Chopard Manufacture in Fleurier was founded in 1996 at the initiative of Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard, with the aim of preserving traditional Swiss watchmaking know-how while integrating major innovations. Three decades later, the Manufacture’s vertical integration allows its workshops to maintain the highest standards of finishing and contribute to the preservation of artistic crafts and skills. The L.U.C collection, named after Maison founder Louis- Ulysse Chopard, embodies this union of tradition and innovation through movements designed, developed and produced in-house.
The new L.U.C 1963 Heritage Regulator revisits one of the collection’s classics through a contemporary vision of Haute Horlogerie. Issued in a numbered 25-piece limited edition available exclusively through Chopard boutiques, the timepiece is housed in a 40 mm case crafted from 18-carat ethical white gold. Its slim 10.30 mm profile, sculpted lugs, satin-brushed caseband, polished bezel and case-back give it an elegant, balanced presence on the wrist.
Regulator watches occupy a special place in the history of precision timekeeping. Inspired by the regulator clocks once used as reference standards in watchmaking workshops and observatories, their displays separate the indications for optimal legibility. Here, an elongated central hand indicates the minutes, while the hours appear on a subdial at 3 o’clock and the small seconds at 6 o’clock. A 24-hour GMT display sits at 9 o’clock, and a power-reserve indicator occupies the 12 o’clock position, complemented by a discreet date window between 4 and 5 o’clock.
The silver-toned dial mirrors the luminous sheen of the white gold case. Its sunburst satin- brushed surface contrasts with opaline counters, finely textured details and blue transfers, creating depth without detracting from the clear display of time. At its heart is the hand-wound L.U.C Calibre 98.02-L, entirely devised, developed and assembled in-house. Chopard Quattro technology uses four stacked, series-coupled barrels to provide an exceptional 216-hour, or nine-day, power reserve. The movement is chronometer-certified by the COSC, while the Poinçon de Genève recognizes the watch’s construction, finishing and craftsmanship.
The L.U.C 1963 Heritage Chronograph offers a different expression of the Manufacture’s technical and decorative expertise. This rare version is also issued in a numbered 25-piece limited edition. Its rounded 42 mm Lucent SteelTM case frames a Prussian Blue dial with an off-centered sunburst finish, a color chosen in tribute to the unique history of the Canton Neuchâtel, where Chopard established its Fleurier Manufacture 30 years ago. Between 1707 and 1857, the territory was under the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Prussia while simultaneously becoming a Swiss canton in 1815.
The manual-winding L.U.C 03.07-L calibre is a fully integrated column-wheel chronograph movement and an evolution of Chopard Manufacture’s first automatic chronograph introduced in 2006. It combines a flyback function, vertical coupling clutch and patented innovations developed to ensure precise adjustment and optimal operation. The flyback mechanism allows the chronograph to be reset and restarted in a single action, while the movement’s zero-reset function ensures the seconds hand returns precisely to 12 o’clock. Its Variner balance maintains stable precision during activation, and the movement delivers a 60-hour power reserve when fully wound.
Visible through the sapphire crystal case-back, the calibre’s manual-winding architecture reveals its construction in full. German silver bridges contrast with a gold-colored mainplate and gilded beveled angles, creating a striking two-tone aesthetic with remarkable depth and legibility. The classically shaped bridges offer generous surfaces for traditional hand decoration, while the Poinçon de Genève independently recognizes this exceptional level of craftsmanship. Like all L.U.C movements featuring a seconds indication, the calibre is also chronometer-certified by the COSC.
Together, the two creations reveal complementary facets of Chopard Manufacture. The Regulator translates the clarity of historic reference clocks into a refined, function-led display supported by nine days of autonomy. The Chronograph brings technical dynamism through its fully integrated flyback movement and celebrates Fleurier through its distinctive Prussian Blue dial. Both remain faithful to the values at the heart of the L.U.C collection: certified precision, innovative mechanics, responsible materials and the finest degree of hand-finishing.
