New: The Redesigned Chopard L.U.C Lunar One

October 18, 2011

Thirteen years after the introduction of the 43mm L.U.C Lunar One, a smaller, more refined update debuts this year in two variations. The rose or white gold case now measures 40.5mm across, and the redesigned Chopard L.U.C Lunar One comes with a blue or salmon dial. The name of the watch doesnt quite cover the complications it has. Apart from the expected moonphase indicator, the Lunar One is also a perpetual calendar watch with a large date, a 24-hour indicator, and small seconds.The world is most definitely getting smaller. The world of watches, I mean. A good example is the sizing down of the Chopard L.U.C Lunar One. The original 43mm version was impressive, but it also lacked finesse. It was simply too big for a classic calendar watch with a traditional moonphase indicator on the dial. The two new 40.5mm models, however, get it right.The redesigned Chopard L.U.C Lunar One - Choose between blue and salmonThis is not the first time Chopard has impressed the Fratello team. For example, last years L.U.C Qualite Fleurier in Lucent Steel was greeted with unanimous applause. The relatively simple watch was made in such a refined and skilled way that it took our collective breath away. On top of that, its understated, clean, and elegant looks made us want one despite its rather hefty price tag. Chopards L.U.C movements with micro-rotors and impressive power reserves were already on our radar, but now its time to explore the brands complications. The two new L.U.C Lunar One models show a balanced design in line with the latest L.U.C aesthetic. That means, among other things, a smaller case in ethical 18K rose or white gold with more refined, rounder flanks. The rose gold reference 161951-5001 has a deep blue dial and two interchangeable straps in brown alligator leather and gray calf leather. The white gold reference 161951-1001 comes with a salmon dial and straps in navy alligator leather and blue calf leather.Stylish signature dialsThe dials are worthy of close inspection. Yes, they show the time (including small seconds and a 24-hour indicator), perpetual calendar indications, moon phases, and a large date in an orderly and traditional manner. But their finishing is also impressive in a classy, subtle way. One L.U.C signature in the Lunar One models dials comes in the form of a dynamic and handmade sunburst guilloche pattern. Furthermore, the sharp and faceted gold dart-shaped indexes, Chopard s dauphine-fusee hands, and the finely knurled and embossed crown are an understated statement of stylish Haute Horlogerie at its very best.Watches worthy of the Poin?on de GeneveThe chronometer-certified automatic L.U.C 96.13-L movement with a 22K gold micro-rotor is a symbiosis of refined elegance and advanced technology. Consisting of 353 parts, the caliber reveals beautiful finishing and has an impressive 65-hour power reserve. These watches tell time very accurately and also show the phases of the Moon in such a manner, the latter only deviating one day in 122 years. Chopard manufactures the two new versions of the L.U.C Lunar One in the canton of Geneva. And the watchmaker does it in such a way the complicated timepieces bear the prestigious Poin?on de Geneve.Both watches would have made the collections name giver, watchmaker Louis-Ulysse Chopard (1836C1915), proud. They also prove once again that independent, family-run Chopard can compete with the biggest names in traditional Haute Horlogerie.The redesigned Chopard L.U.C Lunar One in rose or white gold with a blue or salmon dial costs $92,200 / US$85,800. As always, feel free to share your thoughts on these watches in the comments below.Watch specifications Brand Chopard Model L.U.C Lunar OneReference 161951-5001 (rose gold) / 161951-1001 (white gold)Dial Blue (rose gold) or salmon (white gold) with handmade sunburst guilloche, faceted and applied dart-shaped indexes, three sub-dials, and gold-framed date windowsCase Material 18K rose or white goldCase Dimensions 40.5mm (diameter) 11.63mm (thickness)Crystal SapphireCase Back 18K rose or white gold and sapphire crystal, affixed with screws Movement Chopard L.U.C 96.13-L: automatic with 22K gold micro-rotor, 28,800vph frequency, 65-hour power reserve, 32 jewels, double barrels, Poin?on de Geneve quality hallmark, Water Resistance Not specifiedStrap Brown alligator leather with quick-release system and rose gold folding clasp, additional gray calfskin strap / Navy alligator leather with quick-release system and white gold folding clasp, additional blue calfskin strapFunctions Time (central hours and minutes, small seconds and 24-hour indicator), perpetual calendar (large date windows, small day, month, and leap-year indicators), rotating moonphase indicator for Northern and Southern HemispheresPrice $92,200 / US$85,800