The New L.U.C Engine One H Tourbillon

Feb 22, 2014,22:59 PM
 

Three years after the successful model - L.U.C Engine One Tourbillon (EoT), Chopard launched a new 2013 model which turns heads, literally, by rotating the dial-design.  Though the form-factor is turned, it is not just a simple exercise. 

Let's have a look at the new  L.U.C Engine One H Tourbillon  ...



A refresher,  with the First model of the L.U.C Engine One Tourbillon in year 2010. 





* Please note all the pictures were from the prototype piece *


The new 2013 model - L.U.C Engine One H Tourbillon, limited to production quantity of 100 pieces.

'H'  to indicate Horizontal.

Case dimension is very similar to original at 44.50mm X 35.00 mm , made of Titanium Grade 5.
Thickness is slight slimmer than the first model, 10.35mm  versus 10.90mm. 

The 'H" model sinuous case gives a feel of a lower profile and more muscular design chassis, and a suspended movement like engine of supercars.

The big diameter 9mm  titanium crown is now at 12H, enabling easy winding and time adjustment.



Note the suspension blocks holding the movement at location 1H & 5H.

Some parts of the bridges on both sides of the movement are gloss-polished and engraved then filled with black inks.

At 3H, the is the tourbillon cage which rotates once every 60 second, doubling as the small  second.
For a precision machine, would like the 'second-track' to have at least a small 5-second interval markings.



At 9H is the power reserve indicator to represent the 60 hours full-tank.  Each marking may indicate 10 hour of power reserve.

The bowl in effect of the subdial is nicely executed.



From this inclined angle, the 3D depth effect is beautifully illustrated.  Starting from the top-most second-track (printed on the second-surface of the sapphire crystal), down to the hour & minute hands then slide down to the power reserve indicator and the small-second hand and through the tourbillon cage .




The floating second-track on the cambered glare-proof sapphire crystal.  Very gradual cambering as noted on the effect of the minute-hand above but effective to cut down glare at many view angles.

Extreme precision required to centralise the small-second.  It requires the combined accuracy of component dimensions like the sapphire crystal, the case opening and the movement assembly for near perfect alignment.


Another point of attention to small details, all edges were beautifully beveled and mounting screws were all polished.  The cover-plate of the small second cum tourbillon cage also formed to 'cave in'  to mirror the power-reserve indicator.






Spectacular case work with many curvaceous lines and various polishing texture, especially on the challenging titanium materials.






The caseback of the L.U.C Engine One Tourbillon ( Calibre L.U.C 04.01-L)  from the first version ... for comparison.



Next is the new COSC certified  Calibre L.U.C 04.02-L  beating at 4Hz and a power reserve of 60 hours.




Shock-absorber materials were used to mount movement.

Bridges were were frost and brush finish to create a contrast with the polished bevel edges, counter-sunk screw-holes and screws.



This L.U.C Engine One H Tourbillon, looks even better in metal then pictures. 

Curious for those who love the initial versions, would you prefer either Landscape or Portrait?  Probably both after seeing on your wrists smile



Kong




Related Reads :

1)  The first L.U.C Engine One Tourbillon issued in 2010

2)  Variations of the Engine One Tourbillon

3) L.U.C Engine One Tourbillon Version 2013











This message has been edited by Kong on 2014-02-22 23:01:30

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Comments: view entire thread

 

Really keen on ...

 
 By: Kong : February 22nd, 2014-23:04
inputs for this one, Nico :-) Please check it out in metal soon. kong

It took me time to appreciate it, but since I got the idea...

 
 By: amanico : February 22nd, 2014-23:07
The link between Cars and Watches, I must say that I find it very appealing. I also love the way Chopard works on the détails. Not always a big fan of the dials, but in this case, and for a few others, I must say that it i pretty convincing. Best, Nicolas... 

Portrait without any doubt.

 
 By: foversta : February 23rd, 2014-03:49
I was never attracted by the "landscape" version. With the portrait one, I have the feeling to have a radiator grill on the wrist what is perfect! Thanks Kong! Fx

Probably portrait for me too, but I would be quite pleased with either

 
 By: MichaelC : February 23rd, 2014-11:07
It's a great concept by Chopard. Definitely the most appealing-to-me watches they offer.

This piece ...

 
 By: Kong : February 24th, 2014-07:50
must see if metal and try on your wrist, Michael ... somehow photos gave a difference feeling. Hope you can see it soon. Thanks for viewing. Kong

Thanks Kong. I would really like to see one live.

 
 By: MichaelC : February 26th, 2014-14:28
Someday I will own a Chopard watch, without question.

Cool!

 
 By: Kong : February 26th, 2014-17:56
Have to see till which model / piece speaks to you, Michael :-) Kong

Really give the feel chopard L.U.C Engine One H Tourbillon is revving

 
 By: Bill : February 23rd, 2014-17:16
The machine looking details really evoke feeling of speed. Great design by Chopard with L.U.C Engine One H Tourbillon. The watch gives you a feeling and emotion like this image - power and speed with mechanical excellence. Bill ...  

Rotating the Engine One

 
 By: ED209 : February 23rd, 2014-20:42
I didn't realize how great the Engine One H Tourbillon looks by the new rotated dial design. I remember seeing the original at IGOTT2 in the display cases presented by Chopard. I wonder how it fits on the wrist since the H is now longer? Regards, ED-209

Pretty good fit ...

 
 By: Kong : February 24th, 2014-04:31
Hi Ed Initially from press pictures, I've my reservation. In metal, it is a lot nicer and wore well on even my small wrist. Hope you will get a chance to try it in the Boutique. Kong

Great exercise…great result..

 
 By: moc : February 24th, 2014-02:22
very appealing,It changes the watch completely. well done Chopard,thanks Kong. Mo

Mo, looking forward ...

 
 By: Kong : February 24th, 2014-04:35
you try it in metal. You know L.U.C and the EoT well... keen to hear your inputs. Thanks for viewing. Kong