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Baselworld 2015: L.U.C XPS 35mm Esprit de Fleurier

L.U.C XPS 35mm Esprit de Fleurier

A feminine expression of aesthetic refinement and haute horlogerie

Admired for its understated elegance and technical sophistication, the ultra-thin L.U.C XPS model has become a classic. In 2014, the diameter of this star model was reduced, creating the L.U.C XPS 35mm. In 2015, the L.U.C XPS 35mm Esprit de Fleurier addresses women with a subtle mother-of-pearl blue dial, while its Manufacture-made movement is adorned with fleurisanne engraving, an almost extinct artistic craft.

Aesthetic refinement

Elegant, dynamic and timeless lines exuding a supreme sense of balance: the new L.U.C XPS 35mm Esprit de Fleurier model, set with diamonds and intended for women, shines as much by its elegance as by the beauty of its Chopard Manufacture movement.

Viewed from the front, the diamond-set 18-carat white gold bezel delicately frames a mottled blue mother-of-pearl dial bearing hour-markers graced with brilliant-cut diamonds. This model is teamed with a matching blue alligator leather strap. An exhibition case-back reveals the beauty and delicacy of the Manufacture movement entirely decorated with fleurisanne engravings.

A speciality of the village of Fleurier that has been home to Chopard Manufacture since 1996, fleurisanne engraving is a now almost extinct art that contributed to the reputation of local 19^th century watchmakers and to the appeal of their timepieces that spread as far as China. This highly distinctive technique is notably distinguished by its motifs carved in high relief. The engraver cuts away the surrounding metal to leave the pattern he wishes to make stand out. The raised surface is then engraved with a scrolling pattern known as ‘volutes’ or with flowers, and polished to achieve a shiny effect. The background is hammer-stippled to give it a grainy effect. This extremely demanding skill requires the artisan to devote considerable time to this process and to display absolute technical mastery. Eager to revive and ensure the future of this ancient craft, Chopard has trained expert hands in-house in order to perpetuate this traditional form of engraving that played such a key role in making the village of Fleurier known far and wide.

Technical feat

Housing a twin-barrel self-winding movement with a 65-hour power reserve inside an ultra-thin 7.10 mm case is no mean feat. The master-watchmakers of Chopard Manufacture have accomplished this by means of a clever micro-rotor construction that highlights the beauty of L.U.C Calibre 96.23-L which may be admired through the exhibition case-back.

The L.U.C XPS 35 mm models are certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC), a guarantee of precision greatly prized by Chopard and which adds to the many other intrinsic qualities of these exceptional timepieces.

Technical details

Case:

·    18ct white gold

·    Total diameter                                                 35 mm

·    Thickness                                                       7.10 mm

·    Water resistance                                              30 metres

·    18ct white gold crown with L.U.C logo               5.00 mm

·    Diamond-set bezel

·    Glare proof sapphire crystal

·    Exhibition back

Movement:

·    Self-winding movement                                   L.U.C 96.23-L

·    Total diameter                                                 27.40 mm

·    Thickness                                                       3.30 mm

·    Number of jewels                                            29

·    Frequency                                                      28,800 vph

·    Power reserve                                                65 hours

·    2 barrels - Twin® technology

·    Chronometer certified (COSC)

·    Fleurisanne engravings

Dial and hands:

·    Mottled blue mother-of-pearl dial

·    Diamond-set hour-markers

·    Rhodiumed Dauphine hours and minutes hands

·    Rhodiumed small seconds hand

Functions and displays:

·    Central display of the hours and minutes

·    Small seconds at 6 o’clock

Strap and buckle:

·    Hand-sewn blue alligator leather strap

·    18ct white gold pin buckle

Ref. 131968-1002                  25-piece limited edition

Exclusive to Chopard boutiques

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