Side By Side Comparison Of 2 Versions Of L.U.C Tourbillon SL

Dec 14, 2007,06:11 AM
 





This post introduces the Chopard's version and follow by a side-by-side comparison of the two SLs, the Chopard's (
limited to 100 pcs)  and the Sincere's  ( limited to 18 pcs) versions.



SL ( Chopard's Version of Limited 100 pcs)




The Name is SL, Super Light.  With titanium case, crown and buckle, aluminium tourbillon cage and sapphire dial & bridges. All these light-weight materials make the SL like a feather...won't even feel the watch when on your wrist ( if we frequently wear SS or other precious metals).
Exact weight, still pending for data.

This SL toubillon is like the 5th version of tourbillons that Chopard L.U.C has manufactured and it has moved away from the classical to a more contemporary and tech look & feel. The case diameter is 40.50mm with a thickness of 10.90 mm. The bridges were decorated with straight-line "Cotes de Geneve" pattern.





The SL is Chronometer (COSC) certified to demonstrate the effectiveness of the tourbillon in ensuring accuracy and not just a show-piece.

This watch consists of a total of 225 components. The hour and minute hands are of "dauphine" style while the second indicator is by the rotating aluminium tourbillon carriage (at 6 o'clock) that does a full turn per minute. At 12 o'clock position is the 9-day power reserve indicator.





Turning the watch over, is a sapphire cyrstal see-through back exhibiting the manual winding tourbillon movement (L.U.C 4TSL) with the L.U.C Quattro Technology - 4 barrels which are two sets of two stacked barrels providing energy for 9 day or 216 hours!  Understand the Quattro technology is being used in a model by a very well-known montres.
The marvellous point about Quattro Tech is the 4 barrels are interconnected together to ensure even distribution of stable energy flow.  Extremely critical for the watch performance and accuracy too!



It is like a sports car with 2 gas tanks which provides the car with greater mileage.
Since it is like 2 tanks, full-refueling ( fully wound)  will take a slightly longer smile But it is extremely enjoyable ritual, to feel and hear each wind. 
For the less patient, there is a crank (will be provided) to speed-up the motion!!






This is not a normal SS crown.  It is of titanium.




Chopard's version (left) & Sincere's version (right)


The Chopard's version has the sapphire dial tinted to "block out" the 4 barrels.  However at certain angle, you will see a light silhouette of the engine.  Whereas the Sincere's version prefers to bare all.

The colour scheme is also reversed in most part of the dial.  Sincere's dial is
Ruthenium-finished.


Chopard's version (left) & Sincere's version (right)


No!..the colour on the plates are reversed too....including the markings.



Chopard's version


Sincere's version - Ruthenium-finished movement.


Placing them upright  and compare....


A closer look ...



Hmm....the Chopard version somehow looks sexier ("now you see, now you don't")



Side profile comparison... spotted any differences.....
Beside the crown.... anything else?


Seems like the Sincere's version, at the lug areas there is an slight undercut! ( or is it parallax?)





The tourbillon aluminium cage



Purposedly illuminated with flash to 'glow' the sapphire bridge and the second & hour markers on the crystal.


The whole cage is mounted on the sapphire bridge. 
The challenge is to ensure the sapphire bridge screws are tightened sufficiently, not even a twist too much, as it could put stress on the sapphire.




The carriage is made up of 62 parts in 306mm3 !!!
A feat which only few manufacturers are able to develop and produce the parts entirely in-house! 
It spins on its axis at exactly  once in a minute (thus it is the second counter).


Why does the cage need to be light?

A simple analogy using sports cars. High performance sports cars use light weight alloy rim.
The heavier the rim, the higher the tendency to wobble. To a watch this affects accuracy!  With an aluminium cage, it will be more stable.



The Variner (variable inertia)  Balance  with the adjustable inertia-blocks (one of them is just lightly blocked by the second-marker)


One more important part is the patented Variner balance.
With its construction and using the inertia-blocks, it is easier to fine-tune/regulate (than those with screws on felly) to greater accuracy without dismantling the cage.
The inertia-blocks are entirely flushed with the rim/felly of the Variner balance, thus it does not create any aerodynamic disturbance during the fast oscillation motion, thus to the increased stability of rate. The Variner Balance is also assembled with the overcoiled balance-spring which add to the regulating performances.



A short 20-sec video of the SLs.... listen & see the 'engine' in action!






A question : which version do you prefer (and why)?


Kong




P/S : Previously we've featured the Sincere's Edition of limited 18 pieces at this link : please click here to access.

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added to Editor's Pick
This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2007-12-16 20:50:22

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Comments: view entire thread

 

Do I have to choose either one?

 
 By: AnthonyTsai : December 16th, 2007-20:12
If not, I would like to create my own version For the dial, I actually prefer Sincere's. I like the contrast between the silver and the ruthenium. For the movement, I prefer the standard look of Chopard's. I was never a fan of a ruthenium finished movemen... 

Choices and Consequence...an Opinion

 
 By: MTF : December 17th, 2007-04:50
Choices I prefer the Chopard version even though it has a larger (sic) series of 100 pieces. The Sincere LE ruthenium coating degrades the appreciation of the fine finishing that LUC does. The Chopard version dial is also more elegant and without the redu... 

Great inputs, thanks MTF...

 
 By: Kong : December 19th, 2007-11:40
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