The Chopard L.U.C. XP Skeletec

This is the Chopard L.U.C. XP Skeletec unveiled earlier this year.

It was a good day at the office when Paul-André Chopard met with Karl Scheufele, because although it marked the end of the founding family’s control of the brand, in Mr. Scheufele he had chanced upon an individual who would evolve the business created by his grandfather, while remaining respective to its traditions.  Evidence of this, if it were needed can be found in the acclaimed Louis-Ulysse Chopard, or L.U.C. collection.

At the dial centre, this piece displays the exquisite labyrinth of the skeletonized movement, with a plain classical rim on the outer dial which is clutter-free and features only elongated markers –  the contrast is superb.   Inside is the Chopard L.U.C. Caliber 96.17-S, the first Chopard Manufacture movement to be skillfully skeletonized by the brand’s Master Watchmakers, reducing it to its bare bones.  At just 3.3mm, this is of course a true “ultra slim” caliber, yet it produces a more than generous 65 hours of power reserve due to its patented twin coaxial barrel construction.

Fastidious finishing is synonymous with the L.U.C. Collection, and this one has Côtes de Genève decoration viewable on the dial side and rhodium-plated bridges and gilded gear wheels.  To ensure plainness, the name L.U. Chopard appears on the inner side of the crystal instead of on the dial.

The Chopard L.U.C. XP Skeletec comes presented in a rose gold 39.5mm case.