Chopard L.U.C Full Strike Sapphire

To mark the 25th anniversary of its L.U.C collection, Chopard has created a peerless transparent timepiece, as well as revolutionising the minute repeater for the second time in five years. In addition to the gongs of the L.U.C 08.01-L chronometer-certified calibre, the entire case, crown and dial of this new L.U.C Full Strike Sapphire model are cut from blocks of sapphire. Measuring 42.5 mm in diameter and totally transparent, it offers a 360-degree view of a movement with exceptional finishes.

This entire horological prodigy bears the Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark, a first for a non-metallic timepiece. Endorsed by virtuoso brothers Renaud and Gautier Capuçon, its acoustic richness achieves an exceptional level of quality, while perfect homogeneity makes it an unparalleled timepiece combining a stunning conceptual challenge with supremely accomplished execution. By merging container and content, musical expression and transparency, Chopard has created a veritable horological musical instrument. Thanks to the homogeneity of the material – which is present throughout the sound propagation chain – this five-piece limited series gets the very best from sapphire.

Above and beyond its aesthetic prowess, the choice of lab-created sapphire is justified by its technical properties: derived from synthetic corundum, this material is one of the most resistant to scratches and has an estimated hardness of nine on the Mohs scale, almost as hard as diamond. Moreover, although producing a sapphire case entails considerable machining difficulties, it has the advantage of remaining unalterable over time.

The 42.5 mm diameter case is 11.55 mm thick, with well-balanced proportions identical to previous versions of the L.U.C Full Strike, and which contribute to the characteristic elegance of the L.U.C collection. The bezel, caseband, crown, case-back and rear glass are all made of sapphire crystal. This rare model, whose absolute transparency enables the wearer to become one with the timepiece, has been created by specialised artisans mastering all the requirements of sapphire technology, from powder to finished component. The manufacturing process follows strict sustainable development rules, from the energy consumed in the production of corundum crystal through to transport.

Keen to preserve the user-friendliness of the minute repeater and to make its operation as secure as possible, Chopard Manufacture has introduced a number of innovative systems. Thus, if the barrel no longer has sufficient force to power the minute repeater, a safety mechanism blocks its release. In addition, Chopard has filed a patent for a new strikework-activation device. As soon as it is activated, the pusher is disengaged, thereby making it impossible to disturb the running of the minute repeater or to damage it.

From movement development to adjustment and quality control, along with finished product design, the stamping and machining of cases as well as movement components, engraving and traditional hand-crafted finishes, gemsetting, surface treatments, polishing and assembly: its workshops in Geneva and Fleurier enable Chopard to master the entire production process involved in each creation composing the L.U.C collection. The work of experienced artisans, these timepieces with their simple and pure design express a high degree of mechanical sophistication.

Guide Price: $450,000

Technical Specifications

• Ref. 168604-9001 – in sapphire with a grey alligator leather strap, numbered five-piece limited edition

Case:

• Transparent sapphire
• Total diameter 42.50 mm
• Thickness 11.55 mm
• Crown with integrated strikework pusher in sapphire, with L.U.C logo 8.80 mm
• Polished caseband, bezel and case-back, engraved case-back
• Exhibition case-back fitted with sapphire crystal
• Sapphire crystal with two Chopard-patented integrated monobloc gongs

Movement:

• Mechanical hand-wound L.U.C 08.01-L
• Number of components 533
• Total diameter 37.20 mm
• Thickness 7.97 mm
• Number of jewels 63
• Frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
• Power reserve 60 hours
• Mainplate and bridges in untreated nickel silver
• Bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève motif
• Minute repeater
• Chopard-patented monobloc sapphire crystal and gongs

• Chopard-patented variable-inertia balance
• Chopard-patented clutch-lever device serving to block the strikework so as to avoid losing power reserve during information capture
• Chopard-patented dedicated ratchet-driving mechanism serving to avoid pauses during chiming
• Strikework-activation device serving to act on the pusher whether it is chiming or not, in normal, low, continuous or fast mode (patent pending)
• Balance-spring with Phillips terminal curve
• Chronometer-certified by the COSC
• Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark

Dial and hands:

• Openworked sapphire dial
• Applied logo plate in 18-carat white gold with black transfers
• Satin-brushed chapter ring
• Satin-brushed small seconds
• Railway-type minutes track engraved on the sapphire crystal
• Black transfers
• Applied rhodium-plated herringbone-type hour-markers
• Applied rhodium-plated Dauphine hours and minutes hands
• Rhodium-plated baton-type small seconds hand
• Rhodium-plated baton-type movement power-reserve and strikework power-reserve hands

Functions:

• Minute repeater striking sapphire gongs (Chopard-patented system)
• Central display of the hours and minutes
• Small seconds display at 6 o’clock
• Concentric display of the watch and strikework power reserves at 2 o’clock
• Stop-seconds function

Strap and buckle:

• Strap in hand-sewn grey alligator leather with grey alligator lining
• Folding clasp in polished and satin-brushed ethical 18-carat white gold