DLC titanium L.U.C Engine One Tourbillon "Only Watch 2011"

Jun 01, 2011,19:25 PM
 

It has distinctive character, undeniable power and represents a deliberate break with traditional watch design principles. A unique piece designed for Only Watch 2011, the Only Watch L.U.C Engine One Tourbillon is powered by an exceptional “motor”, proprietary L.U.C Calibre 1TRM.  Machined like an engine block and mounted on silent-blocks, this mechanical hand-wound tourbillon movement was designed, developed and produced at Chopard Manufacture.

In 2010, to celebrate Chopard's 150th anniversary as well as the decades of passion it has shared with the world of motor sports, the Geneva-based brand introduced the L.U.C Engine One Tourbillon model combining the finest elements of the two forms of mechanical expression.

In 2011, at the occasion of the annual Only Watch Charity Auction to benefit research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Chopard releases a special black and yellow-toned version of the now famous automobile spirited timepiece.





Honouring automobile traditions
From its strong lines to the most subtle details, everything about this powerful timepiece honours the automobile traditions. The L.U.C Engine One Tourbillon model houses a proprietary mechanical hand-wound tourbillon movement, L.U.C Calibre 1TRM. In much the same way as a car engine, this movement is mounted on silent blocks – that absorb shocks – and held by three lever arms inserted into the case middle. This L.U.C Calibre 1TRM designed, developed and produced by Chopard Manufacture beats at a cadence of 28,800 vibrations per hour and boasts a 60-hour power reserve. Chronometer-certified by the COSC, a sure token of reliability and precision, this tourbillon movement drives displays of the hours, minutes, seconds and the power reserve.

In keeping with automobile traditions, the reamed engine block bears the Chopard signature; while a circular segment directly fixed to the upper face of the movement   carries the power-reserve display at 12 o'clock positioned opposite the tourbillon bridge at 6 o'clock featuring a design that is a first for Chopard.

A DLC titanium case
Representing a magnificent mechanical feat of engineering, the L.U.C Engine One Tourbillon Only Watch is distinguished not only by its high-end motorisation, but also by its bodywork that endows it with an inimitably sophisticated style. The DLC titanium case is water-resistant to 50 metres and features alternating polished and matt finishes; it also carries slightly curved lugs screwed onto the case that enhance the overall dynamic effect. Streamlined like car wings, these lugs ensure excellent wearer comfort and a perfect fit on the wrist for the opulent 35.4 x 44.4 mm case whose side is engraved with the “Only Watch 2011” mention.

The dial is also inspired by the automobile world and plays on the theme of transparency. The new Arabic numerals characteristic of the L.U.C collection and the hour-markers are engraved and yellow-tinted beneath the glare-resistant sapphire crystal. The hand-sewn black alligator leather strap setting the perfect finishing touch to this model is enhanced by four reinforced inserts evoking the seats of classic racing cars.


Technical Details

Case:

·         Case in polished DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) titanium

·         Length                                                                                  44.40 mm

·         Width                                                                                   35.40 mm

·         Thickness                                                                              10.90 mm

·         Water-resistance                                                                    50 metres

·         DLC titanium crown with L.U.C logo                                        7.00 mm

·         Engraved glareproofed sapphire crystal on front

·         Glareproofed sapphire crystal on back

                                                                                                 

Movement:

·         Hand-wound tourbillon movement                                           L.U.C 1TRM

·         Total diameter                                                                       34.00 X 25.90 mm

·         Thickness                                                                              5.60 mm

·         Number of jewels                                                                   29

·         Frequency                                                                             28,800 vph

·         1 barrel

·         Power reserve                                                                       60 hours      

·         Chronometer certified (COSC)

 

Dial and hands:  

·         Arabic numerals engraved and yellow tinted under the sapphire crystal

·         Black Dauphine fusée-type hour and minute hands

·         Black small seconds hand

·         Black power reserve hand with red tip

 

Functions and displays:

·      Central hour and minute hands

·      Small seconds at 6 o'clock

·      Power-reserve display at 12 o'clock


Strap and buckle

·      Hand-sewn black alligator leather lined with brown alligator leather featuring gadrooned motif

·      DLC titanium pin buckle


Ref. 168526-3004 – In DLC titanium – unique piece for Only Watch 2011



Press Release







This message has been edited by Kong on 2011-06-01 19:26:55

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Comments: view entire thread

 

distinctive character indeed!

 
 By: playtime : June 1st, 2011-19:58
i half expect to hear the roar of this engine-block of a watch! J

Hmmm...

 
 By: Kong : June 7th, 2011-01:00
the yellow is screaming loud, and need to get use to. Kong

I really love this case. I hope Chopard offers more affordable models using this case

 
 By: AnthonyTsai : June 9th, 2011-19:44
It would be a great hit with sports watch collectors IMO. Cheers, Anthony

Really like that engine block derived design on its dial...

 
 By: Jacky : June 13th, 2011-10:17
Fantastic idea and design by Chopard. Would be nice if it does come in non-tourbillon form...more realistic for me price wise... Thanks for sharing buddy. Regards

Good input!

 
 By: Kong : June 14th, 2011-10:38
Hey Jacky Thanks for the input. Beside Anthony, there are a few of people also asked if there are non-tourb version in this EOT case. Seems to be something Chopard should look into it. Take care! Kong