Chinese New Year 2015: L.U.C XP Urushi – Year of the Goat

Jan 29, 2015,16:20 PM
 

Chopard and the Three Lucky Goats


Chopard has established a tradition of celebrating each new cycle of the Chinese calendar. For Chinese New Year 2015, Chopard continues its love affair with Asian traditions. The quintessential Japanese art of Urushi is employed to create another L.U.C XP watch inspired by the “Year of the Goat” theme.  The most lucky Chinese zodiac sign provides an ideal subject for a refined dial, the face of a watch driven by an ultra-thin L.U.C movement.






Proclaimed a “Living National Treasure” by the Japanese authorities, artist Kiichiro Masumura has created this unique dial for Chopard based on the time-honoured lacquering techniques of Urushi and Maki-e. Marrying ancestral craftsmanship with the highest degree of Swiss watchmaking, this majestic work of art portrays the Chinese astrological sign of the goat. Magnificently showcased within the understated lines of the ultra-thin L.U.C XP in 18K gold, this exceptional timepiece is equipped with the mechanical self-winding L.U.C Calibre 96.17-L.




Exceptional watchmaking expertise

A work of art such this dial is matched by the refinement of the L.U.C XP, a superlative and elegant ultra-thin timepiece measuring 39.5 mm in diameter and only 6.8 mm thick. It is an emphatic illustration of Chopard’s horological mastery. Chopard Manufacture is one of the rare movement makers capable of producing a mechanical self-winding calibre equipped with twin barrels ensuring a 65-hour power reserve. The watchmakers of the Manufacture in Fleurier achieved this feat using an off-centred micro-rotor. The micro-rotor is integrated into the overall thickness so as to keep the movement slim and ensure smooth and practical winding.

Entirely hand-decorated by the artisans of the Manufacture Chopard in accordance with the craftsmanship traditions of fine watchmaking, L.U.C Calibre 96.17-L may be admired through the transparent sapphire case-back. The case comes in a choice of 18-carat rose gold or white gold.

Fitted with a black alligator leather strap, the L.U.C XP Urushi “Year of the Goat” is delivered in a special presentation box, also decorated according to Urushi techniques. Black on the outside and adorned with Maki-e on the inside, it is shaped like an octagon, the oriental symbol of joyfulness.




Art and serenity
The dial of this new Zodiac watch is entirely crafted by hand. A traditional Japanese lacquer technique - Urushi - is used to depict a serene goat, viewed from the side. Portrayed on a bed of flowers beneath colourful stylised clouds, it inspires a sense of merriment and tranquility. As traditionally represented in the Chinese zodiac, the goat is a peaceful creature, intolerant of injustice, which it is always keen to oppose. Endowed with a creative rather than a belligerent personality, it draws upon art to assert its point of view. Easy-going and generous by nature, it is the bearer of soothing virtues and heralds a sense of harmony associated with values relating to the land and to family.

A time-honoured pictorial art
Urushi is a long-established lacquering art. The varnish is derived from the sap of the Urushi tree, also called the “lacquer tree” or “Japanese varnish tree”, mainly found in Japan and China. The resin can only be harvested once a year, in very small quantities. Three to five years after it is collected, the resin is treated to transform it into an extremely resistant, honey-textured lacquer. It is applied in very thin successive layers, traditionally on everyday objects such as bowls or boxes.

Maki-e, a technique derived from the art of Urushi, consists of sprinkling the lacquered coating with metal powder – gold or silver – in order to accentuate its outlines. The gold dust is applied using bamboo tubes and small natural-hair brushes in order to trace extremely fine lines. This art requires a degree of skill and meticulous care that only a few experienced Urushi specialists possess.


Technical details
 L.U.C XP Urushi – Year of the Goat

Case:
 In 18K gold
 Total diameter: 39.50 mm
 Thickness: 6.80 mm
 Water resistance: 30 metres
 18K gold crown with L.U.C logo: 4.00 mm
 Glareproofed sapphire crystal
 Transparent back

Movement:
 Mechanical self-winding: L.U.C 96.17-L
 Oscillating weight: 22K gold
 Balance wheel: 3-spokes
 Balance spring: flat
 
Total diameter: 27.40 mm
 Thickness: 3.30 mm
 Number of jewels: 29
 Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
 Power reserve: 65 hours
 Two barrels, Twin® technology
 Bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève, circular-grained mainplate
 Components: 172

Dial and hands:
 Dial crafted according to the Urushi technique with a Goat décor
 Gilt Dauphine-type hour and minute hands

Functions and displays:
 Central display of the hours and minutes

Strap and buckle:
 Hand-sewn black alligator leather strap with Alsavel lining
 18K gold pin buckle


In the Chinese Zodiac, the Sheep and Goat are synonyms.

2015 A.D. is the 4712th Chinese Year. The first day of the Wooden Goat cycle is on February 4, 2015. Chinese New Year Day is on 19th February 2015. Goat is the 8th animal in 12 zodiac signs. Goat is after Snake (6th) and Horse (7th).

Snake, Horse and Goat are in the Fire cycle based on the theory of Five Elements (Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth) astrology system.

Goat is one of Chinese favorite animals. Goat's Chinese character is  Yang, not  Wei. The Chinese character of Luck  contains the character . The pronunciation of  is Xiang, which is close to Yang . Therefore, the Goat becomes a lucky animal. The sound of Yang is the same as Yang of Yin Yang.   Yang means the positive energy of the universe.

