Description

The present watch is the Chopard L.U.C 1860 ref. 168860-3003, a remarkably elegant modern revival of the timepiece that introduced Chopard’s L.U.C collection and established the maison as a serious force in contemporary haute horlogerie. Combining compact classical proportions, an exquisite salmon guilloché dial, and one of modern watchmaking’s landmark micro-rotor movements, it is a watch that speaks directly to discerning collectors.

Its 36.5 mm Lucent Steel A223 case measures just 8.2 mm thick, delivering the refined, compact profile of a traditional dress watch. Chopard’s proprietary Lucent Steel is ethically sourced and designed for heightened brightness and scratch resistance. The case is finished with a thoughtful combination of polished and brushed surfaces, with a notched crown engraved with the L.U.C emblem, glare-proofed sapphire crystal, sapphire display back, and 30 metres of water resistance.

The warm salmon-coloured dial is crafted from gold and distinguished by a hand-guilloché central medallion. Around it sits a satin-brushed chapter ring fitted with applied white gold chevron hour markers, while a finely snailed small-seconds register at 6 o’clock provides a classically balanced focal point. White gold Dauphine hands and a baton seconds hand complete a display of exceptional depth, texture, and understated sophistication.

Powering the watch is the exceptional in-house L.U.C Calibre 96.40-L, the modern descendant of the original Calibre 96 that inaugurated the L.U.C collection in 1996. This ultra-thin automatic movement uses a 22k gold micro-rotor, decorated with guilloché, allowing the calibre to remain only 3.30 mm thick. Its twin-barrel construction provides a substantial 65-hour power reserve, while its COSC chronometer certification and Poinçon de Genève attest to its precision, construction, and high standard of finishing. The movement also incorporates a hacking seconds mechanism for precise setting.

Presented on an anthracite calfskin strap with matching Lucent Steel pin buckle, the L.U.C 1860 Salmon Dial is a beautifully executed statement of discreet luxury. Its combination of steel and salmon, compact dimensions, historic movement architecture, and Geneva Seal finishing makes it one of the most compelling contemporary dress watches in Chopard’s catalogue.

Chopard – Bio

Chopard is a Swiss watchmaker and jewellery maker founded in 1860 in Sonvilier by Louis-Ulysse Chopard originally known for making ladies’ watches and pocket watches. In 1963, Chopard was sold to Karl Scheufele, a watchmaker from Pforzheim, Germany. The Scheufele family have owned the company up to the present day. The company is headquartered in Geneva and has a site in Fleurier, Canton of Neuchâtel that manufactures watch movements.