LUC Chopard PPRO Dinner in Paris.

Nov 25, 2009,12:54 PM
 


This dinner will definitely belong to the category of unforgettable events:

A nice Place The Place Vendome, where the Chopard Paris Boutique is located, then the famous Restaurant " Le Costes ".

Great watches: The WHOLE LUC Collection!

Friendly people: Most of the attendance was composed of Purist Friends, and The LUC Team.

It was given to us the opportunity to discover ( or rediscover ) these watches, which have very interesting virtues, as we'll see .

First of all, the Chopard Paris Boutique, a place to visit, if someday you spend some time in Paris.

The welcome is warm, the guys here are enthusiasts and passionate.

It is always difficult to resist to nice watches, it is impossible to resist to the ...Champagne, eeeh, FX?

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We were given a complete and captivating presentation of LUC watches, which can be summed as some tips or tools to appreciate the fine art of watchmaking.

" When the Beauty of the inside is as important as the Beauty of the inside ".

Patrick Werhli's eloquence is awesome, indeed.

Patrick gave us a definition of what can be considered as a Manufacture, which I loved a lot:

When the bars of metal ( SS 316 L, brass, Platinum, or Gold ) are transformed in cases, wheels, parts, bridges and mainplates.

In the LUC Chopard case, all ( or almost all ) is in house build and conceived.

The watches receive a very good level of finish, which is an important thing for LUC, and includes some nice technical details, as we'll see a bit later.

After this brilliant presentation. we went to the " Costes " for the dinner, and to admire not less than ...78 pieces ( Septante huit, as the Swiss guys use to say... smile )

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More than the food and the wines, which were excellent, the ambiance was really great with a Patrick at the top, as well as the whole Chopard Team, and some of the usual suspects, who attended the event.

This Guy looks like a Saint, don't you think?

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Well, he was in shock when his wife fell in love with a superb LUC Watch she wanted for her...

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She's happy, while he 's in shock!

smile

For this event, People came from Norvegia, Belgium, USA, and every parts of France...

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Our Aaron, and his Fiancée Shana:

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And some old friends, like Laurent, or new friends, who all are watchnuts:

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What is he looking at???

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smile

Our Host, Patrick:

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Chrismas before Chrismas for our Mediterranean Friend Patrice, and our Pif Paf!

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What is he saying???

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" I've caught a fiiish biiig like thaaat "!

Aaah, these guys from Marseille ...

smile

If I had to choose only one pic to make you feel how great was the dinner, its warm ambiance, then I'd opt for this one...

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The blend of new and old friends is always awesome!

And the watches, will you tell me?

I wasn't able to take pics of all the watches here, so I made a selection, but I wasn't the only one with a camera, and I'm pretty sure that this post will be perfectly and nicely completed.

Please be indulgent with the quality of my pictures, as the light condition was superb for a Dinner, but not excellent for photos.

Anyway, here is my selection.

First of all, the Tech Twist Family.

An open dial, a crown at 4, an original display of the seconds and the date, at 7...

With or without tourbillon, micro rotor or manual ( 8 Days power reserve ), in both cases, a young and sporty interpretation of fine Horology.

The Tech Twist:

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For the level of price, the finish of the movement is a real satisfaction, and the micro rotor is the cherry on the cake, original and nice.

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If you prefer a sportier version, the blue dialed version is for you!

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For the sporty tourbillon fans, the Tech Twist Tourbillon may be an interesting solution:

The Cotes De Genève bridge, contrasting with the black ring and curves makes it appealing.

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The case back displays a ruthenium finished movement, which is another very nice detail

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Let's not forget that all the LUC tourbillons are COSCED...The Beauty and the Precision, and that they associate this sophisitcation to an 8 days power reserve, which lasts, in reality 9 days.

If you prefer a " wiser " version of the Tourbillon, but with an original look, here you are:

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On this version, the movement is not ruthenium finished, which would have been nice to see on such an original watch, IMO:

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As we speak about original watches, the Strike One houses a lovely complication,

It strikes once each hour.

