20 Years Of L.U.C Qualité Fleurier, Captured In Gold
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the L.U.C Qualité Fleurier line, Chopard introduces a commemorative model that embodies the core principles of Swiss Haute Horlogerie. The new L.U.C Qualité Fleurier 20th Anniversary Edition is a 39mm timepiece crafted in ethical 18K yellow gold, produced in a strictly limited run of 20 pieces. It represents not only a milestone in the brand’s independent manufacturing journey but also a reaffirmation of Chopard’s dedication to rigorous watchmaking standards.
A Certification Beyond COSC: What Sets It Apart
The hallmark of the L.U.C Qualité Fleurier collection lies in its triple certification — the COSC (Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute), the Fleuritest, and the Qualité Fleurier seal — all of which guarantee precision, craftsmanship, and reliability. Unlike the Geneva Seal, which focuses on the movement and its aesthetic finish, the Qualité Fleurier certification evaluates the watch as a complete entity. To qualify, the watch must be Swiss-made in its entirety, demonstrate long-term durability, and maintain an exceptional level of performance under simulated real-life conditions.
Only a few manufacturers pursue this certification today, and Chopard is the last of the founding members (alongside Bovet and Parmigiani Fleurier) still actively producing Qualité Fleurier-certified timepieces.
Design: Vintage-Inspired Details with Modern Execution
The watch features a sector-style dial rendered in gilded brass, presenting a warm contrast between textures and finishes. A sunburst satin-finished center is framed by a circular-brushed chapter ring, while the sub-seconds counter at 6 o’clock adds visual balance with its concentric graining.
The hour and minute hands are in the classic syringe style, finished in gold and coated with Super-LumiNova for nighttime readability. The applied hour markers similarly feature luminescent accents, enhancing legibility while preserving an understated elegance.
Dimensions and Case Architecture
The case measures 39 mm in diameter, with a slender 8.92 mm profile and 46.50 mm lug-to-lug length, striking a balance between modern wrist presence and classic proportions. Welded lugs, an element that nods to traditional watchmaking, integrate smoothly into the case architecture, contributing to a refined, vintage-inspired silhouette.
Crafted from Chopard’s ethical 18K yellow gold, the case offers not just luxury, but also a commitment to responsible sourcing.
Movement: Chopard L.U.C 96.09-L
Inside, the watch is powered by the L.U.C Caliber 96.09-L, an evolution of Chopard Manufacture’s original micro-rotor movement introduced two decades ago. Measuring only 3.30 mm in height, this ultra-thin movement benefits from the brand’s Twin Technology—two stacked barrels that provide an impressive 65-hour power reserve. The meticulous finishing of the movement, including chamfered bridges and Geneva stripes, is on full display through a sapphire crystal caseback.
Endurance and Performance Testing
In addition to COSC certification, the watch undergoes the Chronofiable testing protocol, which simulates the effects of wear over time, including exposure to shocks, magnetism, and temperature changes. It also passes the Fleuritest — a 24-hour simulation of wrist-wear conditions — maintaining an average daily rate between 0 and +5 seconds per day. These stringent tests confirm the L.U.C Qualité Fleurier’s reliability in both controlled and real-world environments.
Strap and Price
The timepiece is paired with a brown calfskin leather strap featuring a matching 18K yellow gold pin buckle. The retail price is CHF 29,200.
More details at www.chopard.com.
General Specifications:
Brand: Chopard
Model: L.U.C Qualité Fleurier 20th Anniversary Edition
Reference: 161992-0001
Dial: Brown and yellow gold
Case Material: Ethical 18k yellow gold
Case Dimensions: 39 mm Diameter, 8.92 mm thickness
Crystal: Sapphire Glass
Case Back: Sapphire Glass
Water Resistance: 30 Meters
Strap: Brown calfskin leather strap with an ethical 18k yellow golg pin buckle
Calibre: L.U.C 96.09-L
Dimensions: 27.40 mm Diameter, 3.30 mm thickness
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 Vph)
Jewels: 29
Components: 172
Power Reserve: 65 Hours
Price: CHF 29,200
Limited Edition: Yes, 20 pieces
Availability: Exclusively at Chopard boutiques
