L.U.C 1937 Classic Paying tribute to understatement

Images: Chopard

For Chopard’s 150^th anniversary, the Manufacture launched a limited edition of the L.U.C 1937 model – a mechanical tribute to the company’s watchmaking heritage. Two new versions of this steel watch, firmly rooted in the tradition of classic timepieces, are now being introduced: one with a porcelain-type white dial and the other with a satin-finished silver-toned dial. The core of this collection is the new high-performance L.U.C 1.010 movement.

The history of the Chopard company, founded in 1860, has been marked by many significant moments. 1937 was one of these fundamental years, as this was when the founder’s grandson Paul-André Chopard chose to leave the Jura region where Louis-Ulysse Chopard set up his first workshop, in order to establish the brand in Geneva. It was in the latter canton that Chopard subsequently built its current success. In tribute to this historical landmark, the Manufacture first presented the L.U.C 1937 model in 2010 with its pure, understated lines embodying a significant facet of the company’s watchmaking heritage.

A timelessly elegant watch

The L.U.C 1937 now returns in two classic and timeless versions. The first features a porcelain-type white dial with black transferred Roman numerals and minute track. The second has a satin-brushed silver-toned dial punctuated by applied rhodiumed Roman numerals and a transferred minute track. Both have Dauphine hands personalised for the L.U.C collection in rhodium or black depending on the version. The 42 mm-diameter steel case of the L.U.C 1937 Classic model is characterised by an innovative profile and timeless curves. Its screw-lock crown at 3 o’clock guarantees water resistance to 50 metres. It is adorned with a vertical satin-brushed finish on the sides, along with polished lugs and a sapphire crystal case-back.

The L.U.C 1.010 movement: precision and performance

The L.U.C 1937 Classic model beats to the rhythm of the new L.U.C Calibre 1.010 and its 28,800 vibrations per hour. This mechanical self-winding movement is chronometer-certified by the COSC and has a 60-hour power reserve. Its construction designed to achieve faultless reliability drives the hours, minutes and central seconds hands, as well as a date display through a window at 6 o’clock. It also features a stop-seconds function enabling easy and accurate time-setting. The precise and high-performance L.U.C Calibre 1.010 represents a significant landmark in the history of L.U.C movements, since its construction serves to increase production volumes and thus consolidate Chopard’s independence.

These new subtly elegant L.U.C 1937 Classic men’s watches are fitted with a black alligator leather strap lined with brown alligator leather and secured by a steel pin buckle.

Technical details

Case:

• Satin-brushed/polished steel case
• Diameter 42.00 mm
• Thickness 11.39 mm
• Water-resistant to 50 metres
• Steel crown with L.U.C logo 6.00 mm
• Glareproofed sapphire crystals on front and back

Movement:

• Mechanical self-winding L.U.C 1.010
• Total diameter 28.80 mm
• Thickness 4.95 mm
• Number of jewels 31
• Frequency 28,800 vph
• Power reserve 60 hours
• 1 barillet
• Chronometer certification (COSC)
• Côtes de Genève adorned bridges

Dial and hands:   

• Satin-brushed silver-toned or porcelain-type white dial
• Rhodiumed or black transferred Roman numerals
• Rhodiumed or black Dauphine fuse-type hour, minute and second hands

Functions and displays: 

• Display of the hours, minutes and central seconds hand
• Date window at 6 o’clock

Strap and buckle

• Black hand-sewn alligator leather lined with brown alligator leather
• Steel pin buckle

Ref. 168544-3001 – with porcelain-type white dial

Ref. 168544-3002 – with satin-brushed silver-toned dial