937 classic timepiece.” I agree! In the end, it is its own thing, and I like that — quite a bit, actually.
Best,
CaliforniaJed
This message has been edited by MTF on 2014-08-25 15:37:55 This message has been edited by CaliforniaJed on 2014-08-25 20:36:01
Great review!
Thanks a lot for this comprehensive review and for the pictures.
It is a watch I also appreciate even if I'm not 100% convinced by the hands.
Thanks Jed!
Fx
It is a watch I also appreciate even if I'm not 100% convinced by the hands.
Thanks Jed!
Fx
Thanks Fx. Those hands...
well, I took some time to warm up to them. I had no frame of reference for them. No way to categorize them. But I I have come to really enjoy and appreciate them. They are meticulously crafted, with angles, curves, polishing and inlay of luminous that cannot be easy to execute. But they are beautifully made, and they are uniquely Chopard. When I stopped trying to contextualize them, I realized that I really like them. I sense that is what L.U.C is about.
Best,
CaliforniaJed
EDIT: Per MTF's post below in the thread, they are called "Dauphine Fusee", or "Rocket Runners" in English! Brilliant!
This message has been edited by CaliforniaJed on 2014-08-25 16:33:38
EDIT: Per MTF's post below in the thread, they are called "Dauphine Fusee", or "Rocket Runners" in English! Brilliant!
Thanks Jed, great review on a much undrappreciated
watch. The finishing, blending of old and new elements in such an artistic way, create a style that really appeals to me. It is a great watch to wear and
always receives so many interesting comments. I still maintain Chopard is one of the great values on the market. They also take top flight care of their existing collectors, taking care of parts and service quickly and kindly--a rare combination.
Best to all,
Tim
Thanks, Tim.
Really looking forward, now, to the PuristS Edition 1963 Chrono. (And hoping the wait won't be too much longer!)
Best,
CaliforniaJed
Best,
CaliforniaJed
Chopard 'dauphine fusee' watch hands
Photo by Andrew Daley
Guy Bove, Chopard Designer described the new hand-shape as 'dauphine fusee'. Since 'dauphine' means 'runner' and 'fusee' means 'rocket', 'rocket runner' actually can be visualised. Each hand has a rocket plume at the base, running to the traditional dauphine runner point.
In an interview by Andrew Daley about the development of the new LUC 1963 Chronograph PuristS' Edition , Mr Bove describes how the dauphine fusee hands reflect most available light whatever the position.
(CLICK the following URL to read report)
Photo by Andrew Daley
“The new hands have been a little controversial. However they are actually based on the traditional dauphine hand design but are superior and something unique to the L.U.C. range. They are very hard to make and so far no one has been able to copy them. The front part is conical and the back part (much to the dismay of the hand maker) is faceted. There is actually only one hand manufacture that is able to achieve this. Going from this height, down to the curve with the facet at the back is next to impossible.
The inspiration for the hands came from old compasses with the pointer coming out of the arm so the design is like a pincer holding a precise point. We talk a lot about precision of our movements (they are all COSC certified) and I wanted to express this on the dial side as well with this pointer hand design. The slender hand coming down to a point hides as little as possible of the counters compared to a traditional dauphine hand.”
Photo by Andrew Daley
Regards,
MTF
Fantastic reply, MTF. (And thanks AndrewD again for the great coverage of your trip!)
"Rocket Runners"! Brilliant. "Dauphine Fusee" is of course elegant, but this is one of those rare instances where I believe the English language does the better job!
I must find reason to use "Rocket Runner" at least once a week from now on!
Best,
Jed
I must find reason to use "Rocket Runner" at least once a week from now on!
Best,
Jed
Rocket Ron and Racing Ralph....
Sounds like the tyres on my bicycle.
I'm switching from a pair of Schwalbe 'Racing Ralph' to 'Rocket Ron' tyres soon.
MTF
Very good but very little exposed model, as always....
Jed, a great report. This one has been ticking in my head. Superb finish and the quality is as always top notch.
Would love to handle it in person sometime soon.
Very nice watch and review, indeed.
Thanks!
Ken
Thanks Ken. Let me know what you think if you get a chance to see one. [nt]
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Aw, c'mon, Jed - admit it! . . .
. . . Daos only made a suggestion. You were in the driver's seat all along ;-) . . .
You know her evil ways, Art!
I won't say she made me, but she can be very persuasive!!
Best,
CaliforniaJed
Best,
CaliforniaJed