RULE BRITANNIA!
To celebrate the opening of its new London boutique, Chopard is releasing a limited edition with a hinged case back, as distinguished as one of Her Majesty’s officers.
“Elegance is when the inside is as beautiful as the outside.” mused Coco Chanel (1883-1971) and this reflection is perfectly befitting of the L.U.C XPS 1860 Royal Arms of England released by Chopard. The gold dial accentuated by an anthracite galvanic treatment and the guilloched center demonstrate all the qualities of the L.U.C collection. The time information, the dauphine hour and minute hands, the date and the small seconds at 6 o’clock bring this pared-down style to life. The refined composition is enhanced by the slim 40 mm white gold case just 7.7 mm thick. Turning the watch over reveals a case back covered with a graphic honeycomb design. By pressing on the crown, it opens at 90° just like old pocket watches.
This reveals an engraving of a lion, symbolizing Richard I of England, on the back of the cover. Through the sapphire crystal, the bridges decorated with Geneva stripes and the gold micro-rotor of the L.U.C 96.01-L caliber can be seen. This self-winding movement provides a power reserve of 65 hours thanks to its two barrels. Its precision is certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). And as with all the brand’s timepieces, it has the Geneva Seal, a sign of excellence.
The 8 pieces of this ultra-limited series come with a brown alligator strap and are only available in Chopard’s UK boutiques.
Price: on request chopard.com
By Dan Diaconu