Chopard releases the new L.U.C. GMT One, an ideal traveler’s timepiece with a dual-time function. The watch takes on a classic design with modern proportions, in size and case dimensions. It is both a useful work watch and a handsome timepiece with a well-crafted movement.
The Case
The Chopard L.U.C. GMT One is available in two variations, one in stainless steel and black dial, the other in 18K rose gold and brown dial. The watch is sized at 42 mm, a conservative size for the modern timepiece. The case wears towards the hefty side, measuring 11.71 mm thick. It is fit with 2 crowns. The upper crown positioned at 2 o’clock serves to adjust the date and local time, while the second crown at 4 o’clock controls the GMT hand.
The Dial
The dial on the stainless steel variant is a sunburst black dial with a contrasting colored slate grey inner bezel. The rose gold variant has a sunburst brown dial with a two colored inner hour bezel. Iconic to the brand is the font choice and the stepped hour and minute hands. The bold arabic numerals have a sporty outlook, while the stepped tapered hands look anti-classic. Think brands like De Bethune or a modern sports or engineering space themed watch.
The Movement
The movement used in the Chopard L.U.C GMT One is based on the new Chopard Manufacture self-winding Calibre L.U.C 01.10-L which has a 60-hour power reserve. Made up of 291 components, the watch runs at a 4 Hz rate. The L.U.C GMT One is chronometer-certified by the COSC. Chronometer standards and certification is proudly championed by Chopard Co-President Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, and remains one of the features of L.U.C. watches ever since the creation of Chopard Manufacture in 1996.
Chopard L.U.C. watches are usually found with nicely decorated and finished movements. While the higher priced models and more complicated movements have the best finishing, the lower priced less complicated movements also bear while less elaborate, also bears traits of a well-finished movement. In the case of the L.U.C. GMT One, its bridges and plates bear the Côtes de Genève. Their edges are chamfered which produce a nice mixture of colour gradient and texture in reaction to light. The level of finishing is adequate for the price range.
The watches are competitively priced for its quality manufacture, well thought out movement and beautiful case execution. They are highly functional timepieces with a useful complication for every traveler.
Price: S$13,630 in steel, S$27,540 for rose gold with GST.
Case:
– Stainless steel/ 18K Rose Gold
– Total diameter: 42 mm
– Thickness: 11.71 mm
– Water resistance: 50 metres
– 2 partly satin-brushed
stainless steel/gold crowns with L.U.C. logo and globe 6.50 mm
– Vertical satin-brushed case middle
– Polished bezel and case-back
– Exhibition back with glareproofed sapphire crystal
Movement:
– Mechanical self-winding L.U.C. 01.10-L
– Number of components 291
– Total diameter: 31.90 mm
– Thickness: 5.95 mm
– Number of jewels: 31
– Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
– Power reserve: 60 hours
– Bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève
– Chronometer-certified (COSC)
Strap and buckle:
– Alligator leather strap with alligator leather lining
– Stainless steel pin buckle