CHOPARD – L.U.C Full Strike Blue Sapphire Edition

 

CHOPARD – L.U.C Full Strike Blue Sapphire Minute Repeater Edition 2023

Featuring a complication that has become Chopard Manufacture’s field of horological excellence, the emblematic L.U.C Full Strike minute repeater is available in a new exclusive limited edition in blue sapphire limited to five-pieces. 

 Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO  

In addition to the gongs of the L.U.C 08.01-L chronometer-certified calibre, the entire case, crown and dial of this new L.U.C Full Strike Sapphire model are cut from blocks of sapphire. 

 Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO  

Measuring 42.5 mm in diameter and featuring a totally transparent intense blue colour resulting from subtly dosed chromium and rare earth elements, it offers a 360-degree view of a movement with exceptional finishes. This entire horological prodigy bears the Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark. The acoustic richness of its chime achieves an exceptional level of quality, while perfect homogeneity makes it an unparalleled timepiece combining a stunning conceptual challenge with supremely accomplished execution.

 Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO 

With the L.U.C Full Strike Sapphire, the L.U.C collection continues its evolution in the crystal age. In 2016, the first L.U.C Full Strike model heralded a new watchmaking paradigm, a novel way of generating and propagating the sound of a minute repeater. By using solid sapphire gongs and having the sapphire crystal serve as a resonator, as well as by making these two components into a single monobloc entity, Chopard Manufacture broke the glass ceiling. The result is incomparable tonal richness and acoustic intensity, qualities that previously earned the first L.U.C Full Strike model in rose gold the ultimate “Aiguille d’Or” award at the 2017 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. 

 Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO 

To mark the 25^th anniversary of Chopard Manufacture, its founder Karl-Friedrich Scheufele enlisted the support of virtuoso brothers Renaud and Gautier Capuçon to introduce the first minute repeater watch featuring a case made entirely of corundum crystal. A feat now continued with an exclusive, coloured-crystal model.

A sapphire heart

With this new L.U.C Full Strike Sapphire timepiece, the Maison’s watchmaking workshops once again demonstrate their mastery of crystal technology. By merging container and content, musical expression and transparency, Chopard has created a veritable horological musical instrument. Thanks to the homogeneity of the material – which is present throughout the sound propagation chain – this five-piece limited series derives the very best from sapphire and from colour.

 Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO 

Above and beyond its aesthetic prowess, the choice of lab-created sapphire is justified by its technical properties: derived from synthetic corundum, this material is one of the most resistant to scratches and has an estimated hardness of nine on the Mohs scale, almost as hard as diamond. Moreover, although producing a sapphire case entails considerable machining difficulties, it has the advantage of remaining unalterable over time.

A sapphire body

The 42.5 mm diameter case is 11.55 mm thick, with well-balanced proportions identical to previous versions of the L.U.C Full Strike, and which contribute to the characteristic elegance of the L.U.C collection. The bezel, caseband, crown, case-back and rear glass are all made of blue sapphire crystal. This rare model, whose absolute transparency enables the wearer to become one with the timepiece, has been created by specialised artisans mastering all the requirements of sapphire technology, from powder to finished component.

 Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO 

Alongside the technical challenges associated with machining transparent sapphire, blue sapphire adds an extra layer of difficulty: obtaining the intense blue colour by adding chromium and rare earth elements to the usual composition of corundum crystal requires subtle chemical dosage, in order to guarantee not only homogeneous colour, but also uniform structure, free of bubbles and haze.

 Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO  

These meticulous operations make blue sapphire a rare and precious material. The manufacturing process also follows strict sustainable development rules, from the energy consumed in the production of corundum crystal through to transport.

 Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO 

In addition to the case, the watch dial too is made of sapphire. Its distinctively cut shape enhances the indication elements essential for reading. 

 Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO 

Absolute transparency can in fact have the effect of blurring the view and Chopard has remedied this by creating a railway-type minutes track engraved on the sapphire crystal and painted. It complements a chapter ring punctuated with rhodium-plated herringbone-shaped applied hour-markers, and black transferred counterparts. The sapphire ring is interrupted by three elements. The first is the off-centre seconds counter. The second is an applied white gold plate bearing the “L.U.CHOPARD” logo. 

 Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO 

The third is the concentric power-reserve indicator in which two hands respectively indicate the energy remaining in the barrel that drives the movement as well as in the other powering the minute repeater.

Innovative heart

The L.U.C Full Strike Sapphire is one of the rare non-metallic timepieces to bear the prestigious Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark, covering both the design and finishing of the movement and the case. 

 Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

In addition, the L.U.C Full Strike Sapphire watch inherits the latest advances with which the L.U.C 08.01-L movement is endowed. Its patented resonant sapphire structure is complemented by several innovative technical systems, four of which are patented.

 Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO 

In a minute repeater mechanism, the energy required by the strikework is provided each time the winding lever is activated. Here, the energy comes from a separate, dedicated barrel wound directly by the crown. 

It enables the L.U.C Full Strike Sapphire to chime the most complex and energy-intensive time of day (or night) – namely 12 hours and 59 minutes – up to 12 times. 

 Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO  

This exceptional autonomy is due to several factors. It benefits from the contribution of a patented clutch-lever mechanism that ensures that the strikework going train is blocked, to avoid losing power reserve during the information capture that controls the minute repeater.

Innovative body

This autonomy is moreover also the result of Chopard Manufacture’s experience in multiple barrels. The founding movement of the L.U.C collection – L.U.C Calibre 96.01-L launched in 1997 – actually already featured Chopard Twin Technology, whose two superimposed barrels deliver long-lasting and reliable force. Since it has an autonomous energy source, the strikework systematically respects the defined rhythm, whatever the time that is chimed and however many times it chimes.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO  

Keen to preserve the user-friendliness of the minute repeater and to make its operation as secure as possible, Chopard Manufacture has introduced a number of innovative systems. Thus, if the barrel no longer has sufficient force to power the minute repeater, a safety mechanism blocks its release. In addition, Chopard has filed and been granted a patent for a new strikework-activation device. As soon as it is activated, the pusher is disengaged, thereby making it impossible to disturb the running of the minute repeater or to damage it.

A blend of heritage and modernity: the L.U.C collection

Since 1996, Chopard Manufacture has been reflecting the inspired vision of the Maison’s Co-President Karl-Friedrich Scheufele. Over 25 years after presenting its first movement, the Manufacture has acquired a degree of maturity enabling it to provide a range encompassing the entire spectrum of horological complications – all in-house crafted through an alliance of tradition and innovation.

 Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

From movement development to adjustment and quality control, along with finished product design, the stamping and machining of cases as well as movement components, engraving and traditional hand-crafted finishes, gemsetting, surface treatments, polishing and assembly: its workshops in Geneva and Fleurier enable Chopard to master the entire production process involved in each creation composing the L.U.C collection. 

 

 Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO 

The work of experienced artisans, these timepieces with their simple and pure design express a high degree of mechanical sophistication.

 ==========================
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

 Collection :  L.U.C

Model:   L.U.C Full Strike Blue Sapphire Edition / 5-piece limited edition

 Reference : 168604-9001  – in in blue sapphire with a blue alligator leather strap
Numbered five-piece limited edition

Movement
Mechanical hand-wound L.U.C 08.01-L
Number of components: 533
Total diameter: 37.20 mm
Thickness: 7.97 mm
Number of jewels: 63
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 60 hours
Mainplate and bridges in untreated nickel silver
Bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève motif
Minute repeater

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO    

Chopard-patented monobloc sapphire crystal and gongs
Variable-inertia balance
Chopard-patented clutch-lever device serving to block the strikework so as to avoid losing power reserve during information capture
Chopard-patented dedicated ratchet-driving mechanism serving to avoid pauses during chiming
Chopard-patented strikework-activation device serving to act on the pusher whether it is chiming or not, in normal, low, continuous or fast mode
Balance-spring with Phillips terminal curve
Chronometer-certified by the COSC
Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark

 Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO 

Functions
Minute repeater striking sapphire gongs (Chopard-patented system)
Central display of the hours and minutes
Small seconds display at 6 o’clock
Concentric display of the watch and strikework power reserves at 2 o’clock
Stop-seconds function Case
Blue sapphire
Total diameter: 42.50 mm
Thickness: 11.55 mm
Crown with integrated strikework pusher
in blue sapphire, with L.U.C logo: 8.80 mm
Blue sapphire case middle, bezel and case-back, engraved case-back
Blue sapphire monobloc case-back
Sapphire crystal with two Chopard-patented integrated monobloc gongs
Dial and hands
Openworked sapphire dial
Applied logo plate in 18-carat white gold with black transfers
Satin-brushed chapter ring
Satin-brushed small seconds
Railway-type minutes track engraved on the sapphire crystal
Black transfers
Applied rhodium-plated herringbone-type hour-markers
Applied rhodium-plated Dauphine hours and minutes hands
Rhodium-plated baton-type small seconds hand
Rhodium-plated baton-type movement power-reserve and strikework power-reserve hands
Strap and buckle
Strap in hand-sewn blue alligator leather with blue alligator lining
Folding clasp in polished and satin-brushed ethical 18-carat white gold

 in blue sapphire with a blue alligator leather strap
Numbered five-piece limited edition

 🔰  Limited Edition: of ✅only 5 pieces

🔴 Price: EUR 23,650 / 23 000 $ / ¥ 2,156,000💰

 ===================================
---------------------------------
Press Release - 2023
----------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
www.facebook.com - Chopard
-------------------------------------------------------------
www.Сhopard.com

Bell & Ross – BR 03-92 DIVER TARA Blue Ceramic Edition

Bell & Ross – INSTRUMENTS BR03-92 DIVER TARA Blue Ceramic Automatic Limited Edition - 2023

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO 

The new BR 03-92 DIVER TARA watch is the manifestation of the partnership between Bell & Ross and the Tara Océan Foundation. Bell & Ross has designed a professional quality diver’s watch to meet the needs of the crew on board the oceanography exploration schooner Tara, who carries out the organisation's scientific mission even in extreme conditions. All aboard!

 THE TARA OCEAN FONDATION

The Tara Ocean Foundation — first public interest foundation in France dedicated to the Ocean — has two main missions: exploring the Ocean to better understand it and sharing scientific knowledge about the Ocean to raise public awareness. 

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO  

For 20 years, the Foundation has been supporting innovative Ocean science, in partnership with world-leading research centres to study marine biodiversity, as well as observing and anticipating the impacts of climate change and pollution. Faced with the urgent need to make the protection of the Ocean a common responsibility, the Foundation raises public awareness of the challenges facing the Ocean, educates young generations, facilitates international cooperation, and mobilises policymakers.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO     

Thanks to its Special Observer Status at the United Nations, the Foundation actively participates in crucial decisions in favour of the Ocean. Studying and protecting the Ocean means taking care of the global health of our planet and our future.

AN INSTRUMENT WATCH THAT BRINGS TEAMS TOGETHER

Bell & Ross has always designed watches that are built for action. In joining forces with the Tara Océan Foundation, the watchmaker is taking concrete action and boards the schooner Tara. 

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO   

The Diver watch has been adopted by all crew members because of its legibility and efficiency. Regularly confronted with perilous conditions, the crew has to push the limits of the extreme. To cope with the magnitude of their tasks, these experienced scientists and sailors need to be able to count on precise, reliable tools under all circumstances. 

 Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO    

The challenge resonate with the Bell & Ross team: the BR 03 DIVER was designed for this very purpose. “For 30 years, the Maison has been equipping extraordinary pilots and divers whose missions and lives itself depend on their instruments and machines. At its core, Bell & Ross is a supplier for explorers and elite units, with each watch designed to meet precise specifications set by the professional world it will enter. That's why we felt it was important to mark this joining of forces and celebrate the first year of our partnership with a new piece, the BR 03 Diver Tara”, explains Carlos-A Rosillo, President and Co-Founder of Bell & Ross. Every model from the new BR 03-92 DIVER TARA takes part in this commitment: for every watch sold, part of the profits will be donated to the Foundation.

 Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO    

 A PROFESSIONAL DIVER'S WATCH

For a perfect symbiosis with the Tara Océan Foundation, Bell & Ross chose to design an instrument watch worthy of the missions undertaken by the scientists on board the schooner Tara. The heart of the Tara Océan Foundation’s mission is very close to that of a Bell & Ross watch.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO    

There’s the same requirement for precision. The new BR 03-92 DIVER TARA watch matches these specifications. There is no room for the superfluous, and functionality is prioritised. Part of the BR 03 DIVER professional diver’s watch collection, this limited edition of 999 pieces is waterproof to a depth of 300 metres. 

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO    

The model features a 42mm matte blue ceramic case and is equipped with a unidirectional rotating ceramic bezel in blue and orange, graduated to 60 minutes as required by professional divers. This efficient timepiece is powered by the BR-CAL 302 self-winding mechanical movement, displaying the hours, minutes, seconds and date.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO 

To ensure the display’s perfect readability whether on land, on board or while diving, the deep blue metal dial features applique indexes and white graduation, with optimal luminescence in the dark thanks to a Super-LumiNova® coating. The seconds hand features an orange tint, making it immediately identifiable and readable. The flexible and comfortable strap closes with a steel pin buckle with blue PVD coating and is made of blue woven rubber lined with an ultra-resistant technical material.

THE SAME RIGOUR AT SEA AS IN THEAIR

“A key part of our brand’s DNA has always been to equip professionals with tools capable of adjusting to their mission and to push the limits to the extreme, which is why it seemed a natural fit to join forces with the Tara Océan Foundation”, emphasises Carlos-A Rosillo, President and Co-Founder of Bell & Ross. “The watch that started our collaboration with Bell & Ross was the Diver model, designed to be used at sea and even underwater. The Tara teams on board the schooner, and even at the North Pole in the near future, will be required to dive on a regular basis. When you're underwater, time can be vital information”, echoes Romain Troublé, General Director of the Tara
Ocean Foundation.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO     
 

While the independent watchmaking Maison Bell & Ross has always been closely associated with the aeronautical world, the brand has long capitalised on its creativity to design instrument watches for professionals working in all elements, whether fighter pilots, those in special force units, F1 drivers or extraordinary divers. 

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO   

Very early on, Bell & Ross contributed to ocean discoveries by equipping several professionals with cutting-edge instruments. Passionate about the marine world, Bell & Ross has created exceptional tools since its beginnings: launched in 1997, the Hydromax is certified to 11,100 metres, pushing the limits of the quest for depth. And working to the same rigorous standards, in 2007, the watchmaking Maison introduced the BR 02: a professional diving watch that’s water-resistant to 1,000 metres, meeting extreme demands.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO    

Finally, in 2017, the BR 03-92 DIVER was created: a diver’s watch with an iconic shape, designed for professionals demanding tools with optimal reliability. Now, through this partnership with the Tara Océan Foundation, marine exploration and scientific research professionals will also wear a Bell & Ross Diver on their wrist. 

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO    

This maritime partnership completes the two other partnerships to cover the three Bell & Ross universes: the sky with La Patrouille, the land with Alpine and finally the sea with the Fondation Tara Ocean. Bell & Ross equips these extreme professionals in each of these universes demanding excellence and inevitably precision.

-------------------------------------------

Technical Specifications

Collection: INSTRUMENTS

Model: BR 03-92 DIVER TARA Blue Ceramic Edition

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO 

Ref.  BR0392-D-TR-CE/SRB -

Movement
Bell & Ross Automatic mechanical movement:
Calibre BR-CAL.302
Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds and date.
Case
42 mm diameter
Matte blue ceramic.
Unidirectional rotating ceramic bezel with 60-minute scale.
with 60-minute scale and red anodised aluminium ring. 
Screw-down crown
Dial
Blue.
Metal applique skeleton Super-LumiNova®-filled numerals and indices.
Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating.
Water-resistance: 300 m (ISO 6425 standard )
Strap
Woven blue rubber and ultra-resilient orange synthetic fabric.
Buckle:
Pin. Steel with PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) finish.

🔰EDITION  – Limited Edition of 999 pieces 

🔴 Price: VAT for CHF 6,000 / EUR 5,700 €💰

-----------------------------------------------
Press Release - 2023
-----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------
www.facebook.com - Bell Ross
---------------------------------------------------------------
www.Bell&Ross.com