Four barrels for a world firstHaute Horlogerie: The Chopard L.U.C Quattro
In 2011 Chopard presents the new L.U.C Quattro, which is powered by one of the biggest successes of Chopard Manufacture – the famous four-barrel L.U.C 1.98 movement. This elegant and sophisticated reinterpretation adopts the new aesthetic codes of the L.U.C collection and will delight devotees of Haute Horlogerie as well as all those with a taste for distinguished lines.
In 2010, for the brand’s 150th anniversary, Chopard unveiled a new aesthetic for its Manufacture-made L.U.C collection, expressed through four new timepieces: L.U.C Louis-Ulysse - The Tribute, Engine One, All In One and 1937. The new creations from the L.U.C family are now following in the footsteps of these forerunners. Among them is the famous L.U.C Quattro, a world-first model protected by two patents and of which the Regulator (4R) version won the 2004 Watch of the Year prize awarded by a jury of professionals brought together by the specialised magazines Montres Passion and Uhrenwelt.
Unique movement, patented technology
The hand-wound L.U.C 1.98 movement is indeed the world’s only movement to have been fitted with four stacked and series-coupled barrels. This patented technology ensures a full nine days of operating autonomy to the L.U.C Quattro and a constant rating regularity that enables it to meet all the requirements of the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). The L.U.C 1.98 movement also bears the prestigious Poinçon de Genève hallmark, a guarantee of impeccable quality and finishing, and its bridges are adorned with a straight-line Côtes de Genève motif.
New aesthetics
The most visible aesthetic changes appear on the dial of the L.U.C Quattro, which now features new hands. Their shape is inspired by the “dauphine” style already used in the collection, but redesigned to provide a hint of technical refinement and precision reflecting the quality of the L.U.C. movements. The typeface of the L.U.C collection has also been changed, as have the traditional Roman numerals inspired by a 1960s style.
The details of the rose gold case have been fine-tuned to create a refined and timeless appearance. Its new curves lend a masculine and contemporary touch to the redesigned lugs. Its diameter has been broadened from 39 mm to a generous 43 mm and its finishes are satin-brushed on the case middle and polished on the bezel and the exhibition back. A brown hand-sewn alligator strap completes the elegant new look of the L.U.C Quattro.