Chopard Introduces Two L.U.C. 1963 Heritage Limited Editions
Chopard has expanded its L.U.C. collection with two highly exclusive timepieces that combine traditional watchmaking with sophisticated in-house movements. The new L.U.C. 1963 Heritage Regulator and L.U.C. 1963 Heritage Chronograph are each limited to just 25 pieces, bringing two distinct complications to the collection in precious metal and Lucent Steel cases.
The two watches share a common inspiration in Chopard’s watchmaking heritage, but approach it from very different directions. The Regulator focuses on a complex multi-display layout and an exceptional nine-day power reserve, while the Chronograph combines a traditional hand-wound architecture with flyback functionality and several patented technical solutions.
L.U.C. 1963 Heritage Regulator
The more complicated of the two is the L.U.C. 1963 Heritage Regulator, housed in a 40mm diameter case measuring 10.3mm thick. The case is crafted from 18-karat ethical white gold and provides 30 metres of water resistance.
Its silver-toned dial features a sunburst finish and blue-transferred numerals, with the regulator configuration separating the various indications across the dial. Hours are displayed in a dedicated subdial, while the central hand is responsible for the minutes.
The dial also incorporates a second time zone/GMT indication, power-reserve display, running seconds and date, creating a considerable amount of information within a relatively restrained classical design.
Powering the watch is Chopard’s manually wound L.U.C 98.02-L calibre. The movement uses the brand’s Quattro technology, with four barrels arranged in series to provide an impressive nine-day power reserve.
Operating at 4Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour), the movement combines its extended autonomy with the level of finishing expected from Chopard’s L.U.C division. Visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, the calibre showcases its architecture and hand-finishing.
The L.U.C 98.02-L is both COSC-certified and bears the Poinçon de Genève hallmark, confirming its compliance with the stringent requirements associated with Geneva-certified watchmaking.
The L.U.C. 1963 Heritage Regulator is restricted to 25 pieces worldwide and is priced at USD 50,900.
Chopard L.U.C. 1963 Heritage Regulator, 161993-1001. Silver dial, 18k ethical white gold case, 40 mm diameter, 10.30 thickness, sapphire crystal, 30 meters water resistance. Grey alligator leather strap with 18k ethical white gold pin buckle. Calibre L.U.C 98.02-L, hand-wound movement, hour, minutes, small seconds, date, gmt, power reserve, 28,800 Vph, 216 hours of power reserve. Price: USD 50,900 limited to 25 pieces.
L.U.C. 1963 Heritage Chronograph
The second release takes a sportier approach. The L.U.C. 1963 Heritage Chronograph measures 42 mm in diameter and 11.48 mm thick, with its case produced from Chopard’s proprietary Lucent Steel.
The dial combines a deep blue sunburst-polished, galvanically treated surface with an eggshell-coloured printed scale. Rhodium-plated white-gold hands provide the indications, while the chronograph displays elapsed seconds alongside dedicated 30-minute and 12-hour counters.
The design retains several traditional chronograph details, including mushroom-shaped pump pushers, while the case offers 50 metres of water resistance.
At its heart is Chopard’s manually wound L.U.C 03.07-L calibre. The movement operates at 4Hz and provides approximately 60 hours of power reserve.
Technically, the calibre is particularly interesting. It incorporates both a column wheel and vertical clutch for controlling the chronograph, while also offering flyback functionality. The vertical coupling helps minimise the potential hand-jump associated with engaging the chronograph, while the flyback function allows the chronograph to be reset and restarted with a single operation.
The movement also features a zero-reset mechanism, allowing the chronograph seconds hand to return to zero when the crown is used to stop the movement. This is complemented by a system of pivoting hammers with elastic arms used during chronograph reset.
Several of these technical solutions are protected by patents, including the zero-reset mechanism, the pivoting hammer and elastic-arm arrangement, and the vertical clutch system.
As with the Regulator, the chronograph movement is COSC-certified and carries the Poinçon de Genève hallmark. The movement can be viewed through the sapphire crystal caseback.
Limited to 25 individually numbered examples, the L.U.C. 1963 Heritage Chronograph is priced at USD 40,000.
Chopard L.U.C. 1963 Heritage Chronograph, 168556-3003. Blue dial, Lucent steel case, 42 mm diameter, 11.48 thickness, sapphire crystal, 50 meters water resistance. Brown alligator leather strap with Lucent steel pin buckle. Calibre L.U.C 03.07-L, hand-wound movement, hour, minutes, small seconds, flyback chronograph, 28,800 Vph, 60 hours of power reserve. Price: USD 40,000 limited to 25 pieces.
