The Basics
While the L.U.C Engine One Tourbillon already attracted attention in 2010 by its strong character and peerless lines, the two versions launched in 2011 are even more eye-catching. Housing a high-precision movement machined like an engine block, the new variations dare to display bright red or orange colours for the hands and hour-markers – a bold livery perfectly suited to these mechanical marvels paying a glowing tribute to the world of motor racing and performances. Fitted with a hand-sewn black alligator leather strap enhanced by four reinforced inserts evoking the seats of classic racing cars, the first features a titanium case with a matt Titalyt® coating and is water-resistant to 50 metres, while the slightly curving lugs are streamlined like car wings, ensuring excellent wearer comfort and enhancing the dynamic effect of this sleek 35.4 x 44.4 mm case. The dial is also inspired by the automobile world and plays on the theme of transparency. The glare-resistant sapphire crystal protects engraved Arabic numerals that are orange tinted – a colour reflected in the Dauphine-type hour and minute hands. These touches create a particularly striking contrast with the rhodiumed black components of the mechanical movement, as well as accentuating the sporting mood of this model. The second variation is equally appealing with its white alligator strap designed to be worn by both men and women, along with a luminous polished titanium case matching the silver-toned white appearance of the movement. The latter finish, which is exclusive to the L.U.C collection and to Chopard, is achieved by means of a special new treatment. Meanwhile, the hands, hour-markers and Arabic numerals feature bright red accents that give this model a resolutely sporting look. The automobile world meets Haute Horlogerie These L.U.C Engine One Tourbillon models house a proprietary mechanical hand-wound tourbillon movement, L.U.C Calibre 1TRM. Similar to a car engine, this movement is mounted on silent blocks in order to better absorb shocks and is stabilized by three lever arms inserted into the middle of the case. This L.U.C Calibre 1TRM designed, developed and produced by Chopard Manufacture beats at a cadence of 28,800 vibrations per hour and boasts a 60-hour power reserve. Chronometer-certified by the COSC, a definite token of reliability and precision, this tourbillon movement drives the display of the hours, minutes, seconds and the power reserve. In keeping with automobile traditions, the reamed engine block bears the Chopard signature; while a circular segment directly fixed to the upper face of the movement carries the power-reserve display at 12 o’clock positioned opposite the tourbillon bridge at 6 o’clock. Vividly embodying the encounter between the automobile world and that of fine watchmaking, these two new L.U.C Engine One Tourbillon models are produced in limited series of 100 each. Full case size is 44.40 x 35.40 mm.
| Brand: | Chopard |
| Family: | L.U.C |
| Reference: | 168526-3003 |
| Name: | L.U.C Engine One Tourbillon Titanium / Orange |
| Produced: | 2011 |
| Limited: | Yes, 100 units |
Below is a detailed look at Chopard’s model 168526-3003 from L.U.C watch family, including the price, case details and movement features.
The Details
Chopard’s L.U.C Engine One Tourbillon Titanium / Orange (168526-3003) was originally released in 2011. This watch features a hand-wound movement beating at a frequency of 28800 bph ( 4 Hz) to provide a 60-hour power reserve when fully wound.
The Case
The titanium case measures 35.4mm in diameter and roughly 10.9mm thick. The rectangular case is paired with a skeleton color dial with dauphine-shaped hands, and a mixed hour markers and minute track, covered by a sapphire glass. Chopard’s L.U.C model 168526-3003 is water resistant up to 50 meters (164 ft). A display caseback is over the back of the watch case.
| Material: | Titanium |
| Glass: | Sapphire |
| Back: | Display |
| Shape: | Rectangular |
| Diameter: | 35.4mm |
| Height: | 10.9mm |
| Lug Width: | N/Amm |
| W/R: | 50 |
Case Diameter
Case Thickness
Lug Width
Water Resistance
The Movement
The L.U.C 168526-3003 movement is a powered by caliber L.U.C 04.01-L made by Chopard. The 29-jewel hand-wound movement is 25.9mm in diameter. Its balance wheel oscillates at 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour or 4 Hz. This movement offers a 60-hour power reserve.
| Type: | Hand-Wound |
| Brand: | Chopard |
| Caliber: | L.U.C 04.01-L |
| Base: | N/A |
| Display: | Analog |
| Diameter: | 25.9mm |
| Jewels: | 29 |
| Reserve: | 60 hours |
| Frequency: | 28800 bph |
| Time: | Hours, Minutes, Small Seconds |
| Chronograph: | |
| Additionals: | Power Reserve Indicator, Tourbillon Escapement |
The Price
How much does the Chopard’s L.U.C 168526-3003 cost? This watch was introduced in 2011 and has been in Chopard’s collection for around . This watch is a limited edition with just 100 pieces released. As with most luxury watches, the price of depends on the availability and demand.
CURRENT PRICE: Not Available
For more information, visit Chopard online.
Specifications:
- Brand: Chopard
- Model: L.U.C Engine One Tourbillon Titanium / Orange
- Reference Number: 168526-3003
- Limited: Yes, 100 units
Case & Dial:
- Material: Titanium
- Glass: Sapphire
- Back: Display
- Diameter: 35.4
- Thickness: 10.9
- Lug Width: N/A
- Dial Color: Skeleton
- Indexes: Mixed and Dauphine-shaped hands
- Water Resistance: 50 meters
Movement:
- Winding: Hand-Wound
- Brand: Chopard
- Caliber: L.U.C 04.01-L
- Display: Analog
- Diameter: 25.9mm
- Jewels: 29
- Power Reserve: 60 hours
- Frequency: 28800 bph
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Small Seconds
About Chopard
Passion and innovation are the hallmarks of Chopard’s philosophy, reflected in each unique creation of the L.U.C collection. On the inside or from the outside, each timepiece is the ultimate expression of beauty and the peak of watch-making art. In 1921, the founder’s son, Paul Louis Chopard, opened a branch in La Chaux-de-Fonds and then relocated the company headquarters there. In 1937, he … moved the firm to Geneva, the capital of Haute Horlogerie, or Fine Watchmaking, thereby bringing it closer to its cosmopolitan clientele. In 1943, Paul André Chopard, grandson of Louis-Ulysse, took the helm. In 1963 he sought a buyer capable of reviving and perpetuating the brand’s rich heritage, since none of his sons wished to take over the company. This was when he met Karl Scheufele, descendant of a dynasty of watchmakers and jewellers from Pforzheim, Germany. After a brief meeting, Karl Scheufele decided to buy the company. Under the impetus of the Scheufele family, Chopard experienced spectacular development. Renowned for its creativity, its state-of-the-art technology and the excellence of its craftsmen, it became one of the leading names in the high-end watch and jewellery industry. Entirely independent, Chopard is pursuing a time-honoured family tradition. Karl Scheufele and his wife Karin have orchestrated the company’s international expansion for more than 40 years and are still active in the firm. Their two children are its current co-presidents: Caroline Scheufele is responsible for the ladies’ collections and high jewellery, while her brother Karl-Friedrich Scheufele manages the gents’ collections and the Chopard Manufacture in Fleurier, the production site of L.U.C movements.
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