November 28, 2018: Celebrating traditional Chinese culture, Chopard introduces a new one-of-a-kind timepiece where the artisans of the Manufacture have created a case in ethical 18-carat rose gold, entirely hand-engraved and depicting the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac. Inside it beats a highly sophisticated perpetual calendar tourbillon calibre with a nine-day power reserve. This exclusive work of art, a tribute to an age-old culture, is intended for the most discerning collectors.
The watch represents a next-level expression of the Manufacture’s annual tradition of creating a L.U.C XP Urushi watch paying homage to the zodiac sign of the year. All the animals of the Chinese zodiac are depicted on this particular LUC model. This is achieved using the champlevé engraving technique, an art that calls for meticulous patience in order to hollow out tiny cavities in a subtle play on volutes and light effects. In all, the artisan devoted more than 210 hours to bring the 12 symbolic animals of the Chinese calendar to life on the gold case. The tiger’s head appears on the crown, for example, while its body follows the curve of the case middle. The space between the lugs is adorned with a dragon and a snake. Finally, a hand-sewn black alligator leather strap with a brown alligator lining lends an ultimate touch of elegance to this magnificently crafted watch.
This unique timepiece has been successfully submitted for testing by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute, as testified on the dial by the inscription ‘Chronometer’ – a noble attribute held in high esteem by Chopard co-president Karl-Friedrich Scheufele. It also bears the ‘Poinçon de Genève’ hallmark, one of the Swiss watch industry’s most prestigious certifications, rewarding the quality of its construction as well as its impeccable execution.
