CHOPARD – L.U.C 1860 In Lucent Steel™ Salmon Dial

CHOPARD – L.U.C 1860 In Lucent Steel™ Salmon Dial Automatic 2023

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In a creative gesture imbued with the innate elegance of the L.U.C collection, Chopard Manufacture draws inspiration from the first timepiece in the collection, presented in 1997, by combining the sophistication of a guilloché dial in salmon-coloured solid gold, a 36.5 mm case made of Chopard’s exclusive Lucent Steel™ alloy, as well as a finely crafted chronometer-certified movement. L.U.C Calibre 96.40-L is wound by a gold micro-rotor and equipped with the two barrels based on Chopard Twin technology. 

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Eagerly awaited by Haute Horlogerie collectors, this model is as colourful as it is elegant, while celebrating the Manufacture’s skills expressed through meticulous finishing duly recognised by the Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark.

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The L.U.C collection has once again demonstrated its refined nature by offering a bold reissue of its very first timepiece: the L.U.C 1860, named "Watch of the Year" by Swiss magazine Montres Passion (Uhrenwelt) right from its launch in 1997. Today, a new version in Lucent Steel™ and a salmon-coloured guilloché gold dial continues the Manufacture's approach of combining respect for watchmaking tradition with innovation.

Lucent Steel™: the alchemist’s quest

For the first time in its history, the L.U.C collection draws on the luminous brilliance, resistance and purity that are key assets of Lucent Steel™, an exclusive alloy through which Chopard has chosen to treat steel as a precious metal. 

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Resulting from four years of research and development, this steel endowed with properties comparable to those of surgical steel, entered the watchmaking world with the 2019 launch of the Alpine Eagle collection. Today, the use of this material – 80% composed of recycled elements – in the Maison’s other collections bears witness to Chopard's ongoing commitment to responsible luxury.

The aesthetic harmony of elegant contrasts

At the heart of the 36.50 mm Lucent Steel™ case nestles an elegant two-tone dial. Made of solid gold, it features a subtle salmon hue obtained by galvanic treatment and contrasting with the white gold touches of the chevron hour-markers – whose herringbone shape echoes that of the slender, facetted Dauphine-type hands – as well as by the finely guilloched rings marking off the minutes scale, the central zone and the small seconds counter. 

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The dial centre is meticulously hand-guilloched in a radiating pattern surrounding the historical Chopard logo – housed in a cartouche at 12 o'clock – while the chapter ring is satin-brushed. The snailed small seconds counter is positioned at 6 o'clock in a beautiful balance of symmetry and proportions, further accentuated by the absence of date aperture which also contributes to the pared-down design. 

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The anthracite grey grained calfskin leather strap, with its tone-on-tone stitching, complements the refined colours and textures skilfully orchestrated by the workshops.

Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark: a guarantee of fine craftsmanship

Combining their vertically integrated approach with the validation of independent authorities, the workshops have submitted this timepiece to the scrutiny of the prestigious Poinçon de Genève. The latter guarantees the quality and smooth functioning of watches assembled in the Canton.

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The L.U.C 1860 takes this label of excellence to new heights, as it is rarely applied to a steel watch. However, the rendering of Lucent Steel™, the delicacy of the dial colour and the finesse of its motifs, along with the precision rating of the movement, transcend conventions, placing this model firmly in the upper echelons of contemporary watchmaking.

Certified mechanical performance

The L.U.C 1860 timepiece is equipped with the L.U.C 96.40-L movement, whose refinement is all the more remarkable given its mere 3.30 mm thickness. This movement is a variation on the very first L.U.C calibre, which marked the creation of the Chopard Manufacture watchmaking workshops in 1996. It is equipped with an off-centre micro-rotor in 22-carat gold, whose high inertia enables the efficient winding of two barrels. Stacked in accordance with Chopard Twin technology, these barrels store the energy required for a total 65-hour power reserve.

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The L.U.C 96.40-L movement drives a small seconds indication, a prerequisite for chronometer certification by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute. Reflecting the L.U.C collection’s innate sophistication, it is also equipped with a stop-second function and a swan’s-neck index assembly. 

