With the L.U.C Flying T Twin, Chopard is unveiling its first calibre equipped with a flying tourbillon. While this is a technical first, elegance is the predominant feature here. The timepiece stands out first and foremost for the finesse of its ethically certified “Fairmined” rose gold case measuring only 7.2 mm and the refinement of its guilloché dial. But this new model does not confine itself to a purely formal approach, thanks to its colour contrasts mingling the warmth of rose gold with anthracite grey. In addition, this 50-piece limited series is certified by the “Poinçon de Genève” quality hallmark.
Nestling inside the ultra-thin 40 mm-diameter case is a new calibre developed specifically for this timepiece and rounding off the exhaustive range of complications featured in L.U.C models. It is regulated by a flying tourbillon as well as being automatic, a double first for Chopard. This chronometer-certified movement also features a stop-seconds device which is extremely rare on a tourbillon and enables perfectly accurate time-setting.
The flying tourbillon of the L.U.C Flying T Twin timepiece is highlighted through a large-diameter aperture at 6 o’clock providing a view into the movement. The physical and visual lightness of the flying tourbillon is used to create a sense of transparency and depth, directly contributing to the exceptional personality of L.U.C Flying T Twin.
This opening appears in the solid gold dial - with grey ruthenium surface achieved by galvanic treatment - hand-guilloché by Chopard artisans. A snailed motif appears around the chapter ring, while the central medallion is adorned with a honeycomb motif introduced on the 2017 L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer edition. Symbolising a beehive, it is a nod to the first logo used by Louis-Ulysse Chopard.
A flying tourbillon has no upper bridge and is naturally slimmer due to being supported from underneath. Calibre 96.24-L is just 3.30 mm thick, the same size as the first Chopard Manufacture movement, Calibre 96.01-L, from which it has evolved. This horological feat in no way modifies any of its fundamental characteristics. Its diameter, its 65-hour power reserve – supplied by two stacked barrels according to Chopard’s patented Twin technology – and its automatic winding via a 22-carat gold winding rotor are all in place. Nonetheless, the movement has no date so as to preserve the purity of the design and leave ample space for the tourbillon.
The L.U.C Flying T Twin timepiece is worn on a hand-sewn plant-dyed matt black alligator leather strap with cognac-coloured alligator leather lining and 18-carat rose gold pin buckle.
