Chopard’s platinum L.U.C Lunar One is a worthy signature, and its Perpetual Chrono is set for 122 years

Chopard is one of those rare heritage brands that do watches and jewellery well. The crowning glory of the brand’s watch collection is the L.U.C, named after the company’s founder, Louis-Ulysse Chopard, who was also a well-known watchmaker.

This year, Chopard presents a new version of its popular L.U.C Lunar One, which first launched in 2005 and has since then evolved into the maison’s signature timepiece. The watch has now been re-imagined as a platinum version, with a 43mm case made out of 950 platinum. The timepiece is limited to 100 pieces.

The 950 platinum is well known for its sturdy properties and neutral grey colour. The platinum case has been satin-brushed and paired with polished bezel and lugs, creating an interesting textured environment for the sunray-patterned royal blue dial.

A date window, positioned just under the L.U.Chopard logo, is located at 12 o’clock. At 6 o’clock there is the moon-phase display and a small seconds display. The month and leap year cycle is at 3 o’clock, and the counter at 9 o’clock depicts a day/night indicator as well as a day indicator.

The moonphase display, which has been beautifully depicted with a sea of stars, is notable for its depiction of the natural phenomenon. The moon mimics the path of the evening star. It will only need to be readjusted after 122 years, due to a one-day lag.

The L.U.C Lunar One, is powered by the calibre 96.13-L, and it is one of the very few perpetual self-winding calendars that comes equipped with a micro-rotor. Made of 22ct gold, the micro-rotor is integrated within the movement to make it thinner. The movement is only 6mm thick, despite featuring a wide range of functions. With the case, it measures just under 11.5mm at 11.47mm.

The timepiece has a power reserve of 65 hours and is water-resistant to 50m. A transparent sapphire case back allows wearers to admire the calibre from the back.