During the Chinese New Year festival of the Goat Year, Chinese like to say “san-yang-kai-tai” , which means many (three) Yang energy bring up auspicious, cordial and tranquil atmosphere. But Chinese like to replace with as  in the Goat year.  "Three Lucky Goats bring Auspicious Cordial Tranquil Atmosphere upon you".

......Chopard and the Three Lucky Goats.  smile

Actually, is from I-Ching Hexagrams . Three bars in the bottom are three Yang, which represents Heaven (Sky). Three broken bars on the top are three Yin, which represents Earth (Ground). Strong Yang energy is going up from the ground. This natural phenomenon is connected to the timing of the beginning Spring. 







Year of the Goat

People born in a year of the Goat are believed to be gentle, mild-mannered, shy, stable, sympathetic, amicable, and brimming with a strong sense of kind-heartedness and justice.

They have very delicate thoughts, strong creativity, and perseverance, and acquire professional skills well. Although they look gentle on the surface, they are tough on the inside, always insisting on their own opinions in their minds. They have strong inner resilience and excellent defensive instincts.

Though they prefer to be in groups, they do not want to be the center of attention. They are reserved and quiet, most likely because they like spending much time in their thoughts. Goats like to spend money on fashionable things that give them a first-class appearance. Although goats enjoy spending money on the finer things in life, they are not snobbish.

  • Year of Birth: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
  • Lucky months: 4th  8th and 11th by Lunar Cycle
  • Lucky numbers: 2, 7, or numbers containing 2 and 7 (like 27 and 72)
  • Lucky days: the 7th and 30th day of any Lunar Cycle
  • Lucky colours: brown, red, and purple
  • Lucky flowers: carnations and primrose
  • Lucky direction: North

 

  • Unlucky colours: green, blue, and black
  • Unlucky numbers: 6 and 8
  • Unlucky direction: South-west
  • Worst lunar months: 3rd  6th and 10th by Lunar Cycle. Avoid these months if you have some important business to do or want to plan an event.


I think this is one of the prettiest variants of Chinese Zodiac Urushi watches that Chopard and Yamada Heiando have produced.

What do you think?


Regards,

MTF


   This message has been edited by MTF on 2015-01-29 20:35:37


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Comments: view entire thread

 

The execution of the dial looks superb, even on those pictures and ...

 
 By: small-luxury-world : January 30th, 2015-01:34
without live pictures. Unfortunately the goat (in general) doesn´t mean anything to me, even with a serious addiction for Asia :-) I guess the goat in general is not the most popular motive for others as well, but maybe I am wrong here. Thanks for sharing... 

Goat or Sheep amongst favourite Chinese Zodiac signs

 
 By: MTF : January 30th, 2015-02:55
Oliver, Indeed, the Goat does not have the celebrity appeal but polarising reputation like the dangerous animals of the Zodiac like Dragon, Tiger and Snake. Goat / Sheep is so amicable that it is universally liked and 'lucky'. Nobody actually detests it u... 

MTF, thanks for the explanations.

 
 By: small-luxury-world : February 4th, 2015-05:50
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Your Chinese Zodiac if born in January / February

 
 By: MTF : January 30th, 2015-05:10
Remember that your Chinese Zodiac Sign depends on the Lunar Cycle so the New Year Day changes evey year in January or February. You may be born in 2015 and still be a Horse until 18 Feb. the swithchover to Goat is 19 February. It is not consistent as New ... 

Hi MTF, I heard that if you were born at the end of , eg the Horse, then...

 
 By: GLau : January 30th, 2015-10:17
You might be considered a goat !! There is some formula which I am not certain about. Any idea ?? BTW, the urushi work I really love but I do not like their Motifs, except for the Jungle which is driving me CRAZY !! Hence, I asked my wife to get the Jungl... 

Sounds like people hedging their bets

 
 By: MTF : January 30th, 2015-14:28
i stick with the rules. It ain't the New Year until the red packets arrive on Day 1. With regard to your L.U. Chopard XP Urushi Jungle problem, you have to accept it as a gift from the current Mrs GLau. Our (the current Mrs MTF's) favourite piece is the U...  

Hi MTF, you made some interesting comments...

 
 By: GLau : January 30th, 2015-19:34
1 - "secret 5th insect": meaning the dark green grasshopper at the bottom?? If so, very subtle in the photo and must be difficult to see in the metal. Do you have this piece ? 2 - "Our (the current Mrs MTF's) favorite piece": then what is the favorite of ... 

5 fauna and 4 flora on the LUC XP Urushi Ultimate Universe

 
 By: MTF : January 30th, 2015-23:19
GLau, Did you find the traditional Japanese 4 insects representing the Universe? Butterfly - Transformation, Souls, Joy, Longevity. Dragonfly - Winds of Change, Victory, Courage, Strength. Grasshopper - Good Luck, Fertility, Ladybird - Love. Chopard added... 

Thank MTF for the insights to Japanese culture and the family behind the brand!!

 
 By: GLau : January 31st, 2015-05:51
BTW, I used to receive red packets on new year's eve for Chinese New Year and these packets were meant to be put under the pillow so that I slept through to the next year with money / prosperity !! Just another reason to collect more red packets!! Cheers,... 

My year, and my favorite, MTF.

 
 By: CaliforniaJed : January 30th, 2015-09:27
The colors on this one are quite nice. I like the predominance of dark blue with the touches of gold and red and green. Hmmm..... Best, CaliforniaJed