The Cotes De Genève open dial which are ending with big roman numbers gives a strong look to this 40,5mm watch.

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Another cool detail is this hammer, visible at 12.

The only thing is that I find the sound a bit too weak, on this watch...Sad, as I would have been totally convinced!

Now, my 2 favourite The Perpetual Calendar Lunar one, and the Big Date.

Here again, you have a nice and original intepretation of a classic complication, and a superb display of the moon, with the exact position of the stars above your head.

Therefore, as Patrick described it, this is a " Child proof " Perpetual Calendar, which can be set backward without ruining the movement.

The style is less sporty than the Tech Twist, but it is still very dynamic, and young looking.

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On this other watch, no more perpetual calendar, but a very nice double moonphase, one for the North Hemishpere, the other for the South Hemisphere.

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These LUC Moonphases are really awesome!

To appreciate them more, I took a pic side by side...

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And, as often this lovely micro rotor, housed in both of these watches:

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To end with this global presentation, I can't resist to introduce you which is certainly my favourite simple watch, at LUC...

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What a dial!

Sober and elegant at the same time...Pure Class!

This presentation was a real discovery for me, indeed.

LUC offers a different view on Horology, with its perception of Perfection, with a subtle touch of originality.

I appreciated, and would like to warmly thank the whole Chopard Team for this superb moment.

Best,

Nicolas This message has been edited by amanico on 2009-11-25 12:56:02 This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2009-11-30 07:51:31

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Comments: view entire thread

 

Yes ! It was a wonderful event !

 
 By: foversta : November 25th, 2009-13:15
Thanks a lot to the whole Chopard team for this great event ! The presentation by Patrick was very captivating and educational. He made us understand the specificities of the Chopard manufacture, all the details that make it so special. The dinner took pl... 

This is a terrific week, FX, indeed.

 
 By: amanico : November 25th, 2009-14:19
When our personal jobs take us a lot of time, then when we have to add these events. But this one was a fantastic opportunity to learn, discover watches I don't often see, and to meet old and new friends. So, no regrets, only pleasure. Go to bed! Best, Ni... 

What a nice & charming report

 
 By: Ares501 - Mr Green : November 25th, 2009-13:16
but wait Graham told me that you'll meet him and Bim next year so you are cheating :0)) and when I read the "This Guy looks like a Saint, don't you think?" I nearly fell off my chair great friendly report what a joy to be among such good friends neverthel... 

We missed, you, my friend.

 
 By: amanico : November 25th, 2009-14:21
Next time, you'l have to come. You loved the Saint, eeeh? I fear the worst from him... Best, Nicolas This message has been edited by amanico on 2009-11-25 14:21:43

Bim revenge ...

 
 By: bimbeano : November 25th, 2009-15:41
Damian, i posted some nice pics of Nicolas .... and ... me and Graham probably meet Nicolas next month already ... stay tuned ... or ... come over ??? Cheers, Filip

A great event !

 
 By: bimbeano : November 25th, 2009-15:22
A great event indeed organized by the friendly Chopard team. I really enjoyed the explanation monsieur Patrick Wehrli brought us, it gave me a far greater respect for the Chopard (LUC) watches. His explanations where easily confirmed when inspecting the s...  

Vlad Dracuul is indeed very scary...

 
 By: patrick_y : November 25th, 2009-21:22
But I'm not sure if he's as scary as you are a saint in Amanico's set of photographs...

Well said, Patrick! :)

 
 By: amanico : November 25th, 2009-22:49

I had some serious reasons to be afraid, Filip.

 
 By: amanico : November 25th, 2009-23:50
It was good to meet you, my friend. As for the simple timepiece from Chopard, I agree with you, it is one of my fav, too. That's indeed the way it has to be. Best, my friend . Nicolas

That was definitely a great event.

