Kong
[Moderator]
7855
The first L.U.C Tourbillon with a silicon escapement
At the President’s Lunch of the first Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix race on September 26th 2008, Chopard is offering a collector’s dream: the first L.U.C Tourbillon Tech Twist watch equipped with a silicon escapement. This unique and avant-garde model has been exclusively developed for the brand by Chopard Technologies.
In a pioneering move, Chopard Technologies, the group’s technical design division, has devised a L.U.C Tourbillon Tech Twist watch equipped with Calibre 4TBST (Quattro Tourbillon Black Superlight Twist) with a silicon (Si) escapement along with black PVD-coated mainplate and bridges.
The escape-wheel and lever (a one-of-a-piece version with integrated dart and pallets) are in silicon, thereby enabling lubricant-free operation. Silicon is a metalloid that exists in the form of either silica (in sand, quartz) or silicates. An essential component in glass, it is greatly appreciated in watchmaking since it is three times lighter than steel and totally amagnetic.
The mainplate, bridges and certain visible parts of the movement are black PVD coated, giving them an extremely pleasing appearance. The contrast between the dark parts and the polished metal elements lends the movement a highly distinctive aesthetic.
The name of the movement – L.U.C 4TBSTSi (Quattro Tourbillon Black Superlight Twist Silicon) – spells out its chief characteristics: in addition to four barrels, black PVD-coated bridges and a silicon escapement, the tourbillon carriage is made from “superlight” aluminium. It weighs a mere 0.4 grams, which is 33% lighter than a steel carriage. The term “Twist” indicates that the movement has been pivoted 30 degrees clockwise and the crown placed at 4 o’clock (instead of 3 o’clock).
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Chopard, the renowned Swiss jeweller and watchmaker, is proud to be a part of history, by participating in the most important official event of the inaugural Formula One night race in Singapore.
Chopard will be the main collaborator with the Formula One team to host the President’s Challenge F1 Charity Luncheon on the lawns of the Istana on 26th September 2008. This prestigious event will see the illustrious Formula One champions, celebrities and notable guests gracing the only official event of the 2008 Formula 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix, as endorsed and supported by Mr. Bernie Ecclestone, the President and Chief Executive of Formula One Management.
Chopard’s Co-President, and race car enthusiast, Mr. Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, will also be making a special trip to Singapore to attend this very first night race for Formula One.
For this important occasion, Chopard will be presenting something equally exclusive – the world premiere of the L.U.C Tourbillon Tech Twist with the innovative silicium escapement.
This much-awaited technical marvel has been generating much industry interest since Chopard’s announcement of the exclusive movement during the 2008 Basel Watch Fair in April.
The piece-unique will be up for a silent auction during the luncheon. All proceeds will be donated to the Challenge for the President’s appointed charities, which organizer, Singapore GP hopes to raise more than SGD 1 million.
Chopard, a strong supporter for good causes, is proud to be part of this historical moment for Formula One and for Singapore.
This message has been edited by Kong on 2008-09-18 00:12:16
The first L.U.C Tourbillon with a silicon escapement
At the President’s Lunch of the first Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix race on September 26th 2008, Chopard is offering a collector’s dream: the first L.U.C Tourbillon Tech Twist watch equipped with a silicon escapement. This unique and avant-garde model ha...
10 Hz frequency
Dear Sir, Will the new silicium escapement be operating at 10 Hz frequency as it was announced earlier? Kindest regards, kukocz
10 Hz? 72000 beats per hour?? What have I missed??? . . .
. . . this is pretty startling information, Kong . . . stupefied, Art
