In keeping with an established annual tradition, Chopard is devoting a new limited series of its LUC XP Urushi watch to the Chinese Zodiac: the LUC XP Urushi – Year of the Rooster.   

The Chinese new year, which begins on January 28, 2017, appears under the sign of the Yin metal rooster, the theme depicted on an exceptional lacquered dial made using the ancestral Urushi technique. 

Handcrafted in Japan by a master lacquer artist, this applied arts masterpiece adorns a new interpretation of this ultra-thin and eminently refined LUC watch.

Chopard dedicates an annual limited series of L.U.C XP watches to the Chinese Zodiac, thereby uniting Swiss, Chinese and Japanese traditions within these timepieces. Switzerland is represented by Chopard Manufacture and its LUC 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. And finally, China showcases its culture through the rooster symbolism picked up on the dial of the watch. 

The rooster is a divine messenger, heralding the dawn and crowing to chase away demons. It is considered honest and frank, two qualities that those born under this Earth sign are believed to share. These resourceful and quick-witted individuals naturally tend to work in fields which involve making diagnoses and maintaining order. Full of energy and naturally pugnacious, the rooster adopts an active and perseverant attitude. He is endowed with excellent oratory skills and loves to give advice… to the point of not listening to that given by others, whom he instinctively distrusts.


ANCESTRAL SKILL

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 extremely thin layers. The Urushi master uses it to imprison tiny purpose-cut mother-of-pearl fragments, which further enhance the dial of the LUC 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 LUC XP Urushi editions, Chopard has worked with its loyal partner: 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. Raised to the rank of “living human treasure” in Japan, he designed and supervised the creation of all the dials, which were personally executed by the highly skilled Urushi master Minori Koizumi.


EXCEPTIONAL MECHANISM 

This exceptional dial is housed in a LUC XP case. Its dainty bezel, its slimness and its restrained diameter make it a finely wrought receptacle admirably highlighting the artistic accomplishment of the Japanese craft masters. It is also complemented by the excellence of the LUC 96.17-L movement.

This haute horlogerie self-winding movement is extremely thin thanks to the use of a micro-rotor. The latter is made of 22-carat gold and incorporated into the overall thickness of the movement so as to combine slenderness with practicality. Equipped with two barrels ensuring a substantial 65-hour power reserve, this calibre is finished according to the highest aesthetic quality standards. With its bevelled and polished chamfers, polished screws, bridges adorned with a Côtes de Genève motif, it too stems from a demanding approach firmly geared towards the long term. 

A hand-sewn black alligator leather strap adds the hint of elegance inherent in each watch of the LUC collection, intended for modern gentlemen who love to distinguish themselves by means of watchmaking works of art endowed with unique details.

The 18-carat rose gold LUC XP Urushi – Year of the Rooster comes in an 88-piece limited edition.