L.U.C XPS and the "Poinçon de Genève"

3 minutes read
The brand unveils a limited edition of its 18-carat rose gold commemorative L.U.C XPS model.
Press release

To celebrate the 125th anniversary of the “Poinçon de Genève” quality hallmark, Chopard unveils a limited edition of its L.U.C XPS model enhanced with a date window. Through this ultra-thin model meeting all the criteria of the “Poinçon de Genève”, the Manufacture is proud to be perpetuating a significant watchmaking tradition. 

Since 1886, the “Poinçon de Genève” guarantees an exceptional standard of quality by requiring all manufacturers wishing to stamp it on their movements to duly perfect all the parts composing such calibres. It thereby ensures a high level of precision while perpetuating hand craftsmanship skills. 2011 marks the 125th anniversary of this Genevan horological institution. On this landmark occasion, Chopard Manufacture, which since 1996 has seen a substantial proportion of its movements earn the “Poinçon de Genève”, presents an 18-carat rose gold commemorative L.U.C XPS model in a 125-piece limited edition. 

 

Chopard_331417_0

 

Elegant design and approved quality

To power this L.U.C XPS, the watchmakers of Chopard Manufacture have equipped it with the in-house made L.U.C Calibre 96.01-L (L.U.C 1.96). This choice has enabled them to achieve the feat of accommodating within an ultra-thin case a self-winding movement fitted with two barrels ensuring a 65-hour power reserve and driving central hour and minute hands along with small seconds at 6 o'clock and the date at 3 o'clock.

This 18-carat rose gold timepiece with its pure and dynamic lines features a chocolate-brown sunburst satin-brushed dial bearing the “Poinçon de Genève” logo at 12 o'clock. Its elegance is accentuated by its Gold-toned hands echoing the remarkably restrained hour-markers. Fully compliant with all the “Poinçon de Genève” criteria, the L.U.C 96.01-L (L.U.C 1.96) movement and its bridges adorned with “Côtes de Genève” may be admired through the sapphire crystal case-back. The L.U.C XPS - Poinçon de Genève 125th Anniversary Edition is also certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). Embodying a subtle blend of aesthetic appeal and technical refinement, this commemorative edition symbolises Chopard's deep-felt attachment to watchmaking tradition. 

 

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L.U.C XPS © Chopard

 

125 years of high demands in the field of horological quality

For 125 years, the “Poinçon de Genève” quality hallmark has been guaranteeing the exceptional quality of the movements and additional mechanisms of watches made by manufacturers established in the canton. Instituted by a cantonal law, it requires strict respect for various criteria governing the precision and reliability of the watches as well as the beauty and polish of the mechanism. Thus, from the making of the parts to the finishing of the components, as well as the nature of the materials, the construction and assembly of the calibre, the criteria that must be met call for a level of authentic expertise such that only a handful of brands are able to obtain it for their movements. For its 125th anniversary, the venerable watchmaking institution is presenting an evolved version of the evaluation criteria governing its label of quality.

 

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L.U.C XPS © Chopard

 

Technical details

 

Case:

18-carat rose gold
Total diameter: 39.50 mm
Thickness
: 7.13 mm
Water resistance
: 30 metres
18-carat rose gold crown with L.U.C logo, 4.00 mm

Glareproofed sapphire crystal
Exhibition back fitted with glareproofed sapphire crystal

 
Movement:

Mechanical self-winding L.U.C 96.01-L (L.U.C 1.96)
Total diameter
: 27.40 mm
Thickness
: 3.30 mm
Number of jewels
: 29
Frequency
: 28,800 vph
Power reserve
: 65 hours
Bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève

2 barrels, Twin® technology
Chronometer-certified (COSC)

 

Dial and hands:

Brown sunburst satin-brushed dial with “Poinçon de Genève” logo
Gold-toned hour-markers

Gold-toned Dauphine-type hours and minute hands
Gold-toned baton-type seconds hand

 

Functions and displays:

Central display of the hours and minutes
Small seconds at 6 o'clock

Date at 3 o'clock

 

Strap and buckle: 

Hand-sewn matt brown alligator leather strap
18-carat rose gold pin buckle

 

Ref. 161932-5001 – in 18-carat rose gold – Limited edition of 125

 

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