 
 By: tripon : November 25th, 2009-15:57
Despite I don't have some much comparison experience, because I'm one of the new "friends", I can tell that is an unforgetable event (at least for me ) This has been told already but once again I want to thank the whole Chopard team for this great event. ... 

It was a pleasure to have you during this event, Pascal.

 
 By: amanico : November 25th, 2009-23:53
Now, you will have some comparisons, for the next event...Let's say ..;in a few days. I'm sure this " first " will be important for you, as it was a brilliant one. That is the good thing with watches, you always meet passionate and interesting people. Rec... 

It was a very nice evening ...

 
 By: p@trice : November 25th, 2009-17:03
As usual Nicolas ! I am very happy to have seen good friends and to have seen very nice watches, thanks Chopard for this evening ! Best Patrice

Very nice evening

 
 By: saniloc : November 25th, 2009-23:05
Thanks a lot Chopard for the evening It was very plaisant to try the 78 Chopard Watchs and Patrick's presentation was very interesting Nicolas

They will certainly be happy to read you, Saniloc! Very best, my friend.

 
 By: amanico : November 26th, 2009-15:14
This message has been edited by amanico on 2009-11-26 15:15:17

Should I recommend you to find an appartment in Paris, Patrice?

 
 By: amanico : November 25th, 2009-23:56
All these trips to Patis must be ...Exhausting! But it is always a pleasure to share time with you, Bro. Best! Nicolas

You're the prince of Paris! :-)

 
 By: AT : November 25th, 2009-18:00
gosh what a life you have, must be tough sometimes... Thanks for the report Nico

I have been so looking forward to this report...

 
 By: fernando : November 25th, 2009-19:25
and the watch pics. are awesome considering the lighting at these live events.I have had a look at some of the LUC range and I'm very impressed with the quality and the details of the movement;I especially like the mini rotor.You didn't show us the new LU... 

I didn't see this one, Fernando

 
 By: amanico : November 26th, 2009-03:23
This is the problem when there are too many watches to see... I even wonder if Chopard brought this one with them... I have to admit that it is one of the most pleasant, though. Best, my friend, and thanks for your nice comments. Nicolas

Nico, thanks for the great coverage!

 
 By: Kong : November 25th, 2009-20:27
It looked really fun! Ha! The 'Saint' pics are really great! Now the question.... after the 'touch & see' session... frankly, any change in your perspective about L.U.C ? Kong

Well, Kong

 
 By: amanico : November 26th, 2009-03:27
I didn't have any perception about LUC watches, as I saw them only recently. I'm impressed by the nice quality of the movements,cases, and the overall finish. I'm less impressed by some of their watches design, to say all. But it is only my taste, and on ... 

Hey Saint!

 
 By: Kong : November 26th, 2009-07:15
Wow! That's really cool! Kong

Wow! Great event!

 
 By: patrick_y : November 25th, 2009-21:25
Very nice dinner! Any photographs of the food? Patrick Wehrli certainly does make a very impressive presentation of Chopard timepieces. Which are very impressive timepieces in their own right. Thank you for the photos! Wished I could've been there!

I preferred to take pics of the Menu, instead of the food, Patrick

 
 By: amanico : November 25th, 2009-22:55
It was more synthetic... I came back home with more than 150 pics without the food. How many more would I have to take with the food? Thanks for your nice words, my friend. This night was a blast! Best, Nicolas

Thanks Nicolas

 
 By: SJX : November 25th, 2009-23:40
Did you check out the LUC Fleurier? - SJX

No, too many watches, SJX

 
 By: amanico : November 26th, 2009-03:28
The place was a bit too dark, and the watches were too many. I was a bit dizzy, to say all. And that's a pity because I wanted to see it. BUT, now that I have the connection, I will ask Patrick to show it to me. Best, Nicolas

Well if you are ever in Singapore...

