Haute Complication: Chopard L.U.C. Perpetual Chrono

For watch connoisseurs in general, and Chopard enthusiasts especially, the letters L.U.C. hold something special. Representing the initials of the brand’s founder, Louis-Ulysse Chopard, they are only used for watches that feature a manufacture movement. Ever since Chopard introduced their very first manufacture caliber in 1996, they have become quite a force in watchmaking, and the L.U.C. Perpetual Chrono is one of their most tempting offerings.

What makes this watch so special is that it does not only combine two very popular complications: a perpetual calendar and a chronograph, but that Chopard also throws in a big date for good measure. All these complications are displayed on a dial that shows an almost perfect symmetry. A watch from the L.U.C. collection also has a very distinct look, a bit of an understated chic, but not too formal. This adds to the versatility to the watches, because the Perpetual Chrono goes perfectly with a Brioni suit, but is equally comfortable with a pair of Cohen jeans.

The L.U.C. Perpetual Chrono is truly a connoisseur watch, as it ticks off all the boxes that are usually most eager for. Vertical clutch, column wheel, flyback feature, Chronometer certification, Geneva Hallmark, this watch has it all. On top of that does the moon phase only need adjusting once every 122 years and does the watch have a generous power reserve of 60 hours. Indeed, this watch is nothing less of a powerhouse.

But it doesn’t end there. The L.U.C. Perpetual Chrono also has a case crafted from Fairmined gold. This is gold that has been responsibly sourced. In general, gold mining can do a lot of damage, when the ore is extracted from the soil. With Fairmined gold, it is the local communities that mine the gold, according to strict guidelines. This enables them not only to feed and educate their children but also ensures that they can live in the same village, without doing incredible damage to the land that surrounds it. A very noble cause that Chopard has been involved in for some years now, and even created a foundry especially to process fairmined gold, as it can not be mixed with non-fairmined gold and still carry the certification.

All combined make the L.U.C. Perpetual Chrono in a very well executed Haute Complication, as well set it firmly apart in the current marketplace.