In platinum
A nine-day power reserve and chronometer-certified precision: the innovative Chopard Quattro technology celebrates its 25th anniversary with a new platinum timepiece in a reshaped aesthetic
A quarter-century after the launch of the first L.U.C Quattro timepiece in 2000, Chopard Manufacture celebrates the 25th anniversary of its Quattro movement by presenting a brand-new edition in platinum, featuring a 39-millimetre case reshaped in line with the latest L.U.C aesthetic. A major innovation in the field of Haute Horlogerie, the exclusive Chopard Quattro technology has earned the L.U.C collection major recognition thanks to the first calibre powered by four series-coupled barrels stacked in pairs and containing exactly 1.885 metres of springs. This configuration – the only one of its kind in the world – enables an exceptional total power reserve of 216 hours (9 days), delivered with constant force to the escapement. The regularity of operation is ensured by a balance oscillating at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour, a guarantee of impeccable precision chronometer-certified by the COSC. Recognition by the Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark confirms the refinement of this L.U.C Quattro – Mark IV timepiece both technically and aesthetically.
Nearly two metres of springs providing an exceptional power reserve
Like its predecessors, this fourth generation of the new L.U.C Quattro timepiece, known as “Mark IV”, is powered by the exclusive Chopard Quattro technology: a revolutionary configuration involving two pairs of stacked barrels. Together, these four barrels represent 1.885 metres of spring. Since its exclusive world-first presentation by Chopard in the year 2000, this innovation has remained, increasing the watch’s power reserve to an exceptional 216 hours (nine days).
Chopard’s Co-President Karl-Friedrich Scheufele says: “The L.U.C Quattro model demonstrating Chopard’s technical prowess is the fruit of several years dedicated to the pursuit of precision, innovation and creativity in the field of Haute Horlogerie”.
Chronometer-certified precision
In addition to a more generous power reserve, the Quattro movement offers greater precision because the energy transmitted by the four barrels is more evenly distributed. The energy sent to the escapement is more constant, as is the amplitude throughout the running time, enabling high levels of chronometric performance which is certified by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). In addition, the balance-spring is equipped with a Phillips terminal curve that precisely controls the oscillations of the regulating organ – a feat which only authentic Haute Horlogerie Manufactures are capable of. In keeping with the L.U.C collection’s characteristic refinement, it is also equipped with a stop-seconds function as well as a swan’s-neck index serving to carefully adjust the active length of the balance-spring – thus enabling finer adjustment of the oscillator’s frequency and hence the rate of the watch.
Exclusive Chopard Quattro technology: a key technical milestone in the history of the collection
The second movement devised by Chopard Manufacture, L.U.C Calibre 98.01-L has played a central role in the development of the Maison’s watch collections. It was built on the groundwork laid by the Manufacture’s very first L.U.C 96.01-L movement. The aim was to extend the power reserve without compromising either the slender construction or the sophisticated architecture. Since then, this mechanism has been used in all L.U.C Quattro models, but it has also undergone evolutions relating to numerous complications, such as the L.U.C Quattro Tourbillon, L.U.C Regulator and L.U.C All-in-One models. The L.U.C Quattro Spirit 25 is the most recent example, with a jumping-hour movement providing an eight-day power reserve: a record that remains unmatched in this watch category.
This brand-new L.U.C Quattro – Mark IV features a variant of the L.U.C 98.01-L movement: the L.U.C 98.09-L. It differs from its predecessor in that the power-reserve indicator has been shifted to a movement bridge, thereby considerably lightening up the dial layout.
Platinum sets the stage for excellence
Platinum is a metal that is both desirable and fascinatingly rare – 30 times more so than gold. Its unmatched purity is equally alluring, expressed through the legal hallmarks 850, 900 and 950, indicating the parts out of 1000 and hence the percentage of platinum in each alloy. This makes it the purest metal used in watchmaking and jewellery. Between 40% and 60% denser than gold, it is highly resistant to corrosion and abrasion, giving it exceptional durability so that it may be passed down through generations. Its extraordinary qualities nonetheless require special skills and the use of specific tools to machine it, while its ductility makes it ideal for producing small objects with complex technical shapes – hence its use in medicine and advanced engineering. Finally, the fact that it is totally hypoallergenic metal and renowned for its unalterable lustre means it is entirely suited to everyday wear.
Chopard uses only the purest variation of platinum, 950/1000. This noble material has been featured in other watchmaking iterations within the Maison’s collections. Since 1997, the L.U.C 1860 timepiece has been interpreted in this precious metal on several occasions, followed by other models in the collection. As is often the case for handcrafted creations, such an exceptional material requires its own maker’s mark. That is why Chopard will henceforth use the bee symbol – hand-engraved here between the lugs – to identify its platinum timepieces. Since the time of Louis-Ulysse Chopard in the 19th century, this insect has been one of the emblems of the Manufacture. Industrious, honest and modest, the lynchpin of a cohesive whole held together by collaborative endeavours, it perfectly embodies the values with which the workshops have never ceased to identify.
