The Chopard L.U.C Strike One integrates a Sonnerie au Passage that strikes a note every full hour. The limited edition comes in a 40 mm white gold case and presents the characteristic brand codes on the dial. Previously, a variant in roségold was available. The exposed hammer reveals the complication. Using the pusher in the crown, the sonnerie can be silenced. A window on the dial indicates the current mode. The flat movement is visible through the case back.
The case measures 40 mm in diameter and is of ethical white gold. It has a polished front and a vertical satin finish on the side. The crown integrates a pusher that toggles between silent mode and sonnerie. Last but not least, the mechanism is revealed through the sapphire crystal case back, which is secured with screws.
The dial is made of white gold and features a grey-green color created by galvanization. In the center is a hand-guilloché honeycomb pattern, which founder Louis-Ulysse Chopard chose as a symbol for the Atelier. The applied wedge indices rest on an snailed ring, which in turn is framed by a railroad minute track. Meanwhile, a cut-out reveals the hammer. At 12 o’clock, there is also a small window that shows which mode the striking mechanism is in. A small seconds hand underlines the elegant appearance of the Chopard L.U.C Strike One.
The movement goes by the name of L.U.C 96.32-L. It consists of 275 components and has a height of 5.6 mm. Two barrels ensure a power reserve of 65 hours, which is available even when the striking mechanism is in action. A micro-rotor made of 22-carat yellow gold handles the winding. The sonnerie consists of a single hammer and a sapphire crystal gong. The latter is connected to the cover glass and is cut as one piece from a sapphire block. Due to the construction without soldering, screwing or gluing, the watch produces a constant and clear sound. The movement bears both the COSC certificate and the Geneva Seal.
The Chopard L.U.C Strike One comes on a hand-stitched gray alligator leather strap with white gold pin buckle. The watch is a limited edition of 25 pieces. The price is 64,000 CHF.
