Chopard has reinterpreted a classic regulator watch from its LUC haute horlogerie collections.

The LUC Regulator now appears in a version combining the elegance of a new case with the horological prestige of the Chopard regulator movement. 

In keeping with the grand tradition of precision clocks, the six indications on the watch are separated to ensure optimal readability. 

The COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) certification as well as the Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark awarded to this new watch testify to its high rating precision and fine craftsmanship. 

Chopard unveiled its first regulator model in 2006, and the manufacture now distinguishes itself by miniaturising a regulator-type mechanism to wristwatch size. 

Regulators are watches whose hour hand is not fitted in the centre of the dial. The steel case gives way to a timeless version in 18-carat rose gold. 

Unlike almost all available regulators which place the hours at noon, those of the LUC Regulator appear at 3 o’clock. 

This means they peek out beyond a shirt cuff and are thus legible in all circumstances. 

The avant-garde design of the indications appearing on the 2006 LUC Regulator has been replaced by new indications characterised by a refined dial font. 

But the unique nature of the LUC Regulator also lies in its other atypical indications. Its dial features exquisite symmetry, with its four cardinal points each occupied by an indication. 

At noon, the power-reserve indication proudly indicates the autonomy of LUC Calibre 98.02-L on a graduated scale. The hours are placed at 3 o’clock, while the small seconds beat at 6 o’clock.

The fourth of these strategically placed items of information is a dual-time display appearing at 9 o’clock. This GMT function is controlled by a corrector-pusher discreetly recessed into the side of the watch. 

The date, which is visible through a window between 4 and 5 o’clock, provides just the right degree of asymmetry required to highlight the rigorous composition of the sunburst satin-brushed dial. 

The innovative dial font used for the Arabic numerals, featuring a wealth of subtle details, sets the perfect finishing touch to the extremely elegant overall impression. The same quest for visual harmony continues on the case. At 9.78 mm thick and 43 mm in diameter, the LUC Regulator is perfectly proportioned.


HISTORY OF PRECISION

From the late 19^th century onwards, extremely high-precision regulator clocks were used to provide the reference time in watchmaking workshops. 

In order to be clearly visible by the precision timers who were responsible for adjusting other clocks and watches, the hours, minutes and seconds hands were separate and placed on different parts of the dial. This display became to be known as the regulator type.

The L.U.CEUM, Chopard’s museum located in Fleurier, Switzerland, houses three major regulators bearing the signature of great names such as Berthoud and Blondeau. They are the source of inspiration for the development of Chopard’s LUC watches. 

Each LUC 98.02-L movement of the LUC Regulator has successfully undergone the tests conducted by the COSC, the Swiss chronometer testing institute, thereby guaranteeing its precision. 

The watch is thus authorised to bear the inscription “chronometer” on its dial. Moreover, its case and its movement have passed the stern tests performed by the Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark, which certifies the fine technical and aesthetic craftsmanship of the watch, and in particular the high level of finishing on its mechanical parts.

In addition, the watch also provides an exceptional 216-hour power reserve equivalent to nine days. 

This performance has become a signature of the LUC movements featuring Chopard’s Quattro technology. 

The LUC Calibre 98.02-L is just 4.90 mm thick, despite being equipped with the four barrels enabling this autonomy. These modest dimensions in turn make it possible to have a fairly slim case.

From its movement right the way through to the smallest details of its operation and its appearance, the watch demonstrates the considerable importance devoted to the quality of its feel and look on the wrist, along with user friendliness and elegance. 

The new LUC Regulator will be showcased by Chopard among other new creations at the upcoming Baselworld watch and jewellery show in Basel, Switzerland, from March 19 to 26.