With its offset small seconds appearing at 7 o’clock, a signature feature of the Twist series within the L.U.C collection, the L.U.C XPS Twist QF in ethically certified “Fairmined” white gold – issued in a 250-piece limited edition – opts for controlled eccentricity and elegant asymmetry.
Haute Horlogerie conventions are based on symmetry and aesthetic order that elicit an instinctive visual response. The L.U.C XPS Twist QF offers another take. This timepiece has fun with the offset positions of the crown and small seconds, while incorporating all the fundamental qualities of the L.U.C collection. Fleurier Quality Foundation, chronometer certification, a case in ethically certified “Fairmined” gold: this timepiece goes the extra mile beyond aesthetic prowess to embody the most accomplished craftsmanship.
Visible L.U.C codes
Within the aesthetic vocabulary of the L.U.C collection, the textures of the dial surfaces are invariably centred on the L.U.Chopard logo, positioned at noon. Here, the visual focal point shifts to the small seconds at 7 o’clock. The effect of literally drawing the gaze elsewhere is amplified by the circular satin-brushed motif radiating out from this subdial and across the entire blue-grey dial surface. Another transgressive feature is the fact that this is the only model in the L.U.C collection without Arabic numerals at noon, the figure 12 being replaced by a double facetted hour-marker.
The words Qualité Fleurier appear beneath the name L.U.C, the spot where the Chronometer inscription is generally placed. With this new limited edition watch, Chopard is giving fresh impetus to the dynamic of the Fleurier Quality Foundation which it helped to create.
The L.U.C XPS Twist QF is worn on a hand-sewn matt blue-grey plant-dyed CITES-certified alligator leather strap, with cognac-coloured alligator leather lining and 18-carat white gold pin buckle.
Qualité Fleurier
Applied to the entire watch industry and currently the hardest to achieve in the Swiss watch industry, the Qualité Fleurier certification involves passing five tests relating to five key qualities. Precision by ensuring that each model is submitted to the COSC. Durability and reliability by means of Chronofiable tests. Precision in actual wear by spending 24 hours on the Fleuritest simulator. Fine craftsmanship, by meeting the finishing criteria of Haute Horlogerie. And finally, manufacturing 100% performed in Switzerland.
Mechanical excellence
Calibre 96.26-L is a variation on Calibre 96.01-L offset by 30 degrees. Like the original movement, it is distinguished by its slim 3.3 mm size, which in turn meant this new model could be housed in an exceptionally thin case. Its self-winding mechanism is powered by an engraved 22-carat gold micro-rotor the high inertia of which enables optimal efficiency. Calibre 96.26-L powers two stacked barrels based on Chopard’s patented Twin structure which guarantee 65 hours of running time, an exceptional feat for an ultra-thin timepiece, and enable this calibre to beat with chronometer-certified precision. Its finishes are also particularly sophisticated, in that the aesthetic criteria comply with the technical specifications of Fleurier Quality Foundation certification.
“Fairmined” gold
The L.U.C XPS Twist QF is crafted from a block of ethically certified “Fairmined” gold. It is responsibly sourced from artisanal mining cooperatives, where both the environment and miners are treated correctly, and to which Chopard pays a premium to be reinvested in community projects.
Chopard is currently the main global purchaser of “Fairmined” gold, which the Manufacture reserves for the production of its Grand Complication watch creations – such as the L.U.C XPS Twist QF timepiece – as well as some of its Haute Joaillerie models. Since July 2018, the Maison has been using 100% Ethical gold for the production of all its watches and jewellery.
