SERIOUSLY SUMPTUOUS CONCERTO
This model, awarded the prestigious Poinçon de Genève seal and whose timekeeping is certified by the COSC, is infused with the expertise the manufacture has acquired over the last 20 years.
686 components. A labyrinth. One-of-a-kind architecture. So, how do you get to grips with it? The L.U.C 08.03-L, a masterpiece of precision and craftsmanship, beats at the heart of this mechanical enigma. This movement, completed after 11,000 hours of research and development, breathes life into Chopard‘s astonishing L.U.C Grand Strike watch. As there’s no dial in the 43 mm-diameter ethical white gold case, you get a dizzying, fascinating bird’s-eye view over the elaborate manual-wind movement.
Some elements stand out, in particular a 1-minute tourbillon set at 6 o’clock, two hammers at 10, and a power reserve indicator at 2. Energy management is crucial here to drive the minute repeater, as well as a grande sonnerie and a petite sonnerie, complications that are energy-intensive. The first chimes the hours, quarters, and minutes on demand; the second, the hours and quarters automatically, whilst the last only sounds out the quarters. A discreet selector nestling next to the crown lets the wearer choose their favorite melody. The watch relies on two barrels – one for the time indication with a 70-hour power reserve and one for the strike work mechanism, which provides up to 12 hours’ autonomy in grande sonnerie mode. “Upon each manual (…) or automatic (…) activation of the chime, 34 components leap to attention, poised to deliver a clear and precise report of the time. Guided or retained by an array of 22 hand-adjusted blade springs, these 34 components require only 0.03 seconds to go from standby to being ready for action…”, details Chopard. Fine watchmaking never ceases to amaze us.
