BOUTIQUE
CHOPARD
L.U.C Perpetual T Spirit
The L.U.C Perpetual T Spirit of the Chinese
zodiac combines the art and engineering of
haute horology in a one-of-a-kind expression
of the brand’s sophistication. According to
Chopard it took more than 210 hours to hand
engrave (from “ethical” 18-karat rose gold) on
the bezel the twelve symbols of the Chinese
zodiac as well as the symbolism from ancient
temples. Even the solid gold crown is adorned
with a hand-engraved tiger’s head while its
body is carried onto the case middle.
Under the solid gold dial beats the L.U.C
02.15-L manual wind movement. This caliber
combines the two high complications of
perpetual calendar and a tourbillon escapement
within the same mechanism, and adds an
impressive nine-day power reserve thanks to
the Chopard Quattro system of four integrated
spring barrels.
The extended power reserve and high
complications are all the more impressive when
you consider that the watch is also a certified
COSC chronometer and proudly announces this
with “chronometer” engraved on the dial. The
price for this unique piece is $278,500.
IW RATING
Design: 8 (out of 10)
Solid application of champleve’ engraving takes
traditional platform into new artistic heights.
Innovation: 7
Combination of high complications paired
with extended power reserve along with COSC
certification.
Finissage: 9
Outer case engraving speaks for itself while the
movement components are equally beautified
with traditional finishes. It’s Poincion de Geneve.
Legibility: 6
Strong enough hands to stand out from a
necessarily busy dial.
Rarity: 10
Unique piece.
Value: 8
Rarity should equate to sustained value into the
future.
Overall iW rating: 48 (out of 60)
34 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | WINTER 2019