 
 By: SJX : November 26th, 2009-21:42
I can show you mine. - SJX

NAAAAAH ??? REally ?

 
 By: amanico : November 26th, 2009-22:13
Wowow, congrats! Best, Nicolas

Great report, Nicolas!

 
 By: dxboon : November 26th, 2009-00:54
I'm really impressed by the LUC line from Chopard. The watches for the most part seem very refreshing in terms of their dial designs and the use of the microtor in the automatic movements. I think the Tech line in particular is a successful marriage of el... 

Honestly, it was a blast, Daos.

 
 By: amanico : November 26th, 2009-03:31
We had a lot of fun, and to see so many watches is always pa pleasure. Yes, I discovered a new fresh air in this horological world, and it was a pleasant surprise. Thanks for your comments, sister. Best, Nicolas

My pics, first the "apéro"...

 
 By: Caius : November 26th, 2009-01:59
No Chopard on this first part: Next part soon as possible ;-)...  

Cool pics, Doug!

 
 By: amanico : November 26th, 2009-03:33
The last evidences that we were many watch nuts, here! Best, my friend. Nicolas

second part...

 
 By: Caius : November 26th, 2009-07:49
The QP: A beautiful watch, easy setting... Two L.U.C. Qualité Fleurier: Good size, 39,5 mm, a micro-rotor caliber, COSC. A classical watch with beautiful hands. And a demonstration of the "QP Child Proof" by Patrick: ......  

Third part...

 
 By: Caius : November 27th, 2009-03:26
Tourbillon L.U.C. Tech Twist A Tourbillon COSC, escapment in silicium, Power reserve more than 200 hours. Box in palladium, diametre 42 mm [url=http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=1305&u=13423806][img]http://i92.servimg.com/u/f92/13/42/38/06/tourbi...  

Thank you Nicolas.....

 
 By: MiniCooper : November 26th, 2009-11:43
for another great report....... The Tech twist has some Amvox 2 DBS dna...... don't you think??? Do you know the retail price? The black case back of the tourbi is mesmerising.... As far as the qualities of the photos, it must have been the lights as I di... 

Well, PP

 
 By: amanico : November 26th, 2009-14:51
There is something in common, the Youth of these creations, and the fresh air, too. As for the retail, I will tell you tomorrow... The wine??? All drunk, my friend...Which may also explain the poor quality of my pics! Best, Nicolas

Thanks for showing us a great time, Nico!

 
 By: AlexSunrise : November 26th, 2009-15:09
Nicolas, I had been eagerly awaiting your impressions on this event and on Chopard LUC watches in general. I am glad it all went great and that you and fellow guests had a great time. Mr. Patrick is a great host and an excellent communicator. I am glad yo... 

I really appreciate Patrick, the Brand, and their watches, Alex

 
 By: amanico : November 26th, 2009-15:13
For what they do and represent in the horological world...New things, new conceptions and ideas. Therefore, gathering with such gentlemen is always a superb experience, my friend. Thanks for your nice words, Hermano. Un abrazo desde Paris. Nicolas

Very great evening with Chopard's team and Purists community

 
 By: patrickh : November 27th, 2009-03:49
Very pleased to meet and discuss with many Purists during this event. Note that some Purists came from USA (Boston) , Belgium or Norway. Picture of head of Vendome column Many Purists and Moderators joined this event in Chopard Reception for this meeting ...  

Hey, Patrickh

 
 By: amanico : November 27th, 2009-03:57
You took the first pic before or AFTER the dinner? It seems that the Column is a bit tired... Thanks for these pics, my friend. They nicely sum the event! Best, Nicolas

WOW, people came from around the world to attend this great event.

 
 By: FanFrancisco : November 27th, 2009-07:22
i am sure you guys enjoyed yourself and had much fun time at the event. thanks very much, Nico. Great report again! stefan

Fun, great people and watches, what more to ask, my friend? Thanks!

