Since 2014, a dial with a floral theme has taken a starring role in a variety of L.U.C XP Esprit de Fleurier series. Loyal to this tradition eagerly awaited by collectors each year, Chopard unveils three new eight-piece editions in ethical 18-carat white or rose gold.
Inspired by the antique decorative pocket watches found in the L.U.CEUM, Chopard’s museum in Fleurier, Chopard’s enamelling artisan has created vibrant dials graced with roses in the manner of botanical encyclopaedia watercolour illustrations. Visible through an open case-back, the L.U.C 96.23-L mechanical self-winding movement, endowed with Chopard Twin technology’s 65-hour power reserve is also beautifully adorned with the Fleurisanne engraving technique perfectly executed by a talented in-house artisan.
The undisputed queen of gardens, the rose is a many-splendoured bloom celebrated for its beauty and its fragrance while inspiring designers and never ceasing to amaze. After several series based on the peony, Chopard has chosen the rose to adorn the dial of its L.U.C XP Esprit de Fleurier timepieces. Like watercolours delicately sketched by a botanist, these new models interpret roses in three different shades: firstly yellow, a colour associated with friendship and Joie de Vivre in the language of flowers; then pink, a token of grace, elegance and softness; and finally orange, symbolising passion and secret love. The Chopard Manufacture enamelling artisan thus explores a palette of soft tones through this perfectly executed trilogy.
Ref. 131944-5006 – In ethical 18-carat rose gold with pink strap
A decorative technique practiced since the 17th century, Grand Feu enamel, one of Swiss watchmaking’s most prestigious traditional craft forms, is today perpetuated by Chopard and a handful of master artisans. The enamelling process involves the mixing of silica and crushed oxides to form coloured powders that are dissolved in water, before being delicately applied to the dial in minute layers. Between each application of a layer, the dial is fired in the kiln at high temperatures (800°C) to precise timings – a process in which the true intuition and experience of the artisan is crucial, as the rich colours progressively emerge in the heat. Deploying skills passed on from artist to artist across the generations, it takes the enamelling artisan an entire week of work to complete each dial.
Ref. 131944-1001 – In ethical 18-carat white gold with yellow strap
Roses are not simply confined to the dial but are exhibited in a superb display of floral engraving on the gold bridges of L.U.C Calibre 96.23-L – a slim Fine Watchmaking movement with a micro-rotor in ethical 22-carat gold and two superposed barrels enabling the 65-hour power reserve linked to Chopard Twin technology.
Ref. 131944-5007 – in ethical 18-carat rose gold with orange strap
The artisan employ the Fleurisanne engraving technique that emerged in Chopard’s hometown of Fleurier during the 18th century and that Chopard Manufacture revived a few years ago thanks to the virtuoso skills of one of its master engravers inspired by an antique watch exhibited in the L.U.CEUM.
This art involves removing metal from the surface to reveal a floral relief motif twisting its way across the surface. The background is individually dotted to create a grained surface that is rhodium-plated to contrast with the gold pattern, creating an enticing two-tone effect. Each movement takes the engraving artisan a week and a half to complete.
Technical details of L.U.C XP Esprit de Fleurier Rose
Case:
- Ethical 18-carat white or rose gold
- Total diameter 35 mm
- Thickness 7.70 mm
- Water resistance 30 metres
- Ethical 18-carat rose gold crown with L.U.C logo 5.00 mm
- Sapphire crystal
- Diamond-set bezel, sides, lugs and case middle
- Exhibition back
- Hand-engraved case-back surround
Movement:
- Mechanical self-winding L.U.C 96.23-L
- Number of parts 168
- Total diameter 27.40 mm
- Thickness 3.50 mm
- Number of jewels 29
- Frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
- Power reserve 65 hours
- Winding by an ethical 22-carat gold micro-rotor
- Two-tone ethical 18-carat rose gold movement – rhodium-plated after engraving
- Hand-crafted Fleurisanne engravings – rose motif
- Two barrels – Chopard Twin technology
- Balance spring with flat terminal curve
Dial and hands:
- Dial adorned with a rose motif crafted by Chopard Manufacture enamelling artisan using the Grand Feu enamel technique
- Rhodium-plated or gilded Dauphine-type hours and minutes hands
Functions:
- Central display of the hours and minutes
Strap and buckle:
- Yellow, pink or orange alligator leather strap
- Pin buckle in diamond-set polished ethical 18-carat white or rose gold
Limited and numbered eight-piece editions per model – Exclusively available from Chopard boutiques.
