Chopard revisits the regulator with the L.U.C 1963 Heritage Regulator, a 40 mm mechanical timepiece that combines the collection’s traditional approach to chronometry with a multi-indication display.
Issued as a numbered limited edition of 25 pieces, the watch is housed in 18-carat ethical white gold and powered by the hand-wound L.U.C 98.02-L Manufacture calibre.
Regulator watches trace their origins to precision clocks used by watchmakers as reference timekeepers. Their defining characteristic is the separation of the hours, minutes and seconds indications, with each displayed independently rather than sharing a common axis.
Chopard has explored this format on several occasions, beginning with its first regulator wristwatch in 2006 and revisiting the concept in 2015 with the L.U.C Regulator, also powered by Calibre 98.02-L.
The new L.U.C 1963 Heritage Regulator follows the same principle while incorporating additional indications. The central elongated hand displays the minutes, while the hours are shown on a subdial at 3 o’clock and the small seconds at 6 o’clock.
A GMT display occupies the 9 o’clock position and a power-reserve indicator is placed at 12 o’clock, with a discreet date aperture at 6 o’clock.
Despite the number of indications, the dial retains a relatively open arrangement, with each function given a clearly defined position.
The 40 mm case is 10.30 mm thick and combines a satin-brushed caseband with a polished bezel and case-back. An 18-carat ethical white gold crown measuring 7 mm in diameter carries the L.U.C logo.
A glare-proofed sapphire crystal protects the dial, while an exhibition case-back provides a view of the movement. Water resistance is rated at 30 metres / 100 feet.
The silver-toned dial uses a sunburst satin-brushed finish, with blue transfers providing the only contrasting colour.
The four subsidiary displays feature snailed outer rings and opaline centres, creating a distinction between the indications while maintaining a consistent visual language.
The central minutes hand is a rhodium-plated white gold dauphine-type hand, while triangle-shaped rhodium-plated white gold hands are used for the hours, small seconds, GMT and power-reserve displays.
At the heart of the watch is the hand-wound L.U.C 98.02-L, a Manufacture calibre entirely designed, developed and assembled by Chopard. Measuring 30.40 mm in diameter and 4.90 mm thick, the movement comprises 244 components and 39 jewels and operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, or 4 Hz.
Its four-barrel architecture incorporates Chopard’s Quattro technology, providing a power reserve of 216 hours, equivalent to nine days.
The movement is visible through the sapphire case-back, where its bridges are decorated with Côtes de Genève.
Its technical specification is complemented by two independent certifications: the calibre is chronometer-certified by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC), while the complete watch bears the Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark, covering requirements relating to construction, finishing and craftsmanship.
The Chopard L.U.C 1963 Heritage Regulator is delivered on a grey alligator leather strap with an 18-carat ethical white gold pin buckle.
Reference 161993-1001 is limited to 25 numbered pieces and is available exclusively through Chopard boutiques. It retails at CHF 42,000. chopard.com
