In 2019, Chopard Manufacture introduced its first self-winding flying tourbillon movement, the L.U.C 96.24-L. This extremely slim (3.30 mm) chronometer-certified calibre – equipped with L.U.C Twin technology based on two stacked barrels and high-precision functions including a stop-seconds function – powers the new L.U.C Flying T Twin timepiece. This ultra-thin 40 mm-diameter model with its classically pure design is made of ethical 18-carat white gold in a very limited numbered edition of 50. It is distinguished by its remarkable appearance featuring a blue dial graced with a hand-guilloché gold honeycomb pattern – a reference to the beehive symbol of Chopard Manufacture – and a matching leather strap. The technical and aesthetic prowess of this exceptional timepiece has been recognised by the prestigious ‘Poinçon de Genève’ quality hallmark.
In its 25 years of existence, Chopard Manufacture has consistently demonstrated its persistent quest for innovation and excellence, vividly exemplified in the development of its mechanical self-winding flying tourbillon L.U.C Calibre 96.24-L. Since 2019, this movement has been powering a few limited series of the L.U.C collection with subtle interpretations intended for men and women enamoured with noble watchmaking.
An innovative, certified and freely spinning tourbillon
A flying tourbillon is characterised by the absence of an upper bridge. With the tourbillon carriage held in place only by the lower bridge, it appears to fly, creating a transparent effect through the movement. Based on the developments of Chopard Manufacture's first calibre – the L.U.C 96.01-L introduced 25 years ago – the L.U.C 96.24-L is similarly slender at just 3.30 mm, making the L.U.C Flying T Twin one of the thinnest flying tourbillon watches on the market.
The L.U.C 96.24-L movement is equipped with a stop-seconds function enabling accurate time-setting. This precision is certified by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute, as confirmed by the "Chronometer" inscription under the logo on the dial.
Thanks to its two stacked barrels – indicated in the watch name by the term "Twin" in reference to Chopard Twin technology –, the movement guarantees 65 hours of power reserve, and its automatic winding is ensured by a 22-carat gold micro-rotor whose density contributes to the mechanism’s overall slimness. Each of its components is adorned with Côtes de Genève, a reminder of the attention to detail associated with L.U.C. watchmaking.
A fine balance between elegance and technical sophistication
While the L.U.C Flying T Twin model beats to the rhythm of an exceptional calibre visible through a transparent caseback, it also charms collectors with its aesthetic prowess – as confirmed by the ‘Poinçon de Genève’ quality hallmark recognising the aesthetic and technical qualities of each timepiece it certifies.
The ultra-thin L.U.C Flying T Twin is made of ethical 18-carat white gold carved into a sleek design focusing attention on its exceptional details – starting with its blue dial obtained with galvanic treatment and made of solid gold with a hand-guilloché central pattern, introduced into the L.U.C collection in 2017 as a reference to Louis-Ulysse Chopard's first logotype symbolising a beehive. A snailed motif adorns the chapter ring punctuated by understated rhodium-plated hour-markers, while the rail-track circle along with the "L.U.Chopard", "Chronometer" and "Swiss Made" appliques are all gilded.
A large-diameter opening at 6 o’clock offers a view right through the movement. The lightness of the flying tourbillon is thus used to create an effect of transparency and depth, while the small seconds display appears above the tourbillon carriage.
The case of this new L.U.C Flying T Twin series is fitted with a hand-sewn blue alligator leather strap lined with cognac alligator leather that sets the perfect finishing touch.
A blend of heritage and modernity: 25 years of the L.U.C collection
Since 1996, Chopard Manufacture has been reflecting the inspired vision of the Maison’s Co-President Karl-Friedrich Scheufele. Twenty-five years after presenting its first movement, the Manufacture has acquired a degree of maturity enabling it to provide a range encompassing the entire spectrum of horological complications – all in-house crafted through an alliance between tradition and innovation. Among these sophisticated mechanisms, the workshops have notably achieved complete mastery in the production of such complex creations as the flying tourbillon.
From movement development to adjustments and quality control, along with finished product design, gold casting, the stamping and machining of cases as well as movement components, engraving and traditional hand-crafted finishes, gemsetting, surface treatments, polishing and assembly: its Swiss workshops in Geneva and Fleurier enable Chopard to master the entire production process involved in each creation composing the L.U.C collection. The work of experienced artisans, these timepieces with their simple and pure design express a high degree of mechanical sophistication.
