One in all final yr’s most acclaimed watches was Chopard’s LUC 1860 in Lucent Metal with a salmon-colored dial – an ideal homage to one of many actually nice watches of the ’90s, the 1997 LUC 1860. On the heels of this resurgence in recognition comes the newest revolution -Collaboration: the Chopard LUC 1860 Revolution Version.
Earlier than we speak concerning the newest addition, let’s check out the historical past of the mighty Chopard LUC 1860 and the 1.96 caliber that homes it. This watch marked the debut of Chopard’s LUC assortment (quick for Louis-Ulysse Chopard, the model’s founder), a then-new assortment designed to permit Chopard to showcase its in-house watchmaking expertise. If nobody thought-about Chopard to be a high watchmaker earlier than 1997, that modified with the LUC 1860. To begin with, the motion. Design and growth started in 1993 and was accomplished in 1995. The COSC-certified motion featured the world’s first bi-directional micro-rotor fabricated from 22-carat gold. There was additionally a swan neck regulator with a Breguet hairspring and a sublime, flowing motion design with loads of hand angle. The case measures just below 37 mm and the dial is advanced, traditional and easy on the similar time.
The response to this launch was huge. The watch was praised by critics, setting the tone for the Chopard manufacture and inserting it on a par with the very best that Swiss watchmaking needed to provide.
Quick ahead to as we speak: Although the watchmaking panorama has modified considerably, the basics stay the identical. So the Chopard LUC 1860 nonetheless holds up. And for those who evaluate the outdated with the brand new, not a lot has modified. For instance, a slight evolution of the strains of the 36.5mm case, thicker lugs and a brushed center case. Likewise, the motion is the 96.40-L, which lacks the date of the unique and has the seconds stopper added. It nonetheless options the stacked vitality barrels that give this little gown watch a formidable 65 hour energy reserve. The dial even comes from the identical producer, Metalem, who famously made the dials for Philippe Dufour’s Simplicity. The one distinction is that Chopard now owns the Metalem facility. The opposite large replace is Lucent Metal, Chopard’s recycled metal that is tougher and brighter than common metal – and one of many many examples of Chopard main the best way on the subject of incorporating sustainable supplies.
Revolution’s newest collaboration with Chopard has been a very long time coming, with the concept already mooted in 2017. The highway to as we speak has been lengthy, however the wait was greater than price it. The entire watch’s key stats stay the identical aside from the Lucent metal case. However the dial, nonetheless with the identical alluring mixture of guilloche surfaces, is one thing new. It’s strong gold, just like the 2023 salmon dial model, however in contrast to that watch, the dial has not been electroplated in any means. It’s uncooked, pure gold. When you think about the wealthy shade and textural depth of the dial, evaluate it to the intense metal of the case and the utmost sophistication of the main points, the Chopard LUC 1860 Revolution Version is a dramatically thrilling watch.
The Chopard LUC 1860 Revolution Version can be produced in a restricted version of fifty items and can price $25,200 excluding VAT. Now accessible.
Chopard LUC 1860 revolution enhancing
Ref: 168860-3002
Motion: Automated LUC caliber 96.40-L; 65 hour energy reserve
Options: Hours, minutes and small seconds with cease seconds
Case: 36.5mm; Clear metal; waterproof as much as 30 m
Select: 18 carat gold, engine-turned; utilized faceted hour markers
Belt: Matte, grained calfskin; Clear metal pin buckle
Worth: USD 25,200 excluding VAT taxes
Availability: Numbered and restricted version of fifty items
