By Kien Lee
The quiet valley of Fleurier has become the stage for a spectacular horological crescendo as Chopard Manufacture marks its thirtieth anniversary. From these hallowed workshops emerges the new L.U.C Grand Strike which stands as an opus of mechanical mastery developed entirely within the walls of the Swiss watchmaker.
This exceptional chiming timepiece features a grande sonnerie and petite sonnerie alongside a minute repeater to represent the culmination of a decades-long journey initiated by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele. It serves as a testament to the cumulative impact of 30 years spent creating and innovating in the domain of fine watchmaking.
The visual impact is one of understated power and transparency. Housed in a remarkably compact 18-carat ethical white gold case measuring 43mm in diameter, the design blends traditional forms with modern aesthetics. The restrained curves draw the eye directly towards the high precision L.U.C 08.03-L calibre which is fully visible thanks to the open dial layout. This dial-less display puts the 686-component movement firmly in the spotlight and offers an immersive experience of mechanical wonder with every glance. At the 10 o’clock position two polished steel hammers clearly indicate the chiming nature of this watch while a tourbillon rotates continuously in the lower half.
At the heart of this acoustic marvel lies a hallmark of innovation that defies convention. The patented sapphire crystal gongs are machined in one single unit with the dial to create a unique construction using horologically unprecedented material. This monobloc technology channels the sound directly towards the exterior of the watch to avoid energy dissipation through the movement or case. The result is a chime of matchless acoustic character that is ethereal yet powerful and has been poeticized as the Sound of Eternity.
The creation of such a masterpiece required over 11,000 hours of focused research and development. The timepiece draws on ten proprietary technical patents including five that were newly developed specifically for this project. Its performance is assured by rigorous testing that has earned it the prestigious Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark as well as official chronometer certification from the COSC. With these accolades the L.U.C Grand Strike is officially the most comprehensively rated grande sonnerie among contemporary high complications.
The notes played by this mechanical virtuoso are tuned to produce a C sharp and F natural chord which the mind interprets as conveying stability and unity. The wearer can easily switch between the chime modes via an ergonomically designed sliding selector switch located next to the winding crown.
Ideally timed for an anniversary celebration, this release fulfills the promise made by the Maison when they first entered the domain of chiming watches nearly two decades ago.
