Chopard - Precision and Refinement United
WORLDTEMPUS - 31 March 2011
"10 Hertz," said Guy Bove as he presented an elegant round watch outfitted with a distinct silver-grained dial. "This is how fast it ticks. I have been wearing it day and night for three days now and it certainly seems to work," he smiles as he explained that "the faster the movement ticks, the better its precision."
Pretty in pink precision
With a new concept timepiece, Chopard proves that it is not just about beautiful watches. This Geneva-based brand also cares about the most important thing in a watch: precision. Many watch companies believe that a handful of super complications will get them attention - and it probably will with the right advertising budget and refined social media skills. However, many forget what horology is all about.
Thankfully, Chopard appreciates and offers both elements: from pretty diamond-clad ladies watches to simple three-handers, super complications powered by in-house movements, and sporty chronographs honoring those daring men in their daunting vehicles. This year also sees women addressed with a cheerful - and naturally COSC-certified - Mille Miglia Racing in bright pink.
L.U.C. 1937
Talking simple three-handers, Bove presented two wonderfully understated versions of a brand new L.U.C 1937: one fitted with an elegant porcelain white dial with distinct black Roman numerals; the other with a striking satin-finished silver-toned dial. To underscore Chopard's understanding of true horology, this new model offers a COSC-certified "in-house" Fleurier ebauches movement, Caliber 1.010, with date aperture at 6 o'clock. This movement also represents Chopard's even bigger move toward autonomy as the company expects to be able to produce approximately 20,000 movements a year in the new manufacturing facility.
L.U.C. Quattro
Another new product from Chopard uses an in-house L.U.C. movement: the 43-millimeter L.U.C. Quattro is named after Chopard's horological world's first from 1998: the four-barrel movement offering a full nine days of power reserve within manually wound Caliber 1.98. Most movements offering a long power reserve lose their "breath" when the energy is low. However, this particular caliber earned a COSC certification thanks to its impressive constant rate. On top of that, the movement also bears the renowned Seal of Geneva, which guarantees impeccable finish and quality.
Classic Racing Superfast Split Second
"It's a super fast dial design," Bove laughed as he presented the black DLC steel Classic Racing Superfast Split Second. A new limited edition 45-millimeter watch not famous for its in-house movement (it is indeed powered by a Valjoux 7750), but for honoring automotive speed. Chopard's owners, the Scheufele family, often celebrate their twenty-year love for and relationship with classic car races. The automotive theme is also illustrated by the rubber strap featuring a 1960s Dunlop tire pattern, which can also be found on the legendary Mille Miglia models that Chopard incorporates into its horological collection every year.