Thanks a lot for your review.

Apr 21, 2015,15:05 PM
 

When I read the conclusion.

"I would have much preferred arabic numbers, and just a 6 / 12 configuration, with a smaller case to better adapt the movement to the case and dial, deeper and more sensual anglages, and an all new movement, rather than removing the automatic parts of the Cal 03. 03L. Of course, the price to pay would not be the same, though..."

I don't agree with the full statement. Of course, it is a matter of taste but let me explain my point of view.

Let's see if Chopard puts arabic numerals (in that case, they should keep the case size if not... there is no room to put them) and just a 6/12 configuration... My question is: do you want to see a Mille Miglia with a LUC style? Or a clone of the Chrono One? In that case, what would be the objective?

It took me time to appreciate this watch. Actually, I was not a big fan of it at the beginning.

But if you remove the roman numerals and reduce the case size, you kill what makes the key point of interest of this watch: it belongs to the 1963 family. I understood this the day I saw it with the 1963 Tourbillon. For me, it is very important to find again these common points and I started to like it when I saw it with the other family members.

Now let's speak about the movement.

It is the at the end the story to take advantage of the issues to convert them in assets. Yes, the movement is a bit too small for the case but nothing serious (I saw worse...). Yes, you can feel that it comes from an automatic starting point. But at the end, thanks to its lay-out and the inclined frange, I found the result much better than some movements with similar contexts. I don't know what you mean with "sensual" anglages. But what I see is bridges with unusual shapes which look lile jigsaw pieces and which contribute to the successful visual effect. You have at least 2 inward angles (if my memory is right) and the contrast between the colours is very appealing too.

At the end, I consider this chronograph as a watch which is not flawless but which at the end embodies a very subtle charm.

Thanks for your review.

Fx





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Chopard L.U.C 1963 Chronograph PuristS Edition: Pictures and Hands On Review

 
 By: amanico : April 21st, 2015-00:13
I had to wait till last Monday to see this Chopard L.U.C 1963 Chrono PuristS Edition in the real life. Melvyn already told you the story behind this Chronograph so I will make it short. PuristS and Chopard are long time friends, and once upon a tile, the ...  

Thanks for the write up and photos Nicolas!

 
 By: watchthatman : April 21st, 2015-07:14
I think it's a beautiful chrono, and I'm not too crazy about current production chromosome. I don't have a problem with the Roman numerals, nor with the lugs. I do love the different colors for time and chrono on here. It reminds me of a stopwatch I had a... 

As often, it is mandatory to judge a watch in the flesh.

 
 By: amanico : April 21st, 2015-10:33
Before expressing any judgement on it. I was happy to do so and wish you have the same opportunity. Best, my friend, and thanks for your input. Nicolas

More background on design choices

 
 By: MTF : April 21st, 2015-08:03
Nico, Thanks for your review. You wrote: "What I like a lot is the idea behind the Watch, born from the friendship between the PuristS and Chopard, the manual winding movement, the fact this is a flyback and hacking seconds, and a Chronometer, the design ...  

Agreed that historical chronos are more desirable than gold ones.

 
 By: amanico : April 21st, 2015-10:36
And I am happy to see that this chrono has some good elements. Now the thing which most disturbs me is the origin of this chrono, I mean the automatic origins. Costs are one thing, yes. But I already had this issue with the JLC TT Geophysic. ;) Best, Nico... 

That the movement is an evolution from a time-tested predicessor is, for me

 
 By: CaliforniaJed : April 21st, 2015-16:46
a big, big PLUS, my friend! Thanks very much for sharing these thoughts, Nicolas. Best, CaliforniaJed Evolution is a beautiful thing, no?! ;-) ...  

JLC did the same thing with the Alarm movement for their manual winding Memo.

 
 By: amanico : April 21st, 2015-22:39
They removed the rotor and the auto parts of the Cal 918 et voilĂ , the Cal 914 was born! Best, Jed. Nicolas

Perhaps that description is a bit unfair in the case of this movement,

 
 By: CaliforniaJed : April 22nd, 2015-06:42
no, my friend? Your point is taken, though, and appreciated. Best, CaliforniaJed

Thanks Nicolas for the review on the Chopard PuristS Edition

 
 By: ED209 : April 21st, 2015-08:13
Nice pics. I still remember session at IGOTT2 in Vegas when we were all discussing the various elements and fine details about this chronograph. Thanks for this review. Regards, ED-209

I echo some of your sentiments

 
 By: cazalea : April 21st, 2015-12:01
" I would have much preferred arabic numbers, and just a 6 / 12 configuration, with a smaller case to better adapt the movement to the case and dial " and for me, a greater contrast between the hands and the dial would have improved my ability (old eyes) ...  

LOL I'm sure it was the 'evil' twin!

 
 By: ED209 : April 21st, 2015-20:59
:) I believe that pic was from a Perpetual GTG at the Rainbow several years ago? Regards, ED-209

hahaha LOL!

 
 By: ED209 : April 22nd, 2015-07:46
:) Regards, ED-209

Thanks a lot for your review.

 
 By: foversta : April 21st, 2015-15:05
When I read the conclusion. " I would have much preferred arabic numbers, and just a 6 / 12 configuration, with a smaller case to better adapt the movement to the case and dial, deeper and more sensual anglages, and an all new movement, rather than removi... 

With a 6 / 12 config, I rather see an hommage to the Classics rather than a 1000 Miglia.

 
 By: amanico : April 21st, 2015-22:50
By Classics, I mean Classic Chronos such as...Pateks, Vacherons... With all arabic numbers, why not, with a smaller case, it would widen the hommage to Longines, Minerva, well, not bad references. It is not easy to make a chrono for PuristS, indeed. But a...  

I love so many details on this watch

 
 By: MichaelC : April 30th, 2015-08:30
The case, the handwind movement without date, the pushers, the hands, the subdials layout, the smaller small seconds - everything I enjoy. But I just don't agree with the dial. Vintage style with Roman numerals and red on black. Too sporty of a color comb...