 
 By: amanico : November 27th, 2009-17:41
This message has been edited by amanico on 2009-11-27 17:41:49

Seduced by the XP, pifpaf?

 
 By: AlexSunrise : November 27th, 2009-16:21
It looks very nice on your wrist. I really liked the photo of the new QF. I saw it on the Chopard website, but from their pictures I thought it was a chocolate dial. I guess I was wrong, as it is evidently grey. Any favorite besides the XP? If you like th... 

Thanks, Malik!

 
 By: amanico : November 27th, 2009-17:42

Hi Nicolas, thanks for the report.

 
 By: ling5hk : November 27th, 2009-16:25
It is good to see that Chopard has many supporters. Regards Ling

some lovely watches and lovely people. i am really sad to miss it.

 
 By: G99 : November 28th, 2009-02:36
in fact i'm very angry with myself for missing it. i had the suit, the tie, the shoes, the Elgin 6 pos adj cufflinks, but no passport which is away being renewed. it still hasnt come back and its my fault for not getting my backside in gear and sending it... 

Yes, you missed something, Graham

 
 By: amanico : November 28th, 2009-22:43
And we missed you, too... But in you come in around 10 days, and with your passport... Best, my friend. Nicolas

As always, wonderful posting!

 
 By: Watchlover78 : November 28th, 2009-07:52
And all the watches are so nice and appealing inside and out. You know what, I like your favorite simple one most though the others are also very nice. Best regards, Baxter

Much appreciated, Baxter.

 
 By: amanico : November 28th, 2009-15:16
I would have loved to see SJX's favourite in the flesh, although, as I think it is a winner, but I can't disagree with you on your choice! Best, my friend. Nicolas

Thanks for taking us on this dinner with you!

 
 By: BluNotte : November 28th, 2009-08:36
Amazing! But how come i don't see my favourite Titanium SL in sight?! Lol Stephen

Unbeleivable, but all the watches weren't there, Stephen...

 
 By: amanico : November 28th, 2009-15:17
Next time, maybe? Best, Nicolas

Few more scans :))

 
 By: Fred.N : November 28th, 2009-09:35
Thank you very much for you report and your AMAZING photos despite the poor lighting … mine are unfortunately not so clear :’( As you have mentioned, Patrick Wehrli’s eloquence is awesome, he has lively shared with us his passion for its Manufacture and t...  

And now, a little game for you ....

 
 By: Fred.N : November 28th, 2009-09:50
Now a little game for you dear Purist, to know what watch wore our host, Mr. Wehrli during the evening, associate each caliber with a model - there is a quite small trap HAHAHAH I told you, I am a big Child!! xD Pair 1: Pair 2: Pair 3: Pair 4: Pair 5: Pai...  

I'm reassured now, Fred..;I thought I had forgotten SJX's fav,

 
 By: amanico : November 28th, 2009-15:19
And I didn't! Thans for these pics and comments, my friend. Best, Nicolas

Thanks Fred for these nice catchs. Great collection presented

 
 By: patrickh : November 30th, 2009-02:05
The strike one is really original with his ding at each hour time but I was much more impressed by the LUC Lunar one with his simultaneous move of all three date hands or numerals. Hope to see a special dial on this model for the 150th CHOPARD anniversary... 

What a nice dessert?

 
 By: tripon : December 1st, 2009-00:40
Macarons and L.U.C watches! I didn't noticed on the menu that the macarons came with a watch on top. Next time I'll read it much more carrefuly Thanks for those pictures, as I was frustated not to have my camera with me... Best, Pascal

Thanks, Nicolas,

 
 By: masterspiece : November 28th, 2009-13:28
for the report. looks like it was a lot of fun! Aloha, Bob

Thanks for managing to get us in...

 
 By: aaronm : November 30th, 2009-17:55
It was a great evening! A

Yep, Aaron. Thanks a lot!

 
 By: amanico : December 1st, 2009-10:47