iW Magazine Winter 2017/18 | Page 35

BOUTIQUE CHOPARD With the L.U.C Perpetual T – Spirit of the Chinese zodiac, Chopard adds another member to its yearly edition of the L.U.C XP Urushi. This year the entire Chinese zodiac is portrayed in cham- plevé engraving on the perimeter of the case accented with a black patina over the 18-karat rose gold. The intricately adorned case houses a movement that integrates a perpetual calendar, tourbillon escapement and Chopard’s four- barrel Quattro system that gives more than a full week of autonomy to this singular timepiece. On top of all that the L.U.C. Perpetual T is also Chronometer-rated for accuracy. Retail price $264,380 IW RATING Design: 9 (out of 10) Hand engraving combined with Urushi lacquer meld traditional elements to create an amazing impact. Innovation: 8 Chronometer accuracy that lasts longer than a week on a single winding is no mean feat. Finissage: 9 Case and movement elicit high level of detail and attention. One of the small group of watches that qualify for the Geneva Seal. Legibility: 8 Gold hands contrast the deep black dial. Rarity: 10 As a piece-unique you simply don’t get any rarer than this. Value: 9 As much a work of singular art as a timepiece and an investment grade wristwatch. Overall iW rating: 53 (out of 60) 36 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | WINTER 2018