Chopard - L.U.C Regulator
Chopard this year reinterprets a classic in its L.U.C collection of high-end models: the L.U.C Regulator model, which is characterised by its high precision and its off-centre indications. It is presented in a new L.U.C case in red gold with a diameter of 43mm and comes with COSC certification and the Geneva Hallmark, and of course the prestige of Chopard's regulator calibre.
As high-precision clocks, regulators were used from the end of the 19th century to provide a reference time in watchmaking workshops. The hour, minute and seconds hands were separated and placed at different locations around the dial so that all the watchmakers could see them clearly. Ever since, this type of display has been referred to as a regulator.
The Regulator's L.U.C 98.02-L calibre - which has passed the tests of the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) - has a unique arrangement of its indications. Unlike almost all other regulators, which put the hours at 12 o'clock, the L.U.C Regulator has them at 3 o'clock. The subrushed dial, which has new Arabic numerals, offers exemplary symmetry with its four cardinal points each playing host to a form of indication. At 12 o'clock, the power reserve indicator - 216 hours! - is displayed on a graduated scale; the small seconds is at six o'clock and a second time zone at 9 o'clock (a GMT function which is operated by a pushbutton on the side of the case); the gold-plated minutes hand remains at the centre, for optimum readability.
The L.U.C Regulator has an exceptional power reserve of 216 hours, or nine days, which is provided by four barrels. This is one of the characteristics of the L.U.C movements with their Quattro® technology.
The watchc omes with a hand-stitched alligator leather strap and and an 18-carat red-gold buckle.
The L.U.CEUM, the Chopard museum in Fleurier, has three significant regulators in its collection, signed by great watchmakers such as Berthoud and Blondeau. The L.U.C Regulator continues this heritage with its precision and its unique character.