The Geneva-based manufacturer Chopard has proven time and again that they are capable of creating impressive timepieces that cover the full range of watchmaking – from vintage chronographs and classic men’s watches with a tourbillon to diamond-set women’s watches worthy of the red carpet. This year is no different; Chopard has once again upped the ante with several new timepieces.
Mille Miglia 2019 Race Edition
The Mille Miglia Race Editionisn’t a timepiece easily forgotten. Technical details aside, its story is something truly special. Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Chopard’s co-president is set to have an exciting 2019. As usual, he will be participating in the rally across Italy. However, in addition to being accompanied by the Mille Miglia 2019 Race Edition, Scheufele’s daughter will also be present in the cockpit for the 2019 edition.
The new, limited edition chronograph celebrates Chopard’s over thirty-year partnership with the Mille Miglia rally. The Mille Miglia 2019 Race Edition is available in stainless steel or a combination of steel and 18-karat rose gold. The 44-mm case blends classic vintage style with technology fit for the contemporary gentleman who lives and breathes motorsport. A screw-down case back makes the watch water resistant to 100 m (328 ft) and thus more than suitable for everyday use. The stainless steel bezel features an applied black aluminum tachymeter scale, a useful tool for drivers aiming to maintain a near-constant speed from Brescia to Rome. Its elegant, gray galvanized dial will coordinate seamlessly with some drivers’ vehicle exteriors. The strap likewise plays off the motorsport theme: The calfskin leather exterior is reminiscent of racing gloves, and the rubber interior features the tread of Dunlop tires from the 1960s. A COSC-certified chronograph movement based on the Valjoux 7750 powers the Mille Miglia. This movement vibrates at a rate of 28,800 A/h.
The stainless steel version with the reference number 168571-3004 is priced at $7,390.
Imperiale
An overarching trend at Baselworld 2019 was – once again – rainbow colors. Chopard was on point with their latest Imperialemodel. This 36-mm watch is the ideal piece for the modern woman. It’s studded with sapphires covering the full spectrum of the rainbow. The case is made of 18-karat rose gold and comes with a textured white or gray mother-of-pearl dial. These dials evoke the elegance of clouds moving across the sky. Chopard doesn’t hold back when it comes to elaborate details, including sapphire baguette indices, skeletonized sword hands, a white alligator leather strap, and a lotus-shaped crown set with a cabochon. Every single material on this watch was selected with the utmost consideration and hand-finished to the highest standards. The SW300 movement has a power reserve of 42 hours, meaning you can set this watch aside for almost two days and it will still be running.
L.U.C. Flying T Twin
At Baselworld 2019, Chopard unveiled their first caliber and watch with a flying tourbillon: the L.U.C. Flying T Twin. This model embodies elegance through and through. The Flying T Twin features a trim, 7.2-mm case made of “Fairmined” rose gold. Chopard has been the most important global buyer of 100% ethically sourced gold since 2018. They exclusively use this material to manufacture their large complications. This careful attention to quality is also exhibited in this timepiece’s dial and case.
The well-proportioned, 40-mm watch is hand guillochéd and sits modestly on the wrist. The automatic L.U.C 96.24-L caliber was developed specially for this timepiece. It is based on the well-known 96.01-L movement and is regulated by a flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock. The COSC-certified movement is trim, measuring in at only 3.30 mm thick and even has a stop seconds mechanism, which is rare to find combined with a tourbillon. The Geneva Seal underscores Chopard’s ability to complete this watch’s entire production in Geneva and nearby Fleurier.
The L.U.C Flying T was released in a limited run of just 50 pieces, has a list price of $118,500.
L.U.C XP
The Chopard watch that stood out most to our team, however, goes by the name of L.U.C XP. Its attractive price, trendy blue dial, and unique band were enough to wow us on several levels. We’ll start at the beginning:
Don’t let its sleek and simple exterior fool you: This watch is chock-full of special details. Its 40-mm steel case is the perfect size for most wrists. It stands 7.2 mm high, meaning it can discreetly slide under a shirt sleeve for an evening out, but looks just as good with a polo shirt and shorts. The textured, satin-brushed blue dial gives this watch its character and depth but also lends it a modern flair that changes depending on how the light hits it. Indices plated in rose gold bring some warmth to the cool blue dial. However, the true highlight of this watch is, in our opinion, the fine Merino wool strap – it’s enough to turn heads on London’s famed Savile Row. The texture of this wool strap offers a stunning contrast to the XP’s glossy case and dial. In short, it’s edgy. The strap’s inner side is lined with cognac alligator leather, making it incredibly comfortable on the wrist. The automatic L.U.C 96.53-L caliber ticks away inside this timepiece. This movement boasts an above-average power reserve of 58 hours and a micro-rotor made of engraved tungsten, a material that delivers the optimal degree of power. This timepiece is water resistant to 30 m (98 ft), which is certainly sufficient for everyday use.
The L.U.C XP is not strictly a limited edition timepiece. However, its relatively small production run is in line with Chopard’s haute horlogeriephilosophy. This watch, with reference number 168592-3002, is priced at $8,810.
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