The Chinese year beginning on February 8th 2016 is ascribed to the monkey and provides the theme for the exceptional Urushi lacquered dial of the L.U.C XP Urushi “Year of the monkey” watch.
For more than 1,000 years, the monkey of the Chinese zodiac calendar has conveyed positive symbolism. People born in the Year of the Monkey are considered smart, curious, drawn to knowledge, cultivated, inventive and creative. It is an ‘earth’ sign associated with good sense. The monkey gathering eight peaches is a traditional Chinese theme that symbolizes longevity and good fortune.
In the interpretation chosen by Chopard, a red-coated monkey is perched on a branch laden with fruit. It is gathering peaches beneath a golden sky ablaze with the last rays of the sun. Behind it, golden valleys compose a warm scene in soft tones that make a perfect match with the rose gold of the case.
Urushi lacquer comes from the sap of the “lacquer” or “Japanese varnish” tree. It is skilfully harvested, aged and treated to become a transparent lacquer that is applied in a series of extremely fine layers. The Urushi master uses it to imprison gold dust motifs created using the extraordinarily meticulous Maki-e technique.
To create this dial, as well as the case for previous L.U.C XP Urushi editions, Chopard has worked with the firm Yamada Heiando, official purveyor to the Japanese imperial family. Raised to the rank of “living human treasure” in Japan and acknowledged as the finest exponent of his art, Master Kilchiro Masumura has designed and supervised the creation of all dials, which were executed by Master Minori Koizumi, an Urushi master chosen by Chopard for his extreme artistic mastery.
This exceptional dial is housed in a L.U.C XP case in pink gold. Inside beats the self-winding L.U.C Calibre 96.17-L, an ultra-thin movement measuring just 3.30 mm thick. It is equipped with a 22-carat gold micro-rotor that is incorporated into the overall thickness of the movement so as to combine slenderness with practicality. Equipped with Twin® technology based on two barrels and ensuring an unprecedented 65-hour power reserve, this calibre is finished according to the highest standards of technical and aesthetic quality.
Fitted with a black alligator leather strap, the L.U.C XP Urushi “Year of the monkey” comes in a special presentation box also decorated using Urushi techniques. Black on the outside and gold Maki-e inside, it is shaped like an octagon, an oriental symbol of gaiety.