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The latter serves to carefully calibrate the active length of the balance-spring, thus enabling finer adjustment of the oscillating frequency and hence of the movement’s rate. Finally, all the bridges are carefully chamfered and adorned with a Côtes de Genève motif.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

 

Collection : L.U.C

Model:  L.U.C 1860 In Lucent Steel™ Salmon Dial

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 Reference : 168860-3003  – in Lucent Steel™

Movement
    Mechanical self-winding Calibre L.U.C 96.40-L
    Winding via a micro-rotor in engraved ethical 22-carat gold
    Total diameter: 27.40 mm
    Thickness: 3.30 mm
    Number of jewels: 29
    Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
    Power reserve: 65 hours
    Number of components: 176
    Two barrels – Chopard Twin technology
    Bridges adorned with a Côtes de Genève motif
    Annular balance
    Swan’s-neck index-assembly
    Balance-spring with Phillips terminal curve
    Chronometer-certified by the COSC
    Poinçon de Genève quality label
Functions and displays
    Central display of the hours and minutes
    Small seconds at 6 o’clock
    Stop-second function
Case
    Material: Lucent Steel™ A223, polished and brushed
    Diameter: 36.50 mm
    Thickness:  8.20 mm
    Notched crown in steel with engraved L.U.C logo 5 mm
    Vertical satin-brushed flanks and inter-horn space
    Polished bezel and case-back surround
    Sapphire crystal glare-proofed on both sides
    Exhibition sapphire crystal pane fitted on the case-back
    Water-resistant to 30 metres
Dial and hands
    Salmon-coloured gold dial with hand-guilloché central medallion and satin-brushed chapter ring
    Snailed small seconds counter
    White gold chevron-type hour-markers
    White gold Dauphine-type hours and minutes hands
    White gold baton-type small seconds hand
Strap and buckle
    Anthracite grey calfskin leather strap with tone-on-tone stitching
    Lucent Steel™ pin buckle with L.U.C engraving



🔴 Price: EUR 23,650 / 23 000 $ 💰
 

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Press Release - 2023
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A. Lange & Sohne at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este

 

A. Lange & Sohne at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2023

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The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este is considered one of the world’s most exclusive events for rare historic vehicles. The international automobile competition, held annually on Lake Como, will take place from 19th to 21st May this year. A. Lange & Söhne has been involved as a partner since 2012 and will once again donate the “Best of Show” award.

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The hand-engraved hinged cuvette with the Concorso coat of arms.

 The meeting point: a historic landmark on the shores of Lake Como. The background soundscape: authentic engines and lively conversations. The field of participants: exquisite and select. When some of the most fascinating vehicles of all time arrive in Cernobbio, northern Italy, on the third weekend in May, they are sure to stop once again those present in their tracks. 

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At this prestigious and historically significant competition for historic automobiles and motorcycles, the nominated classics vie for the attention of the jury and the public for three days. This year, the event, jointly organised by BMW Group Classic and the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este, includes eight classes representing the entire spectrum of automotive history.

The fascination with fine automobiles and high-quality timepieces

The unique atmosphere of the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este offers A. Lange & Söhne a worthy setting to present horological masterpieces. If one delves deeper, one will find that there are many parallels between mechanical timepieces and classic vehicles. A shared passion is reflected in the freedom of expression, the independence to forge new paths and the determination to make the best use of time. 

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This pioneering spirit is a recurring theme throughout the history of A. Lange & Söhne. More than 175 years ago, the manufactory’s founder Ferdinand Adolph Lange realized his vision of making the remote town of Glashütte the centre of German fine watchmaking. 

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His great-grandson, Walter Lange, continued this vision after the reunification of Germany by rebuilding the company of his ancestors and entering uncharted territories of watchmaking with traditional craftsmanship and innovative engineering skills.

A one-of-a-kind piece for the winner

A particularly clear example of this is the manufacture calibre L951.5, which reflects the historical connection between motorsport and time measurement with its column-wheel control, a snail for the precisely jumping minute counter, and a refined flyback function. 

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The manually wound movement, first presented in 2010, also drives the 1815 CHRONOGRAPH in white gold, which A. Lange & Söhne has created especially for the winner of the Trofeo BMW Group “Best of Show”. The hand-engraved Concorso coat of arms on the hinged cuvette makes the chronograph one-of-a-kind.

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As part of the awards ceremony on Sunday evening, Lange CEO Wilhelm Schmid will present the winning watch to the overall winner. “Like the works of art on wheels exhibited here, the timepiece combines classic design with masterful mechanics”, explains Wilhelm Schmid. “It is a sign of our admiration for automotive works of art that were way ahead of their time, and their owners, who passionately take care to preserve the timeless elegance of the mechanics.”

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A. Lange & Sohne – 1815 CHRONOGRAPH White Gold Pink Dial Unique Edition

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Press Release - 2023
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Press enquiries
Arnd Einhorn, Head of Corporate Communications & Product PR

* Tel.: +49 (0)35053 -440- +49 (0) 44-5505
* E-mail: presse@lange-soehne.com
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