The Chinese new year, which begins on January 28th 2017, appears under the sign of the Yin metal rooster. In keeping with an established annual tradition, Chopard is devoting a new limited series of its L.U.C XP Urushi watch to the Chinese Zodiac: the L.U.C XP Urushi – Year of the Rooster unites Swiss, Chinese and Japanese traditions within these timepieces.
Switzerland is represented by Chopard Manufacture and its L.U.C XP model featuring an ultra-thin movement and prestigious finishing. Japan expresses its expertise in the field of precious lacquer, enriched with mother-of-pearl marquetry while China showcases its culture through the rooster symbolism picked up on the dial of the watch.
In Japanese tradition, the sap of the “lacquer” or “Japanese varnish” tree is skilfully harvested, aged and treated to become a lacquer. This extremely hard material is applied in a number of thin layers. The Urushi master uses it to imprison tiny purpose-cut mother-of-pearl fragments, which further enhance the dial of the L.U.C XP – Year of the Rooster with their iridescence and radiance. The animal is depicted in all its majestic splendour, head held high and feathers puffed out, against a glowing sunset backdrop. Alongside it are eight gladioli symbolising good luck.
To create this precious dial, as with all previous L.U.C XP Urushi editions, Chopard has worked with the Yamada Heiando firm which is an official purveyor to the Japanese imperial family. Together, they have called upon the services of Master Kiichiro Masumura, acknowledged as the finest exponent of his art.
This exceptional dial, as well as the L.U.C 96.17-L movement, are housed in a 18-carat rose gold L.U.C XP case. This Haute Horlogerie self-winding movement has a 22-carat gold micro-rotor so as to combine slenderness with practicality. Equipped with two barrels ensuring a 65-hour power reserve, this calibre is finished according to the highest aesthetic quality standards: bevelled and polished chamfers, polished screws, and bridges adorned with a Côtes de Genève motif.
A hand-sewn black alligator leather strap adds the hint of elegance inherent in each watch of the L.U.C collection.