The Poinçon de Genève: a guarantee of outstanding craftsmanship
The technically and aesthetically refined L.U.C Quattro – Mark IV testifies to the finest craftsmanship cultivated by Chopard. Several hundred made-to-measure tools are involved in reworking and hand-trimming each rough-cut component, before manually decorating it using traditional skills – even if it is destined to remain concealed beneath a bridge. Each creation is successively enhanced by chamfering, satin-brushing, polishing, circular graining and Côtes de Genève patterns, before being individually tested and hand-assembled in the workshops. The prestigious Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark to which Chopard has been loyal for many years attests to this degree of artisanal skill and meticulous care. This certification is validated by an independent body and governed by a law instated by the Canton of Geneva. It imposes peerless criteria of excellence encompassing the case and movement, including their structure, appearance and precision.
A slimmer, reshaped case
This new timepiece also stands out from its predecessors with a slimmer case, subtly reshaped in line with the L.U.C collection’s latest aesthetic codes. At 39 millimetres in diameter and 10.4 millimetres thick, it fits smoothly on any wrist. The case features a bassine shape, meaning its base is narrower than its domed, polished bezel. Reflecting craftsmanship inspired by the pocket watches that emerged from Louis-Ulysse Chopard’s creative heritage in the 19th century, this distinctive profile creates an impressive sense of aesthetic refinement.
This new case with its vertical satin-brushed sides is paired with a curved, fluted crown that is not only elegant but also easy to handle. The slightly domed sapphire crystal perfectly matches the curves of the bezel, giving the watch a rounded, harmonious profile. Another sign of fine craftsmanship is that the lugs are made separately before being welded to the case to ensure a perfect aesthetic result. This reshaped design makes the L.U.C Quattro – Mark IV a timeless object for watch connoisseurs and paves the way for the aesthetics of future timepieces in the collection.
A pure dial concealing considerable technical sophistication
This L.U.C Quattro – Mark IV model features a brass dial with a frosted texture and a luminous sky-blue colour obtained by PVD treatment. Highlighted by white gold hour-markers and hands – including the small seconds and date hands – the dial design enhances the clarity and legibility of the indications in an exquisitely refined manner. Previously located at 12 o’clock, the traditional power-reserve indicator has been moved to the movement side and is now visible through the back of the watch. This subtle adjustment accentuates the sense of refinement, concealing the mechanical sophistication behind a harmonious appearance and intuitive layout.
The L.U.C collection: a commitment to watchmaking tradition and innovation
In 1997, Chopard Manufacture launched the first watch to emerge from its watchmaking workshops: the L.U.C 1860, equipped with the L.U.C 96.01-L movement. Since then, through the L.U.C collection, it has accumulated mastery of all the major horological complications. Between Fleurier and Geneva, Chopard Manufacture conceives, develops, produces, assembles, decorates and certifies all its timepieces. Thanks to Karl-Friedrich Scheufele’s commitment to watchmaking tradition combined with technical innovation, the Manufacture maintains a high level of finishing by preserving numerous artistic crafts and skills.
L.U.C Quattro – Mark IV
In 950 platinum
Case:
950 platinum
Total diameter: 39 mm
Thickness: 10.40 mm
Water resistance: 30 m
Crown in ethical 950 platinum with L.U.C logo: 6.00 mm
Bassine-shaped case middle with vertical satin-brushed finishes
Bee hand-engraved between the lugs
Polished bezel and case-back
Transparent exhibition case-back
Glare-proofed sapphire crystal
Movement:
Mechanical manual-winding: L.U.C 98.09-L
Number of components: 215
Diameter: 28.60 mm
Thickness: 3.75 mm
Number of jewels: 38
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 216 hours (9 days)
Exclusive Chopard Quattro Technology
with four stacked barrels: 1.885 metres of springs
Bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève
Swan’s neck fine adjustment
Balance-spring with Phillips terminal curve
Chronometer-certified by the COSC
Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark
Dial and hands:
Dial in frosted-textured brass featuring a sky-blue colour obtained by PVD treatment
Anthracite transfers
Herringbone-type hour-markers in ethical 18-carat white gold
Dauphine fusée hours and minutes hands in ethical 18-carat white gold
Baton-type small seconds and date hands in ethical 18-carat white gold
Functions and displays:
Central display of the hours and minutes
Small seconds at 6 o’clock
Date at 6 o’clock
Power-reserve indicator on the bridge side
Stop-seconds function
Strap and buckle:
Interchangeable brown alligator leather with tone-on-tone stitching and grey grained calfskin with tone-on-tone stitching
Pin buckle in platinum
Ref. 161954-9001 – in platinum
