While maintaining a 39 mm diameter and a mere 8.92 mm thickness, the L.U.C Qualité Fleurier timepiece sees its historical design revisited through a new model fitted with resized lugs and crown, as well as an elegant and functional silver-toned monochrome sector-type dial. It is the first in the L.U.C Qualité Fleurier family to be crafted in Lucent Steel™: Chopard’s alloy featuring exclusive properties and made with a recycling rate of at least 80%. Showcasing the finest expertise and innovation cultivated within Chopard Manufacture, its L.U.C 96.09-L movement with chronometer-certified precision is equipped with Chopard Twin technology. Duly recognised by the Qualité Fleurier label of excellence, this chronometer eagerly awaited by collectors pushes even further the limits of design as well as of certified craftsmanship and precision.
Reinterpreting a historical design
The latest addition to the L.U.C Qualité Fleurier collection captivates first and foremost with its elegant allure. Inspired by the very first L.U.C Qualité Fleurier watch in 2005, its curved lines endow it with an undeniably elegant profile and optimal wearer comfort. This horological masterpiece radiates a pervasive sense of nobility: its elongated welded lugs follow the pleasing proportions of the Lucent Steel™ case measuring 39 millimetres in diameter and 8.92 millimetres thick.
This is the first time that a timepiece certified according to Fleurier Quality Foundation criteria has been fashioned in this unique metal – produced with a recycling rate of at least 80% and endowed with exclusive properties – whose use the Manufacture extended to all its steel timepieces in 2023.
The superior brilliance of Lucent Steel™ is matched by a silver-toned sector-type dial. This type of watch face – characterised by two concentric rings marked off by radial lines tracing “sectors” that facilitate distinct readings of the hours and minutes – is a throwback to the original L.U.C Qualité Fleurier model in 2005. The separation between the different sectors is underscored by contrasts in the surfaces of the monochrome dial: while the centre is sunburst satin-brushed, the chapter ring has a circular satin-finish and the small seconds counter is finely snailed. This understated, functional display punctuated by luminescent indications features syringe-type hands that have become a classic feature of the L.U.C Qualité Fleurier identity.
The embodiment of casual elegance, this L.U.C chronometer is paired with a casual vintage brown calfskin strap featuring beige strap stitching.
A global certification
This model’s meticulous aesthetics go hand in hand with a technical feat made possible by the L.U.C 96.09-L movement. An evolved version of Chopard Manufacture’s first calibre, this ultra-thin mechanism measuring just 3.30 millimetres thick is equipped with Chopard Twin technology featuring two stacked barrels wound by a bidirectional micro-rotor in 22-carat gold, endowing the watch with a comfortable 65-hour power reserve.
The precision of this self-winding movement, finely executed and adorned with Côtes de Genève by the artisans of the Maison, has been certified by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute after 15 days of testing, one of the five criteria required by Qualité Fleurier certification.
In addition to an appraisal of exclusive aesthetics, the comprehensive Qualité Fleurier set of tests also covers the quality, shock resistance and precision of watches manufactured in Switzerland. Above and beyond the precision of the Chronometer movement, the reliability of the watch as a whole is verified by the Chronofiable protocol: three weeks of ageing tests in conditions involving hot, cold and damp conditions, pull and push operations on the winding stem, as well as exposure to magnetic fields and repeated shocks. A second phase of precision testing done on the fully cased-up watch is carried out using the Fleuritest simulator: specially developed to obtain the “FQF Haute Horlogerie quality certification”, this machine faithfully reproduces the conditions under which the watch is worn on the wrist for 24 hours, alternating between calm and active phases and even very active phases (such as when engaging in sports). To qualify for the Qualité Fleurier certificate, the rate variation of each assembled timepiece must be between 0 and 5 seconds per day.
L.U.C: elegance and Fine Watchmaking in timeless symbiosis
Since 1996, Chopard Manufacture has been perpetuating watchmaking expertise and reflecting the inspired vision of Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, committed to a quest for innovation and to defending a heritage passed on by generations of watchmakers – true artisans of watchmaking emotions – since the time of Louis-Ulysse Chopard, founder of the Maison in 1860.
Movement development, finished product design, precious metal smelting, case stamping and machining, calibre components, engraving and traditional hand-crafted finishes, Grand Feu enamel, surface treatments, polishing, assembly, adjustments and quality controls: its Swiss workshops in Geneva and Fleurier enable Chopard to master the full range of watch production operations involved in each creation of the L.U.C collection.
The work of experienced artisans, these timepieces, whose simple and pure design expresses a high degree of mechanical sophistication, beat to the rhythm of the emotions experienced by the contemporary gentlemen for whom they are intended.
