The Chopard L.U.C 1963 Heritage Chronograph is inspired by racing timekeepers of old
Fergus Nash- The Chopard L.U.C 1963 Heritage Chronograph blends their heritage design with vintage stopwatches
- The case is made from their Lucent steel, which is 80% recycled, 50% harder, and brighter than regular stainless steel
- The L.U.C 03.07-L is a hand-winding flyback chronograph calibre with COSC certification and a Poinçon de Genève
Chopard and 1960s racetracks aren’t typically associations that watch enthusiasts would draw, as aside from a long-running sponsorship with the Mille Miglia race in Italy, the jeweller-turned-watchmaker is typically more drawn to items of finesse than adrenaline. That said, the new Chopard L.U.C 1963 Heritage Chronograph announced during Watches & Wonders 2023 proves that Chopard are capable of combining those two worlds effortlessly, taking elements of vintage stopwatches and racing chronographs for an exhilarating and elegant result.
The dial of the Chopard L.U.C 1963 Heritage Chronograph is an exercise in balance, organising all of its information neatly without sacrificing legibility or style. The outer minute track is sectioned off, and the 0-60 Arabic numerals in place of hour markers leaves a distinctly sporty and symmetrical look. There’s a running seconds subdial at 6 o’clock with minimal markings, while the hour counter at 9 and the minutes counter at 3 are given thorough printed details for appropriate utility. The rhodium-plated dauphine fusée hands are a calling card for Chopard L.U.C, evoking somewhat of an art deco flavour that looks stunning in any context. All of this is atop a brilliant English green dial, with a sunburst brushing pattern that radiates from the printed logo rather than the centre pinion.
The calibre L.U.C 03.07-L doesn’t have an attractive name, but this hand-winding flyback chronograph is definitely an attractive movement. The sprawling bridges offer a mesmerising contrasted between nickel silver, gilded nickel, and the raw components with varied finishing. You can also see the dainty column wheel, which provides the pushers with its satisfying click. To top it off, the movement is also COSC-certified for chronometer accuracy and has been awarded the Poinçon de Genève hallmark of quality.
The Chopard L.U.C 1963 Heritage Chronograph pricing and availability:
The Chopard L.U.C 1963 Heritage Chronograph is a limited edition of just 25 pieces, and is now live on the Chopard website. Price: US$32,300
| Brand | Chopard |
| Model | L.U.C 1963 Heritage Chronograph |
| Case Dimensions | 42mm x 14.55mm |
| Case Material | Lucent steel |
| Water Resistance | 50m |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Dial | English green |
| Strap | Brown leather |
| Movement | L.U.C 03.07-L |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Availability | Limited to 25 pieces |
| Price | US$32,300 |