Chopard LUC limited edition 18k white gold

The Chopard L.U.C 1860: The hidden gem of haute horlogerie.

In the world of high-end watchmaking, there are pieces that don’t need loud advertising to prove their class. The Chopard L.U.C Limited Edition (Reference 16/1860) from 2000 is the ultimate example. This watch marks a crucial moment in Chopard’s history: a return to its roots as a true manufacturer.
The initials L.U.C stand for Louis-Ulysse Chopard, the man who founded the house in 1860. In 1996, Chopard introduced this exclusive line to demonstrate to the world that it belonged to the absolute top segment. A L.U.C watch is more than just a piece of jewelry; it is a technical masterpiece, of which only a limited number leave the workshops in Fleurier and Geneva each year. With a production run of only 4,000 to 4,500 timepieces per year, exclusivity is guaranteed. This watch limited edition 141 / 1860.

At the heart of this 36mm classic is the L.U.C. Caliber 3.96. Often described by connoisseurs as a “hidden gem,” this timepiece is a direct descendant of the legendary caliber 1.96. Its most ingenious feature is the 22-karat gold micro-rotor.Unlike a traditional large rotor, this small gold disc is recessed into the movement itself. This technical ingenuity offers two major advantages: with a movement thickness of only 3.30mm, the watch remains extremely flat and elegant, and the display caseback affords the wearer an unobstructed view of the exquisite bridge finishing. While the 3.96 is technically almost identical to the 1.96, it distinguishes itself with a flat hairspring and a sleeker design without a swan-neck adjustment, making it a purist masterpiece.
The exterior of this watch is as impressive as its interior. The case is crafted from solid 18-karat white gold, which gives it an understated, almost silvery sheen. The serene silver-and-white dial is a picture of refinement, featuring sharp, arrow-shaped indexes and graceful dauphine hands.
At 6 o’clock is the small seconds subdial with the subtle “Automatic” inscription and a perfectly integrated date window. Below the 12 o’clock position, the “Chopard Genève – Depuis 1860” logo proudly adorns the watch, a reminder of nearly a century and a half of craftsmanship.
This particular example from 2000 has been preserved in its original splendor, including the original leather strap and authentic 18-karat white gold buckle. It’s a rarity that symbolizes the highest level of watchmaking expertise within Chopard.

For the connoisseur who values ​​in-house technology and timeless elegance, the type of watch found only at Amsterdam Watch Company, this L.U.C 16/1860 is the holy grail of modern classics.