L.U.C Lunar One

One of the most poetic models in the prestigious L.U.C collection bearing the initials of the founder Louis-Ulysse Chopard returns decked out in new finery. The L.U.C Lunar One model, a perpetual calendar with an orbital moon-phase display, embraces the line's new aesthetic featuring generous curves, optimal readability and absolute comfort.

It already caused a sensation at the time of its launch in 2005. While losing nothing of its mechanical excellence, the L.U.C Lunar One has undergone a transformation that ranks it among the great classics of Swiss Haute Horlogerie. The voluptuously rounded 43 mm-diameter case in 18-carat rose gold embraces the new curves of the L.U.C collection. The polished and satin-brushed lugs have been entirely redesigned to ensure enhanced comfort and perfect stylistic equilibrium. The crown, engraved with the L.U.C logo, is slender while remaining perfectly ergonomic. The case-back with its generous glareproofed sapphire crystal central opening is engraved with the inscriptions “Chopard Manufacture”, “Lunar One” and “L.U.C”.

Optimised readability and a peerless movement
To underscore the exceptional technical qualities of this major complication, the dial – silver-toned and satin-brushed to focus the light on the L.U.Chopard legend – reveals subtle refined touches dedicated to enhancing readability. In addition to the personalised gold-toned “Dauphine” style hands, the hours are now displayed as Roman numerals – 1960s inspired delicate golden appliques – framed by a railtrack graduation of a black transferred type similar to the three subdials indicating the small seconds, month and day of the week.

This refined style is matched by a peerless movement. Chronometer-certified by the COSC and stamped with the Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark, the mechanical self-winding L.U.C 96.13-L (L.U.C 96QP) calibre housed within the L.U.C Lunar One model is endowed with an approximately 70-hour power reserve. It drives the hours, minutes, small seconds at 6 o'clock, a perpetual calendar with large twin-aperture date display at 12 o'clock, days of the week and 24-hour indication at 9 o'clock, as well as months and leap years at 3 o'clock.

A one-day difference every 122 years
The moon phases are displayed with great precision and in an unusual manner, since they rotate around the small seconds axis, hence the name “orbital”. Their degree of precision is such that the difference between two lunar cycles amounts to a mere 57.2 seconds, meaning one day in 122 years! Only the most reputed watch manufacturers are able to offer such sophisticated horological complications.

The L.U.C Lunar One is designed to match the evolution in the criteria governing the granting of the Poinçon de Genève hallmark, which as of 2012 no longer merely set the seal of approval on the craftsmanship of the movement alone, but now on that of the watch as a whole. Water-resistant to 50 metres, it is fitted with a new semi-matt or matt black hand-sewn alligator leather strap featuring a cognac-coloured alligator leather lining and secured by an 18-carat rose gold pin buckle.